Japan is a wonderful destination for yoga retreats (and wellness breaks in general). It has serene forests, tranquil countryside, and epic mountains if you want to practice in nature. For beach-side classes, the southern islands of Okinawa are a tropical paradise. And if you’re after an urban wellness break coupled with cultural sites, then Tokyo, Kyoto, and Fukuoka are perfect.
In this guide, I outline the best Japan yoga retreats based on my time living and working there…
Hi! I’m Caroline, your wellness retreat travel guide. I’ve worked in the wellness industry for 15+ years & been lucky enough to stay at amazing health resorts around the world. Let’s get you inspired & prepared to go on your own retreat…
Japan offers so many spiritual practices that yoga lovers will appreciate. There’s forest bathing, zen meditation, and mindfulness is woven throughout traditional activities like tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and flower arranging. Onsen (hot springs) resorts, wellness breaks, and local seasonal produce are all popular with Japanese locals.
When I lived in Japan, I loved going to yoga classes. There were so many boutique studios in Tokyo, each with their own unique setups and stylish interiors. And as an English speaker with only basic Japanese, the language barrier didn’t matter in yoga. The asanas are universal.
But Japan has so much to offer beyond Tokyo so I’d really encourage you to explore other areas if time allows. It’s easy to travel around the country by train or bus, so getting to Japanese yoga retreats in the countryside is easier than you think.
Here’s a collection of the best and most unique yoga retreats in Japan…
Hoshinoya Retreat, Kyoto
Hoshinoya is a luxurious riverside retreat in a tranquil spot on the edge of Kyoto. This retreat blends traditional Japanese elements like staying in a ryokan, onsen (hot springs), and kaiseki dining with meditation and stretching sessions tailored for relaxation and stress relief. But you’re also close enough to the city to explore its sensational temples, stunning gardens, and charismatic alleyways.
Hoshinoya’s peaceful surroundings of bamboo forests and the Katsura River enhance the restorative experience. Its luxurious accommodation allows for deep relaxation and the spa offers a range of traditional Japanese wellness treatments. They even offer ‘digital detox stays’ with activities focused on experiencing nature and the local culture of Kyoto, away from computers or mobile phones.
Nami Yoga Retreats, Tokyo & Okinawa
Nami Yoga Studio offers some of the best retreats in Tokyo and other areas of Japan too. They offer a range of different retreat types, from family yoga and farming breaks, to yin yoga teacher training.
Their Tokyo yoga retreats take place in their Minato studio near the Tokyo Tower. It’s an intimate retreat space with small class sizes and a calming atmosphere, where you can practise traditional Hatha and Vinyasa yoga. It’s perfect for wellness travellers looking for a personable wellness experience in the heart of Tokyo. Their Tokyo retreats aren’t typically residential but there are plenty of hotels nearby where you can stay.
Nami also runs Japanese yoga retreats in Okinawa and other locations around the country. Their 4-day retreat to the Amami islands combines yoga, meditation, detox, and cleansing. There are plenty of activities on offer like beach cleaning, snorkelling, traditional rice drink making, and massage. These retreats also include accommodation and meals.
Prana Yoga Retreat, Fukuoka
I think Fukuoka is one of Japan’s best-kept secrets. This student city is a trendy start-up hub with cool coffee shops, stunning beaches, and lots of greenery, but it’s often overlooked in favor of Tokyo and Kyoto. When I lived in the country, Fukuoka was one of the best places I visited and I always recommend it to friends. I just wish I’d known about Prana Retreat when I was there!
Prana is a dreamy Japanese yoga retreat in the countryside yet only an hour from Fukuoka city and its airport. Nestled on a picturesque island, it offers a truly exceptional blend of yoga, cultural immersion, and local community enrichment. If you’re looking for a hidden gem retreat that’s off the tourist track, Prana is the place for you.
You’ll get daily yoga sessions, delicious vegetarian meals made with local seasonal produce, and can stay in a traditional tatami room or western style accommodation. There are once-in-a-lifetime cultural activities included like cherry blossom dyeing workshops, zen meditation with monks, rejuvenating forest therapy walks, and Japanese cooking classes. Prana offers a respite from the bustling world and opportunity to truly connect with the essence of Japan’s cultural heritage.
