Yoga & Culture in Japan

Your retreat begins in Tokyo and ends in Osaka. For that reason, we suggest that you fly into Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (airport code: NRT), arriving on October 15th and depart out of Kansai International Airport (airport code: KIX) on October 24th.

On the last day of our trip, we’ll travel from Kyoto to Osaka in time for afternoon flights. We suggest booking your departure from Osaka no earlier than 5pm.

American citizens visiting Japan do not need a visa if they are traveling as a tourist with a valid U.S. passport. You will be issued a temporary tourist visa upon entry, which is valid for up to 90 days.

IMPORTANT: If your passport expires within six months of your arrival date to Japan, please be sure to renew your passport before you go to avoid any issues at immigration. There are no exceptions.

Yes airport transfers are included on the first day and final of your trip. No matter what time you arrive, you will be met your guide and driver outside of baggage claim after collecting your bags. Look for a sign that says your name or International Yoga. From the airport, you'll head to Hotel Niwa Tokyo, located approximately 1.5 hours from the airport. Once everyone has arrived, we'll come together for an opening gathering.

Attendance varies from trip to trip, but 12 - 20 attendees is a general average.

Gratuities are not included in the price of the trip. Generally speaking, tipping is not practiced in Japan. However in the tourism business, it is the custom to tip, especially the guides and the drivers (if you have a personal private driver - no tips for taxi drivers). While tipping is not obligatory it is greatly appreciated and we suggest around $10/person/day for tip to our guide and driver.

All payments to International Yoga are non-refundable & non-transferable. The purchase of travel insurance is strongly recommended to ensure you are covered should any unexpected event arise. A personal, political, environmental or weather-related incident or pre-existing medical condition may prevent or interrupt your travels.  These events are rare but do occur and underscore the importance of being covered by travel insurance.  Should you elect to not purchase travel insurance, you will be assuming 100% of any costs incurred for trip cancellation or trip interruption. TravelEx  and World Nomads are two reputable organizations. There is a broad spectrum of policies and options so make sure you are clear on what exactly is covered.

On this trip we stay in several wonderful properties, chosen either for their grandeur or location, many of which rank among Japan’s finest accommodations. In these hotels, all rooms have private baths. Single rooms are limited at all of our hotels. Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss the accommodations in detail.

There are no required vaccinations for travel to Japan. However, there are some recommended (suggested) vaccinations given by the CDC. To see the complete list of what is recommended, please visit the CDC Website and consult with your primary care physician to make a decision on what is best for you.

We get hundreds of travelers each year who go on retreat alone. If you are traveling without a friend or partner, but prefer to share your room, we will do our best to match you with another traveler of the same gender. If for some reason, we are not able to match you with a roommate, a single supplement will apply. If you prefer to have your own private room, a single supplement will apply.

Breakfast is included through the duration of your trip in addition to 3 dinners and 1 lunch. All other meals should be included in your planned budget.

All retreats include a $1000 non-refundable / non-transferable deposit, which is required to hold your spot on the trip. If you cancel prior to July 1, 2019. we will refund your payment minus the non-refundable deposit. All payments are non-refundable & non-transferable after July 1, 2019. International Yoga must strictly adhere to its cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of retreat. Click here to view the Terms and Conditions to which you agree upon registration.