Traveling IS the Yoga: A Different Kind of Japan Yoga Retreat

When people hear “Japan yoga retreat,” they may picture daily classes, long meditation sessions, and hours spent on a mat. That is not quite what I mean. On this retreat, the yoga is how we travel.  You can keep these principles in mind, even if you’re going with another group, partner or traveling solo.

The mat practice is only one part

A hatha yoga practice is a wonderful way of interacting with beautiful natural settings; and, we’ll practice a few times during our two weeks– in parks, on the banks of a river in Hiroshima.  After 10-20,000 steps per day, you’ll crave the deep stretching only yoga can provide.  You’ll take in your surroundings more deeply and memorably than you would just passing through. Small neighborhood parks (not famous) are best for this. You’ll see a slice of life: people passing through on their way to work, school or shop. Most won’t be at all bothered by your quiet practice; outdoor exercise in public spaces is common throughout Asia.

Attention is a practice

The mat practice will put you in the right mindset and prepare you for the ultimate flow: moving through a country that may seem strange and unfamiliar with complete presence–even when things don’t go smoothly. You’ll put your preparation to practice, noticing architectural details, how people dress and interact, how food is presented, and more.

Travel reveals our habits

Delays, unfamiliar systems, jetlag, crowds and language differences expose impatience, assumptions and the need for control. This is where your yoga practice becomes real. No one “conquers” Japan; almost all tourists are frustrated–multiple times a day. If you came to tune out and chill, you might want to consider a cruise or a guided bus tour! 

Presence means leaving “back home” behind

Keep conversations about the “here and now.”  If you’re talking about things “back home,” chances are, you're missing some things that are happening right in front of you!  I’ve seen people miss geisha, professional baseball players, and even Mt. Fuji views from the train because they weren’t paying attention. 

Japan is especially suited to this kind of retreat

Japan constantly engages our five senses, from the dense urban landscape to the gorgeous mountain vistas.  A high-context culture, things aren’t always straightforward and symbolism is everywhere. Status is communicated by architecture, clothing, language and gestures. 

Japan drops family crests or kamon, the way Taylor Swift drops “easter eggs.” You’ll see them on temple tile caps, manhole covers, fabric patterns. Clues are everywhere, but you have to be paying steady and sustained attention.  Wait, that sounds a lot like yoga and meditation! 

Yes, every time we venture out, it’s a kind of moving meditation. The trains are quiet like libraries. Watch how the people get off and on, what they wear, how they interact. Look at the apartments as you roll along, imagining what it would be like to live there.  Keep a journal.  Save sharing the photos of the kids/grandkids for the plane ride home.  

We know how to have fun

To be clear, there’s plenty to notice out shopping and partying as well.  We adapt to our surroundings, and when the surroundings amplify, so can we. We’ll head straight into the chaos, embrace the vibes, extend ourselves. Japan is a safe place in that regard. You can try to chat with locals and imbibe freely, generally without worrying about crime, pickpockets, or driving home! 

That is what I mean by a Japan yoga retreat. We practice on the mat a few times. We practice being present for the entire journey! Japan Yoga Retreat info here.