Sen Retreat, Wakayama
Sen Retreat facilitates a magical journey through the beautiful mountains of Wakayama. It has properties set along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage route of the Kumano Kodo. It combines nature hikes through sacred sites and ancient temples with nourishing meals made from healthy local produce.
The serene environment that Sen Retreat offers is perfect for connecting with Japan’s spiritual traditions and immersing yourself in nature. Walking through sacred paths adds a mindful, meditative aspect to the experience. If you’ve ever wanted to try forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku), then Sen Retreat is the perfect option.
Zen Retreat at Shunkoin Temple, Kyoto
Experience an authentic zen retreat at the historic Shunkoin Temple in Kyoto. It offers one-day and three-day retreat programs to deepen your understanding of Zen and well-being, including meditation and mindfulness. There are also opportunities to engage with local craftspeople, experience tea ceremonies, and try calligraphy.
The serene environment inside a traditional temple provides a truly unique and spiritual atmosphere for these retreats. The zen meditation aspects can help with practising both mindfulness and self-awareness. You can even learn about Zen and Kyoto culture directly from English-speaking Zen priests.
Aman Wellness Retreats, Tokyo
The Aman is a luxury hotel that offers amazing wellness breaks in Tokyo. Their programs include yoga and meditation sessions, plus access to their incredible onsen (hot baths), spa facilities, and massage treatments. Aman also offers traditional Japanese wellness experiences, like their ‘Misogi Retreat’ featuring mindfulness practices like zen incense rituals and tea ceremonies.
For a luxurious, urban yoga break, the Aman Tokyo is perfect. It offers wonderful classes, high-end spa facilities and champions authentic Japanese wellness practices, so you’re truly in for a treat. Plus there’s traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, juices, smoothies, and much more. Despite being centrally located with panoramic city views, the hotel’s serene design means it’s an incredibly peaceful retreat.
Japanese Winter Yoga Retreat, Tohoku Region
Japan is one of our top picks for an autumn wellness retreat but it’s also a fantastic winter destination too! Scheduled for February 2025, Tranquwell’s 4-day snow retreat takes full advantage in Tohoku, northern Honshu. It combines traditional Japanese wellness activities with time in the serene snowy mountains.
There are yoga classes, Zazen meditation and sound therapy sessions, plus wintery activities like snow-shoeing and onsen bathing. If you’re someone who wants to see the real Japan outside of its cities and tourist hubs, then this is the perfect option. The Tohoku region is a 4-hour train ride north of Tokyo so it’s easily accessible from the international airport but feels like a world away from city life.
Benesse House, Naoshima Island
Naoshima Island is renowned for its contemporary art installations but not many people know that you can enjoy yoga breaks here too. Benesse House is a place where guests can enjoy nature and art to their heart’s content, while also taking advantage of serene yoga classes. The sessions take place in a light-filled studio with stunning views over the Seto Inland Sea.
A stay here enables you to combine yoga with visits to the island’s art museums and incredible outdoor sculptures. This combination is perfect for creative souls who want something a bit different. The island’s tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by water, adds to the sense of peace and inspiration.
Shanti Farm & Yoga Retreat, Wakayama
Offering something a bit different from other Japanese wellness retreats on this list, Shanti offers farming and yoga homestays. For a truly traditional countryside experience, this is something especially unique. Like staying at a welcoming Japanese grandma’s house.
You can experience natural farming and Japanese culture, along with yoga, meditation, and thermic treatments. If you’re a nature-lover, then you’ve got trekking, river swimming, and hot springs on your doorstep. The retreat’s focus on connecting with the land and grounding activities makes it something really special.
Amazing Japan Yoga Retreats & Wellness Stays
These Japanese yoga retreats offer a wide range of experiences, from spiritual temple retreats to luxurious spa-based escapes. But one thing they all share is their connection to nature, to like-minded people, and to traditional culture. Whether you want a tranquil countryside escape or urban yoga break, one of these Japanese retreats is perfect.
If you decide to visit any of them, I’d love to know! Get in touch or DM me on Instagram, let’s geek out on wellness travel together…
