Sacred Japan: Nature, Ritual & Presence

This experience leans more toward an immersive cultural journey, with yoga thoughtfully woven throughout. We’ll enjoy daily practices—sometimes twice a day—held in peaceful, inspiring settings, but much of our time is dedicated to exploring Japan’s traditions, landscapes, and local communities.

From temples and tea ceremonies in Kyoto to artisan visits in the countryside and the cultural beauty of Kanazawa, each day is designed to engage your curiosity and sense of wonder. This is a dynamic, enriching experience—perfect for those who want to combine meaningful travel with a consistent, grounding yoga practice.

This journey focuses on a deeper exploration of central and rural Japan, beginning and ending in Kyoto—the country’s cultural and spiritual heart. From there, we travel into the countryside to Miyama and the Kyotango region, where you’ll experience traditional village life, artisan culture, and coastal landscapes far removed from the typical tourist path. We’ll also visit Kanazawa, a beautifully preserved city known for its samurai districts, geisha culture, and one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens. This itinerary is designed to balance iconic cultural landmarks with immersive, off-the-beaten-path experiences in rural Japan.

Ann Dyer Cervantes brings together two powerful pathways for transformation: yoga and travel. For more than four decades, she has guided students through a thoughtful and accessible approach to yoga that emphasizes strength, balance, mobility, safety, and sustainable growth. Her classes are intelligently sequenced, welcoming to a variety of experience levels, and infused with warmth, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning.

Throughout this journey in Japan, Ann's practices provide an opportunity to slow down, tune in, and more fully absorb the experience of travel. Blending movement, meditation, and mindful reflection, her teaching encourages students to engage deeply with both the outer landscape and their inner world. As we move through temples, gardens, countryside villages, and cultural traditions, yoga becomes part of a larger conversation with place—offering a meaningful way to connect with Japan's beauty, history, and spirit.

Yes, all levels are welcome. You will find that wherever you are in your practice you will get just what you need out of the yoga classes on this retreat. International Yoga works only with experienced and extremely qualified teachers, which ensures that everyone's yoga needs will be met.

We stay in a mix of boutique hotels and traditional Japanese accommodations, offering both modern comfort and cultural immersion. In rural areas, you may experience a ryokan-style stay with traditional elements like tatami mats and local cuisine.

Daily breakfast and 4 group dinners are included. All other meals are left open for you to explore local cuisine at your own pace—we’ll always provide recommendations along the way.

May is one of the most delightful times to visit Japan, bringing lush greenery, comfortable temperatures, and long daylight hours. In cities like Kyoto and Kanazawa, you can expect pleasant spring weather, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from the mid-60s to upper 70s °F (18–26°C).

In the countryside, including regions like Kyotango and Miyama, temperatures are often slightly cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings. The landscapes are vibrant and green, rice fields begin to flourish, and seasonal flowers are in bloom. This time of year is ideal for exploring temples and gardens, enjoying scenic walks through rural villages, savoring fresh seasonal cuisine, and unwinding in traditional onsens amidst Japan’s beautiful spring landscape.

At International Yoga, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance to protect yourself and your investment. Unexpected events—such as personal emergencies, political or environmental factors, health issues, or weather-related disruptions—can arise and may prevent or interrupt your travel plans. Note that because we must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy, you will be responsible for 100% of any costs associated with the cancellation or interruption of your retreat should you choose not to purchase travel insurance. 

While we do not provide recommendations for specific policies, we suggest exploring options through the reputable travel insurance aggregator, InsureMyTrip. They can help you find a provider and policy that best suits your needs. For maximum coverage, we advise purchasing travel insurance within 7–10 days of placing your initial deposit.

Many travelers, including citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and several other countries, do not need a visa to enter Japan for short-term tourism stays (typically up to 90 days). However, visa requirements may vary depending on your citizenship, country of residence, and recent travel history, and some travelers may need to apply in advance.

Your passport should be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your arrival date in Japan to avoid any issues with airlines or immigration.

We recommend confirming the most up-to-date entry requirements with your airline and the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate before departure.

You will fly into Kyoto via Kansai International Airport (KIX). Group airport transfers are included on the official arrival and departure days. Full arrival details will be provided in your Travel Planner.

Yes, group arrival and departure airport transfers are included.  Private transfers are not included but we would be happy to arrange these for you. 

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.

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.

Attendance varies from trip to trip, but 15-25 attendees is a general average.

Yes, please bring your own mat in addition to blocks and a strap if you use props during your practice. 

A $1000 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot on the trip. The final balance payment is due by January 15, 2027. If you cancel before the final balance deadline, we will refund any payments you have made, minus the non-refundable deposit. If you do not complete the payment by January 15, 2027, the card on file will be automatically charged your remaining balance on that date to secure your space on the retreat, unless we have advised otherwise. If you register for the trip after January 15, 2027, the full payment amount is due upon registration. As stated in our Terms & Conditions, all payments are non-refundable and non-transferable after January 15, 2027. International Yoga must strictly adhere to its cancellation policy. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

If you wish to cancel your participation in this program, you must advise International Yoga in writing to: [email protected].