ITINERARY THREE
Art, Heritage & Flavours
Immerse yourself in a journey that blends art, history, and serene landscapes across some of Japan’s most captivating destinations.
Where we’ll go and what we’ll see:
Osaka
Step into the lively streets of Dotonbori, where neon signs, delicious street food, and the electric buzz of the city create an unforgettable vibe. Try the iconic takoyaki while soaking up the nightlife. For a slice of history, visit Osaka Castle, a stunning symbol of resilience with panoramic views from its tower. It’s a city where the past and present come alive, offering something for everyone.
Known for its picturesque canals and traditional Edo-era warehouses, the city has a long history of high-quality denim production since the 1970s, often called "Kurashiki Denim." Don't miss the chance to shop for locally made jeans and decorative washi tape, both iconic products of the town's artisanal culture.
Art Islands
Okayama
Famous for Korakuen, one of Japan's top three gardens, Okayama offers a serene escape with its stunning landscapes, tranquil ponds, and traditional Japanese garden designs. Spending the night here allows you to experience a less touristy city and avoid the usual crowds, making it a peaceful and relaxing destination.
Discover a seamless blend of art and nature on Japan’s Art Islands. On Naoshima, the iconic Yellow Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama stands boldly against the Seto Inland Sea. Explore masterpieces like the Chichu Art Museum and the serene Teshima Art Museum. Every corner offers creativity and stunning landscapes that will captivate your senses.
Kurashiki
Ikigai (ee-key-guy)
is a Japanese concept that combines the terms iki, meaning “alive” and gai, meaning “worth.” When combined they mean that which gives your life worth, meaning, or purpose.
It is purpose that reflects our own reasons for this pilgrimage.
Exploring & hiking across other cultures has rarely been about escape. The motivation has always been to come in closer to ourselves. To meet life head-on along the path. After all, wherever we go, there we are.
It is with this intention that we’ll get clear on our own Ikigai simply by becoming more of our true nature & unique expressions.
8 Day Retreat of the Izu Peninsula, Japan
Onsen, Hiking, Yoga, Breathwork
Kawazu on the Izu Peninsula is the ideal location for our Retreat surrounded by raw beauty & serenity.
A modern Monastery called Jigenin Temple will be our home for this 7 day pilgrimage.
This Monastery is a sacred place for the Shugendo tradition. A spirituality that blends both Shinto (nature worship) and Buddhism.
Shugendo beliefs encourages us to be kind, practice simplicity and be present with all the little things while walking lightly on our path.
These paths will include:
~ Hiking around Mt Amagi which is the highest point on the Izu Peninsula, offering beautiful virgin beech forests and a great view of Mt. Fuji.
~ Hiking to the the Kawazu Nanadaru waterfall. There are seven waterfalls next to the walkway.
~ Walking along the beautiful Jogasaki Coast that offers dynamic views of the jagged cliffs and stone formations created 4000 years ago by the Mt. Fuji eruption.
Part of the appeal is that after a day of hiking and forest bathing we will be immersing ourselves into natural spring hot water baths steeped in therapeutic minerals.
In some of the villages the Onsen are in the rivers and surrounded by waterfalls. An Onsen town we’ll visit is Shuzenji known as Little Kyoto.
What else to expect:
Daily Yoga & Meditation
Breathwork Energetics
Opening ceremony of prayers conducted by monks at Jigenin Zen Temple.
Traditional tea ceremony ritual
Ikigai (life purpose) Workshop
Forest bathing or Shinrin Yoku.
Onsen towns with thermal hot springs
3 different day hikes
Japanese massage & spa treatments
Hydrangea town Shimoda
Day to rest & reflect
Meet Tina Bruce
Tina Bruce is an author, intuitive mentor, rebirthing breathwork therapist, yoga & meditation teacher and spinal energetics practitioner.
Tina's expertise in trauma-informed modalities along with her own experience of birth trauma, burnout, shingles and the development of an opioid addiction to manage the subsequent chronic pain condition motivates her to create compassionate and supportive spaces for her clients. When you receive her stories and teachings, it is often described as 'speaking directly to your soul'.
