Japan Retreat 2026
November 1st-8th, Kyoto
Live in the Heart of Gion
Join us for an extraordinary week of handstand and contortion training in one of Japan’s most beautiful and culturally rich settings — the historic geisha district of Gion, Kyoto.
We’ll have exclusive use of Shiraume, an intimate luxury ryokan renowned for its elegance, refined hospitality, and unique location along the Shirakawa River. This means the entire hotel will be ours for the week — a private, peaceful haven where every detail is taken care of. Rooms will be shared (2 students per room), creating a warm, supportive atmosphere.
Training will take place in a spacious event venue just 15min walking distance from the ryokan. You’ll enjoy 5 hours of daily training with our coaches:
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Ochir - Head Coach
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Marion - Assistant Coach – will be assisting during the Handstand training to ensure beginners have all the support and attention they need.
Beyond training, we’ll have time to explore Kyoto, enjoy the seasonal atmosphere, and experience the city’s temples, gardens, and tea houses.
This retreat combines world-class coaching, immersive cultural experiences, and the unmatched comfort of staying in one of Kyoto’s most exclusive ryokans — entirely reserved for our group.
Schedule
Day 1
Arrival to Shiraume
Welcome drink
Day 5
8am Breakfast
9:30-12pm Handstand
12pm-5pm City Discovery:
Golden Temple,
Ryoanji Zen Garden
5-7:30pm Contortion
7:30pm- Diner Experience
Day 2
8am Breakfast
9:30-12pm Handstand
12pm-5pm City Discovery:
Kyomizudera, Gion and Gardens
5-7:30pm Contortion
7:30pm- Diner Experience
Day 6
8am Breakfast
9:30-12pm Handstand
12pm-5pm City Discovery:
Shimogamo Shrine
Demachiyanagi
5-7:30pm Contortion
7:30pm- Diner Experience
Day 3
Rest Day
6:30-9am Fushimi Inari
9:30-10:30 Breakfast
10:30 - Exploration of Sagano Arashiyama
Temples and Gardens
7pm - Kaiseki Diner at Shiraume
Day 7
8am Breakfast
9:30-12pm Handstand
12pm-5pm City Discovery: Heian Jingu
and Garden
5-7:30pm Contortion
7:30pm- Diner Experience
Day 4
8am Breakfast
9:30-12pm Handstand
12pm-5pm City Discovery:
Silver Temple, Philosophy Path, Eikando
5-7:30pm Contortion
7:30pm- Diner Experience
Day 8
Departure Day
Breakfast from 8am.
Check out at
11 am
Prices
Full Price
USD 3,200
From 01/06/2026
Early Bird
USD 3,075
From 01/01/2026 to 01/06/2026
Very Early Bird
USD 2,950
Until 31/12/2025
Includes:
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7 nights’ accommodation at Shiraume Ryokan – 2 students per room
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Daily breakfast
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25 hours of training (Handstand & Contortion)
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Maximum of 18 students for an intimate learning experience
Not included:
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Flights and airport transfers (can be arranged at additional cost)
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Other meals – guests are encouraged to explore Kyoto’s many local specialities.
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Toursim sites entrance fees and local transportations
Payment terms:
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Non-refundable deposit of USD $800 to secure your spot
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Full payment required 6 weeks before the training start date (20 September 2026)
What You Get
ACCOMODATION
7 nights in a luxury Ryokan with
high-end breakfast daily
TRAINING
25h of handstand and contortion training
MAGIC
Organised "One of a lifetime" experiences (at additionnal cost)
Experiences
To accommodate all budgets, Experiences are not included in the retreat price.
They will be thoughtfully curated and organised daily by Marion, who lives partly in Kyoto and will guide those wishing to discover the city’s most beautiful corners — from tranquil temples and secret gardens to unforgettable culinary moments.
Guests are free to join the group outings or enjoy Kyoto at their own rhythm. Should you wish to organise a particular visit, cultural experience, or restaurant, Marion will gladly assist with recommendations or make arrangements on your behalf. Otherwise, we will assume you prefer to explore independently.
Breakfast at Shiraume is abundant and exquisite — enough to carry you through the morning’s training and adventures. Lunches are kept light, often a simple café stop or a quick combini snack, so we can devote more time to exploring Kyoto’s wonders.
Each evening, Marion curates intimate dining experiences in some of Kyoto’s most refined or atmospheric restaurants, for those who wish to join. These shared dinners are an invitation to slow down, connect, and savour Kyoto’s delicate cuisine. Participation is optional, with costs varying depending on the chosen venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will I train with?
The retreat will be hosted by both Ochir and Marion.
The training will be split in two sessions each day: Handstand in the morning and Contortion in the afternoon.
The handstand classes will be taught by both coaches - Ochir will lead the class and Marion will assist him, making sure beginners students get enough attention and support.
Contortion will be taught by Ochir for everyone.
What if I need to cancel?
Training fees: A non-refundable deposit of $800 USD is required to reserve your spot.
Full payment is due six weeks before the retreat begins.
Please note: the retreat is non-refundable, so we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
How do I get to Shiraume?
You need to come by your own means, but we can assist you arrange airport transfer.
What is the minimum level required?
To register the retreat, you need to be able to kick up (back to wall) and walk up (face to wall) to the wall and hold yourself there for 30s (with wall support).
Can I book a different accommodation?
We may offer extra spots to attend the training only depending on the level of the students already registered. This information will be released once all the spots have been booked.
What should I pack?
we ask you to bring the following:
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a yoga mat
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a knee pad
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socks or sliders
We will be training in a venue which is NOT a yoga studio so no mat will be provided. Make sure to bring yours.
Can I come with friends or family who won't participate to the training?
Due to the limited capacity of the ryokan, we will take bookings for participants to the training in priority and only at a later stage may open a couple of spots for partners.