Springtime in Kuma Valley, Japan

April 2nd – 10th, 2027

From $5495 per person

“Pink cherry blossoms
Falling from the sky like snow
On my smiling face”

Haiku by Janice Gould

Darling Girl in Springtime Kimono

Explore the hidden treasures of the Kuma Valley, where both nature and Japanese cultural experiences will surprise and delight you. Said to be one of the best hidden regions of Japan, the Kuma Valley boasts countless treasures, carefully preserved and passed down for centuries since the time of the Sagara clan.

This retreat blends visits to shrines, yoga, peaceful Zen meditation, and the stunning natural beauty of the Kuma River.

• • Inspiring Yoga practices held in locations unique to Kuma Valley like shrines, castle ruins, and mountain observatories.
  • Cultural Immersion: Zen meditation, Samurai experiences, Japanese cooking class, and local Shochu brewery tours to immerse you in Japanese culture.
  • Luxury Accommodations at Ryokan Ayunosato, a boutique hotel with luxury rooms featuring private open-air baths.
  • Gastronomy: From elevated multi-course Kaiseki Japanese meals and Zen cuisine to lunches on a boat and farm-to-table experiences.

Personal Onsen at Ryokan Ayunosato

Overlooking the beautiful Kuma River, the 5 Star Ryokan Ayunosato, a boutique hotel, offers breathtaking natural scenery from your room and stunning views of the historic Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins, a symbol of the Sagara clan who ruled this region for 700 years.

Sakura – Cherry Blossoms

Impeccable Japanese Cuisine

What’s included in our Springtime in Kuma Valley, Japan retreat?

• Fukuoka Prince Hotel

We will begin our retreat in Fukuoka, where we will stay two nights in the brand-new Fukuoka Prince Hotel. If you want to arrive early, we can arrange extra nights at this hotel for you.

• Nabeshima pottery tour

While in Fukuoka, we will journey to Okawachiyama , a small, isolated village in the mountains just outside central Imari. Okawachiyama Village is famous for its Nabeshima pottery workshops and stores

• Ryokan Ayunosato

Enjoy five nights at Ryokan Ayunosato in Kumamoto, with views of the Kuma River and Southern Kyushu Mountains. Every room has a private onsen, open-air bath for deep relaxation.

• Kaiseki Meals

Kaiseki, a multi-course meal, showcasing Kuma Valley’s finest seasonal ingredients.

• Aoi Aso Shrine

Take a guided tour of the Aoi Aso Shrine, a national treasure, and enjoy a private group yoga class in the museum of this sacred space.

• Shingu Zenji Temple

Visit the Shingu Zenji Temple for an authentic Zen Meditation.

• Samurai Swordsmanship

Study the art of samurai swordsmanship with a Taisharyu master. Experience the discipline and focus of this traditional martial art.

• Kuma Shochu Distillery

Tour a local shochu distillery to learn about the production process and sample a variety of regional specialties.

• Japanese cooking class

Learn the art of preparing authentic Hitoyoshi cuisine, using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

• Kuma River Lunch Cruise

Savor local cuisine on a traditional wooden boat cruise along the scenic Kuma River- a memorable journey combining stunning views and regional flavors.

• Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins

Take a walking tour of the historic Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins. Weather-permitting, you will also enjoy an outdoor yoga class on the property.

• Ichifusa Mt. Hike & Dam

Visit the Ichifusa Dam, a wonderful place to see the cherry blossoms. Hike a trail near Mt. Ichifusa where we will have a picnic lunch and maybe an outdoor yoga class, weather-permitting.

• Miyazaki Tea Farm

Authentic tea tasting experience in the middle of tea farm.

• Daily Yoga & Meditation

In addition to several off-site classes mentioned earlier, a daily yoga class will be offered to keep you balanced in the experience of exploring a foreign country. Yoga mats and props included.

• Shinkansen, Bullet Train

Roundtrip tickets on the high-speed bullet train from Hakata station in Fukuoka to Yatsushiro and back will be included.

• Charter bus

At times, a charter bus will be used to travel to sites we plan to visit.

• Miyako Hotel Hakata

Our final night we will be back in Fukuoka at the Miyako Hotel Hakata. Check-out is at 11 am the following morning. You can arrange your departure flights for anytime on April 10.

Ritual Temple Hand Washing 

What’s not included:

• All flights to Fukuoka

Our retreat will begin in Fukuoka, Kyushu at the Fukuoka Prince Hotel. You can fly into Fukuoka from most regional airports in Japan. The hotel is located 20 minutes by taxi from the airport.

• Shinkansen to Fukuoka

Once you arrive in Japan, you can easily take the high-speed Bullet train to Hakata Station Fukuoka instead of flying. Our retreat will end near the Fukuoka train station so departure is easy as well.

• Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is recommended for all international travel. For most affordable and comprehensive coverage, purchase travel insurance at check-out or within two weeks of registering for your trip.

• Alcohol

All alcoholic beverages, with the exception of the Shochu that is served during the distillery tour is non-hosted.

• Tips for guide

Japan does not have a tipping culture. The exception will be for our guide, Frank.

• Airport to hotel taxi

Transportation from the Fukuoka Airport to the hotel and back is easy and convenient but not included in the cost of the retreat. It takes under 20 minutes from airport to the hotel by taxi.