top of page
Image by Clay Banks

Matsuri Cultural Immersion Retreat

Details, Pricing & Practical Information

Image by Steven Marcellino
Overview

This 6-day cultural immersion retreat invites you to experience the living spirit of rural Japan — not as a tourist, but as part of the community.

You will stay in a traditional onsen ryokan, practice gentle yoga and meditation, play taiko drums, visit shrines and temples, and most importantly, participate in a real local Matsuri festival alongside residents.

This is not a sightseeing tour or a typical yoga retreat.
It is an inside experience of Japanese life, rhythm, and connection.

​​

Dates and Place

19–24 August 2026
Iida, Nagano, Japan

​

Group Size

Minimum: 5 participants
Maximum: 10 participants

Small groups allow for a personal, intimate, and authentic experience.

​

Pricing
Early Bird

€2200
(valid until March 31)

​

Regular Price

€2500

​

Private Room Upgrade

€3000
Limited availability (bed room instead of shared futon room)

​

What’s Included

  • 5 nights accommodation at traditional onsen ryokan

  • Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner (Japanese home-style meals)

  • Festival participation & cultural guidance

  • Taiko drumming workshops

  • Shrine & temple visits

  • Purification ritual experience

  • River activity (Tenryu line cruise)

  • Transportation during group activities

  • English guidance throughout the retreat

  • Onsen access

  • Yoga & meditation sessions

 
Not Included

  • International/domestic flights

  • Travel insurance

  • Optional personal purchases

  • Airport transfers

 
Meals & Dietary Notes

Meals are authentic home-style Japanese cuisine served in traditional ryokan style, featuring many small seasonal dishes made from local ingredients.

Light preferences and minor adjustments are usually possible.

​

Vegetarian meals can be arranged with advance notice. However, please understand that:

  • traditional Japanese cooking often uses fish-based broth (dashi)

  • fully vegan or strict vegetarian meals may be simple or limited

  • additional costs may apply for special preparation

 

Due to the rural location, fully vegan or highly specialized diets cannot be guaranteed.

Please contact us before booking if you have specific dietary needs.

(Allergies can be accommodated.)

​

Accommodation

You will stay in a traditional Japanese onsen ryokan.

Shared rooms use futon bedding on tatami.

​

Private Room Option

Upgrade to a Western-style private room with a bed for extra comfort and privacy.
Limited availability.

​

What to Bring

  • Comfortable clothes for movement

  • Walking shoes

  • Light jacket for cool evenings

  • Sunscreen & insect repellent

  • Earplugs/eye mask (shared rooms)

  • Enough clothes for 6 days (laundry available)

  • ​

Weather

August in Nagano is warm and humid (25–35°C).
Occasional rain showers are common.
Festival schedules may adjust due to weather conditions.

​​

Responsible Travel & Local Culture

This retreat takes place within a real local community.

We ask participants to:

  • respect shrine/temple etiquette

  • dress modestly at sacred sites

  • follow onsen bathing rules

  • be mindful of noise

  • engage with openness and respect

You are not observing culture — you are entering it.​

- Book by March 31 -

Early Bird

​Cancellation & Payment Policy

Because this retreat involves advance reservations with local inns, community members, and cultural partners, full payment is required in advance to secure your place.

​

Payment

A deposit is required at booking.
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the retreat start date.

If the balance is not received by this date, your reservation may be released.

​

Cancellation & Refunds

30+ days before retreat start → 100% refund (minus transaction fees)
15–29 days → 50% refund
0–14 days → non-refundable

After the retreat begins → no refunds

Bookings may be transferred to another participant with prior notice.

​​

Terms & Conditions

By booking this retreat, you agree to the following terms:

Participation is voluntary and at your own risk.
The organizer is not responsible for injury, illness, loss, or damage to personal belongings.

Travel insurance is required for all participants.

Schedules and activities may change due to weather, safety concerns, or local circumstances.

Cultural activities and festivals are community-based events and may be adjusted or canceled.

Participants are expected to behave respectfully toward local residents, facilities, and other guests.

The organizer reserves the right to remove any participant whose behavior disrupts the group experience without refund.

All payments are non-refundable except as outlined in the cancellation policy.

​

bottom of page