SPIRIT OF JAPAN

A Journey Through Tradition & Mindfulness

October 5–12, 2027

Osaka • Kinosaki Onsen • Kyoto

Limited to 10 guests

EXPERIENCE JAPAN IN THE BEAUTY OF AUTUMN

Imagine arriving in Japan as the season begins to change—when the landscapes take on the warm colors of autumn and the cooler days invite us to slow down and savor the experience.

Imagine landing in Japan with nothing to figure out.

Your accommodations are arranged. Your trains and transportation are taken care of. Your meals and experiences are thoughtfully planned. You simply arrive, settle in, and begin experiencing Japan.

We'll begin in Osaka, easing into our journey after the long flight with a beautiful traditional kaiseki dinner and our first taste of Japanese hospitality.

From there, we'll travel into the countryside and slow down in Kinosaki Onsen, a charming traditional hot spring town where seven public onsens are scattered throughout the village. We'll experience the centuries-old traditions surrounding onsen bathing and learn about the Japanese approach to this ritual of cleansing, relaxation, and renewal.

Then we'll make our way to Kyoto, where ancient temples, peaceful gardens, tea traditions, historic neighborhoods, incredible food, and vibrant modern culture come together against the backdrop of autumn.

Throughout our journey, we'll experience Japan through both its iconic sights and its quieter traditions—taking time to wander through colorful gardens, soak in hot springs, visit temples, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, enjoy beautifully prepared meals, and share meaningful experiences together.

And unlike a traditional retreat, where each day follows a set schedule and practice time, this journey is intentionally more fluid.

We'll incorporate yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and moments of reflection naturally throughout our travels—perhaps beginning a morning with a practice, pausing for meditation in a peaceful setting, or finding a quiet moment at the end of an adventurous day.

The practices will support the journey rather than dictate it.

There will be days to explore together and moments when you'll have the freedom to wander on your own, discover a beautiful café, shop, visit another temple, enjoy a massage, or simply sit and take it all in.

A JOURNEY THROUGH TRADITION & MINDFULNESS

Japan has a beautiful way of inviting us to slow down and notice the details.

The ritual of tea.

The quiet of a temple.

The steam rising from an onsen.

A beautifully prepared seasonal meal.

The craftsmanship in a centuries-old building.

The simple act of walking through a garden without needing to be anywhere else.

Our journey is designed around these moments.

Rather than trying to see everything, we'll choose meaningful experiences and allow ourselves the time to actually experience them.

We'll move between the energy of modern Osaka, the restorative traditions of Kinosaki Onsen, and the timeless beauty of Kyoto.

And along the way, we'll create space for mindfulness, movement, reflection, connection, and plenty of discovery.

YOUR JOURNEY

KINOSAKI ONSEN

Slow down. Soak. Restore.

One of the most special parts of our journey will be our time in Kinosaki Onsen, a traditional hot spring town nestled in the mountains of northern Hyogo.

We'll stay in a beautiful traditional ryokan, experience the town's famous onsen culture, and learn about the customs and rituals surrounding Japanese bathing.

With seven public hot springs scattered throughout the town, onsen is woven into everyday life here.

We'll have time to wander the lantern-lined streets in our yukata, soak in the healing waters, visit Onsenji Temple, take in the mountain views, and enjoy a traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner.

This is a chance to step away from the pace of everyday life and simply be.

KYOTO

Temples. Gardens. Tea. Tradition.

Kyoto will be our home for several nights, giving us the opportunity to explore without constantly packing and unpacking.

We'll visit some of the city's most beautiful temples, shrines, gardens, and historic neighborhoods, including experiences such as Kiyomizu-dera, Higashiyama, Gion, Fushimi Inari, and Arashiyama.

We'll have time to explore the famous bamboo grove, wander through traditional streets, discover small shops and cafés, and enjoy Kyoto's incredible food.

But we won't be trying to fit everything into every day.

Some experiences will be shared together, while other pockets of time will be yours to discover Kyoto in your own way.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

Throughout our journey, we'll experience:

• Kinosaki Onsen and the traditions of Japanese hot spring bathing

• A stay in a traditional ryokan

• Beautiful kaiseki and traditional Japanese meals

• Onsenji Temple and its mountain setting

• Kyoto's historic temples, shrines, and sacred spaces

• Arashiyama and its famous bamboo grove

• A traditional Japanese tea ceremony

• A private monk-led meditation experience

• Goshuin and the beautiful tradition of collecting temple and shrine stamps

• Japanese gardens and historic neighborhoods

• Daily opportunities for yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and reflection

• Time to wander, shop, rest, and explore independently

• Meaningful connection with a small group of fellow travelers

A DIFFERENT KIND OF RETREAT

This isn't a retreat where every hour is scheduled.

And that's intentional.

Japan is too beautiful—and too interesting—to experience from a rigid itinerary.

We've planned the important pieces: beautiful accommodations, transportation, cultural experiences, temples, meditation, tea, meals, and the places we don't want you to miss.