Tina is the co-founder of Soul Wander Retreats and facilitates programs locally and internationally with integrity and cultural connection. She understands very well the growth challenges and mountains people face daily which is why Soul Wander Retreats has evolved. Tina's purpose is to empower humans to trust their intuition so they can step more confidently on their soul path and reclaim their authentic selves to live a life they love.
Meet Rika Nishimura
Rika was born and raised in Kochi, quaint seaside town on the island of Shikoku, Japan. She spent her 20’s in Kyoto before moving to Australia where she started Kuroko Boutique Tours.
She designs and leads bespoke ‘one of a kind’ tours of Japan that include wellness retreats. Her dedication to authenticity transforms each tour into an incredibly deep exploration of Japanese culture, tradition, landscape, and people. Rika’s passion for sharing her beloved home country shines through in every step she takes. Rika, a former professional interpreter, also holds a bachelor's degree in International Law from Ritsumeikan University.
Rika will be our local guide and interpreter for our 7 day retreat experience.
Meet Hayley O’Rourke
Hayley, the Managing Director of Journeys by Design and co founder of Soul Wander Retreats (Formerly WE Retreats), boasts a rich 23-year career in the travel industry. Originally equipped with a B.A. Psychology, her journey began unexpectedly with a travel course during a gap year, sparking a lifelong passion for the world of travel. Hayley is dedicated to cultivating enduring and meaningful relationships with clients, ensuring that the travel experiences she orchestrates leave indelible memories and capture the essence of those awe-inspiring moments that define the beauty of travel.
The spark for her venture into wellness travel was ignited during a spontaneous visit to COMO Shambhala in Bali, revealing the transformative power of retreats. In 2018, fate intervened, presenting an opportunity to collaborate with Tina and design our inaugural wellness retreat.
On a recent research trip to Japan, Hayley had the pleasure of meeting Rika. From there the Soul Wander Retreat Japan emerged —a union that felt divinely orchestrated.
The finer details
This is an authentic cultural travel experience
• Our nights are staying in a modern Japanese Ryonkan style guest house.
• Each room has toilet and washroom facilities but shower & bath facilities are shared.
• Sleeping will be in comfortable rooms some with Western style beds and others with Japanese style futon beds. Please advise if for medical reasons you require a Western style bed
• Onsite onsen and stone sauna is available for your use during your stay.
Itinerary Overview
Start date: 26th October, 2024
End date: 2nd November, 2024
8 Day All Inclusive Retreat
Start & End: Haneda or Narita Airport, Tokyo
Destinations: Izu Peninsula
This itinerary overview is designed as a flexible framework, allowing us to adapt and flow with the moment, ensuring that your experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Each evening, we'll offer a briefing on the plans for the upcoming day, inviting you to relinquish the role of organiser. In your journey, you'll find unwavering support and guidance from our dedicated team, Tina, Hayley & Rika, making this retreat an unforgettable and magical experience.
Day 1/ 26 Oct: Arrival in Tokyo
Welcome to bustling Tokyo!
On arrival you will be transported to your hotel for 1 night accommodation. You are free to arrive at any time as this is a free day to rest or explore.
1 Night - 4 Star accommodation
Day 2/ 27 Oct: Journey to the Izu Peninsula
Join us for a warm welcome circle in the monring.
After Breakfast travel by private coach to Kawazu, Izu Peninsula (3h) and check into your accommodation for the next 6 Nights. Join us for a ceremony of prayers and incantations for our safe journey conducted by a priest at Jigenin Zen temple. Followed by an orientation of the monastery. Unpack, relax or try the onsite Onsen, stone sauna. Evening yoga followed by a welcome dinner. B,L,D
Day 3/28 Oct: Kawazu Nanadaru Waterfall
After yoga and a scrumptious breakfast, we will have a leisurely walk at the Kawazu Nanadaru waterfall. There are seven waterfalls next to the walkway. Waterfalls range from 2m to an astonishing 30m in height. This is an idealic location for meditation by the waterfall.
Return to the monastery to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Yoga in the evening followed by dinner. B,L,D
Day 4/29 Oct: Jogasaki Coastal Hike
Morning yoga followed by breakfast.
Today, we will walk along the beautiful Jogasaki Coast (3 or 6km, depending on your fitness level), located on the east side of the Izu Peninsula. It offers dynamic views of the jagged cliffs and stone formations created 4000 years ago by the Mt. Fuji eruption. This is a UNESCO Global Geopark listed site.
