Japan yoga and wellness retreats

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Our Japan retreats take place across geographically distant regions, and most guests arrive via international flights into Haneda Airport. In-country travel is carefully planned to reduce unnecessary movement. In Hokkaido, guests travel by shared vehicles between locations, with most exploration taking place on foot through hiking and guided walks. For Ishigaki Island, activities are based locally, reducing daily transport, before onward travel by train and shared vehicle to the Mount Fuji area.

Where possible, train travel is used instead of internal flights, and stays are intentionally longer in each location to reduce travel intensity. Guests receive a conscious packing list ahead of departure. At all locations, food waste reduction and recycling systems are in place.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Both retreats take place in highly protected natural environments. In Hokkaido, walks take place within Kushiro Shitsugen National Park and Akan-Mashu National Park, areas protected for their wetlands, volcanic landscapes, and rare species, including the red-crowned crane. Activities follow strict park regulations, with access limited to designated trails and viewing areas.

In Okinawa, large parts of Ishigaki sit within Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, protecting coral reefs, mangroves, and mountain ecosystems. Snorkelling and canoeing activities are fully guided and follow local conservation guidelines. The Mount Fuji section takes place within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage landscape, where hiking routes and visitor behaviour are carefully managed.

Wildlife encounters, including cranes and marine life, are incidental rather than deliberately sought. Small group sizes, licensed local guides, and adherence to park and conservation rules help minimise environmental impact.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

All accommodation used on these retreats is locally owned, ranging from small family-run properties to regionally operated hotels and traditional onsen inns. We work exclusively with local suppliers, including guides, boat operators, transport providers, restaurants, and small tour operators.

In Hokkaido, expert local guides lead walks and share knowledge of the region’s ecology, culture, and lesser-visited landscapes, offering insight that supports responsible access. On Ishigaki, we stay within a traditional village community and work with local operators. In the Mount Fuji region, activities are delivered by small, locally based guiding teams.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Apart from our visiting yoga teachers and retreat hosts, the people involved in delivering these retreats are local. All guiding and activity partners are licensed and operate within regional employment and safety standards.

These retreats are not designed to be accessible in the traditional sense. Terrain includes uneven forest paths, volcanic ground, hills, steps, heat, and humidity, particularly in Okinawa. A good level of mobility and comfort walking for extended periods is required. All activities are optional, and we aim to support guests in moving at a pace that feels appropriate for them.

We have been a certified B Corp since 2023, reflecting our wider commitment to responsible business practices, people, and the planet.