But we've also built in breathing room.

There will be time to linger over breakfast.

To take the long way through a neighborhood.

To sit in a garden.

To browse a little shop.

To have a meal on your own.

To rest when you need to.

Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices will be woven naturally into our journey whenever the setting and schedule invite them.

Rather than following a prescribed retreat schedule, we'll use these practices to help us slow down, reconnect, and fully experience where we are.

This is travel with intention—but without the pressure of a schedule.

EVERYTHING IS TAKEN CARE OF

One of the greatest gifts of traveling with a small group is not having to figure out the logistics yourself.

We’ve spent months researching and thoughtfully planning every part of this journey so you can simply enjoy the experience.

Your retreat includes:

• Seven nights of carefully selected accommodations

• A traditional ryokan stay in Kinosaki Onsen

• Breakfasts throughout the journey

• Most group meals and traditional dining experiences

• A few meals intentionally left open for your own discovery

• All intercity train transportation

• Airport transportation

• Transportation for planned excursions

• Temple and cultural entrance fees

• Traditional Japanese tea ceremony

• Private monk-led meditation

• Kinosaki Onsen experiences

• Selected cultural experiences and excursions

• Goshuincho travel book

• Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices throughout the journey

• All retreat planning and logistical coordination

• A small, intimate group limited to 10 guests

International airfare is not included.

YOUR INVESTMENT

$5,495 PER PERSON

Based on double occupancy

Anticipated investment; final pricing will be confirmed once all accommodations, transportation, and experiences are finalized.

This intimate journey is limited to 10 guests.

Traveling solo? Single-occupancy options will be available for an additional supplement, based on availability.

Reserve your place with a $500 deposit. Your deposit will be applied in full toward your final retreat balance.

Flexible payment plans will be available.

International airfare is not included.

READY TO JOIN US?

IS THIS JOURNEY FOR YOU?

This experience is for the men and women who want to see Japan—but don't want to see it from a tour bus.

For the traveler who wants to experience another culture slowly and meaningfully.

For those who love beautiful places, delicious food, ancient traditions, and the freedom to wander.

You don't need to be an experienced yogi.

You don't need to be an experienced meditator.

You don't need to come with a friend.

You simply need curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to experience Japan in a different way.

We will take care of the trains, the hotels, the reservations, the logistics, and all the details that can make international travel feel overwhelming.

You get to show up and enjoy the journey.

retreat leaders

Alisha Petak

Alisha Petak is the founder and operator of Mindful Balance Retreats a company that she started in the year 2013 to guide yoga students on adventurous journeys around the world. Having led over 13 retreats herself she has found a way of integrating the excitement of travel with a holistic approach to health and wellness that provides a supportive and nurturing environment for healing. Alisha carefully plans and organizes every detail of the retreat so the student can relax and focus on their well-being. By creating a nurturing and transformative experience Alisha inspires students to connect to the depths of their being, the glorious mother earth, and each other all with a fun and casual approach.

Alisha’s style of teaching reflects upon the many teachers that she has studied with over the past 20+ years, offering a varied and challenging practice of strength, stability and focus balanced with mindfulness and meditation. She has had the opportunity to work with thousands of different bodies and is well suited to adapt the practice to each student. Her detailed verbal cues allow the student to mindfully turn inward and focus on what is needed for their own personal journey. She empowers each person to explore their boundaries and make choices based on that intuition, on and off the mat. Her compassion is seen in her eyes and love is felt in her presence.

She is passionate about health and wellness and teaches that all aspects of our being make up the our happiness. With her background in Holistic Nutrition and Therapeutic Recreation she is well suited to make sure her guests/students have a fun, healthy and transformative vacation!

Vanessa anderson

Meet Vanessa Anderson, a radiant soul on a mission to spread love, inspiration, and encouragement through the transformative power of yoga. With a heart as expansive as the universe and a spirit as free as the wind, she guides students on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment.

Rooted in a deep reverence for the ancient wisdom of yoga, Vanessa infuses each class with a harmonious blend of asanas, pranayama, and meditation, creating a sacred space where bodies, minds, and spirits unite in harmony. With gentle guidance and unwavering support, she invites students to explore the depths of their being, cultivating strength, flexibility, and inner peace with every breath.

But Vanessa’s teachings extend far beyond the confines of the yoga mat. With boundless compassion and infectious enthusiasm, she serves as a beacon of light in the lives of all who cross paths with her. Whether offering words of wisdom, a comforting embrace, or a contagious smile, radiates love and positivity, inspiring others to embrace their true selves and live authentically.

In Vanessa’s presence, obstacles melt away, fears dissolve, and hearts open wide. Through her gentle guidance and profound wisdom, empowers students to unleash their inner radiance, embrace their divine essence, and shine brightly in every aspect of their lives.

Join Vanessa on a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and boundless joy. Together, let us awaken the light within and illuminate the world with love, inspiration, and encouragement.