Lunch en route and outdoor onsen experience overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Return to the accommodation. Yoga/Meditation class followed by dinner. B,L,D
Day 5/30 Oct: Shimoda
Wake for morning meditation with Tina.
After breakfast, an excursion to a small coastal town, Shimoda. It is nestled amongst hills, located near the tip of the Izu Peninsula, historically significant as a port town, and, as such, was Japan's trading and diplomatic contact with the United States and then Russia, which began in the 1850s, ending over two centuries of Japan's so-called isolation. B,L,D
Day 6/31 Oct: Hiking in Mt. Daruma
Wake for our morning yoga followed by breakfast.
Today is a day of hiking in Mt. Daruma with a local mountain guide. One peak of the Nekoetsuka mountain range rises in the northwestern part of the Izu Peninsula—982 m above sea level. The mountain trail's north and west sides face Suruga Bay and offer fascinating views of Mount Fuji over the bay.
We will also visit Joren Falls, the most scenic waterfall in the Izu peninsula and the wasabi farm. Evening Spiritual practice followed by dinner. B,L,D
Day 7/01 Nov: Kawazu
Today, spend your time at your leisure.
Enjoy an in-house Thai massage, Foot massage, and Lymph massages.
Also, a free transfer service is available to an Onsen water park. Enjoy 15 types of outdoor baths.
Farewell dinner at the accommodation. B,L,D
Day 8/02 Nov: Kawazu - Haneda/Narita Airport
Early morning yoga.
After breakfast, soak up your final view of Izu before transferring back to Tokyo airport or downtown. (3 HRS) B
**Departure flights must be after 4pm to utilise the group transfer.
Self-guided extension packages to Kyoto or Tokyo are available.
*The itinerary is subject to changes in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond our control.
Your Retreat Package
Small Group - MAX 14 guests
TWIN SHARE -
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT - *Limited Availability
Important information - accommodation is in a converted Monastery, offering accommodation with a combination of Western beds and Japanese futons - should you require a Western bed please advise us at time of booking and we will do all possible to accommodate this, however this cannot be guaranteed. Priority will be given to those with medical requirements.
Each room has a toilet and wash basin. The bath and shower will be in the communal Onsen space.
INCLUSIONS:
Hosted by Retreat Leader, Tina Bruce
Journeys by Design retreat coordinator on tour
Local Guide and interpreting service throughout the tour by Rika Nishimura
Arrival Transfer in Tokyo
1 Nights accommodation, 4 star hotel Tokyo
6 nights accommodation, the modern monastery exclusive to your group with unlimited access to Onsen and stone sauna *Washroom in each room. Shower and bath facilities will be in the communal Onsen
6 days privately hired temple
Private vehicle transportation from Tokyo to Izu Peninsula
Private vehicle transportation from Izu Peninsula to Tokyo airport
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
Daily Yoga & Meditation
Breathwork Energetics
Opening ceremony of prayers conducted by monks at Jigenin Zen Temple.
Traditional tea ceremony ritual
Ikigai (life purpose) Workshop
Forest bathing or Shinrin Yoku.
Onsen towns with thermal hot springs
3 different day hikes
Japanese massage & spa treatment
Hydrangea town Shimoda
Day to rest & reflect
A local mountain guide on Day 5
NOT INCLUDED:
Flights
Airport taxes
Drinks & Snacks
Personal spending money
Travel Insurance
A $1500 Non refundable deposit will secure your place on this wonderful retreat. Spaces are strictly limited and we expect places to fill up quickly.
Final payment is due by the 15th July 2024. 100% cancellation fee applies from 16th July 2024.
For bookings please complete the below registration form and Journeys by Design will be in contact with the full details & conditions and to confirm your place.
*Conditions apply.
Ask us about our payment plan options
***Minimum Age - 18 years***
**Please note minimum numbers are required to run this retreat. Should the numbers not be reached by the cut off date of 20 January 2024 the retreat will be cancelled and deposits refunded in full.
**Price adjustments due to currency fluctuations may be applied at the time of final payment.
**TRAVEL INSURANCE IS COMPULSORY AND MUST BE SUPPLIED WITHIN ONE WEEK OF BOOKING.
