Tea, Taiko, Trikonasana and Tempura: A Journey Through Japan

Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of Japan’s cultural treasures with Margi Young and our expert local guides! Yoga and meditation will keep us grounded and open throughout this eight-day adventure so that we may be present to all the depth this country and its people have to offer.

The trip begins with a few days in the bustling and thrilling metropolis of Tokyo. From there, we’ll retreat to Shimotakai, staying at a ryokan (a traditional Japanese hotel complete with bathing rituals and a kaiseki multi-course meal). Next, we depart from the cleanest, most orderly train station you’ve ever seen and take a bullet train to the charming historic city of Takayama, located in the mountains of the Gifu Prefecture. After that, we’ll have four days to soak in the cultural richness of Kyoto, visiting a handful of the 1,600 temples and 400 shrines! We’ll be treated to traditional experiences like Taiko drumming, a Zazen meditation, and a tea ceremony.

This will be an awake, meditative encounter with Japan, through all five senses: the majestic sight of Mt. Fuji, the sound of Buddhist monks chanting at dawn, the fragrance of smoking cedar branches from a Buddhist fire ritual, and the sensation of slipping into the hot mineral waters of a rural Onsen. We will savor the world-renowned flavors of Japan, from haute cuisine to enjoying a bowl of homemade noodles sitting alongside locals at a ramen house.

Best of all, we’ll experience the soul of Japan through its people, artists, monks, children, and elders. We may also meet up with some of Margi’s Japanese yoga students and friends! We’ll return home having had a soul connection with Japan!