A Sacred Journey Through the Natural Beauty, Stillness, and Timeless Traditions of Japan
Discover Japan with Shanna Hughes & John Vosler
April 11-21, 2027
Private Room: $10,995
(limited to 7, single occupancy)
Shared Room: $8,995
(limited to 14 guests in 7 shared rooms, double occupancy)
Scroll down to register
Accommodations and the itinerary are subject to change.
About the Retreat
An Invitation to Experience Japan
In the spring of 2027, we’ll gather for an intimate journey through Japan—woven through forests, temples, mountains, quiet villages, and spaces designed for deep rest and reflection.
The retreat will blend meditation, Yoga Nidra, nature immersion, restorative onsen experiences, Buddhist temple stays, cultural traditions, guided exploration, and time to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters. Along the way, we’ll experience Tokyo, Kyoto and Arashiyama, sacred Koyasan, the Kumano region, Nachi, and Osaka.
Our thoughtfully selected accommodations will be an integral part of the journey, from the serene Hotel Niwa Tokyo and Ranzan in Arashiyama to sacred temple lodging at Ekoin or Fudo-in, traditional hot-spring stays in Kumano, and a peaceful coastal retreat in Nachikatsuura.
We are thoughtfully curating the final details now, and the complete itinerary, accommodations, pricing, and registration information will be released soon.
Join the interest list to be the first to know when the official retreat details are announced.
Interested? Join the list below and we’ll email you the Q&A date and Zoom link.
Join Interest ListRetreat Overview*
A thoughtfully curated journey through Japan designed to balance discovery with restoration. Each day will weave together movement, meditation, cultural immersion, meaningful encounters, and time to simply be—creating space to experience Japan more deeply while reconnecting with yourself.
- 10 nights of accommodations in Tokyo, Kyoto/Arashiyama, Koyasan, Nachi, and Osaka
- Daily or near-daily yoga, meditation and Yoga Nidra
- Welcome orientation and Japanese dinner in Tokyo
- Guided Tokyo sightseeing, including a silent nature walk at Meiji Jingu Shrine and a visit to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa
- Shinkansen journey from Tokyo to Kyoto
- ORIN bell workshop visit and sound meditation
- Early-morning silent walk through Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove
- Sagano Romantic Train and Hozugawa River boat ride
- Shojin ryori Buddhist temple cuisine experience
- Tenryuji Temple visit
- Traditional Japanese incense experience, including Kodo and incense making
- Private transportation from Kyoto to Koyasan
- Two-night Buddhist temple stay at sacred Koyasan
- Morning temple service/Gongyo
- Time for journaling, reflection, yoga, and quiet exploration at Koyasan
- Okunoin night tour guided by a monk
- Private transportation into the sacred Kumano region
- Kumano Hongu Taisha and the Oyunohara Grand Torii
- Three-night restorative hot-spring stay in Nachi
- Meditation and nature experiences in the Kumano region
- Kumano Kodo / Daimonzaka walking experience
- Nachi Falls, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Seigantoji Temple
- Train journey to Osaka
- Osaka sightseeing
- Farewell dinner
- Closing yoga and reflection session
*Accommodations and activities are subject to final confirmation and availability.
Secure your spot! Join the list below and we’ll email you the Q&A date and Zoom link.
Join the Interest ListWhere We'll Stay*
Each stay has been thoughtfully chosen as part of the experience—from refined city retreats and elegant ryokans to sacred temple lodgings and restorative hot springs—offering a beautiful expression of Japan’s grace, tranquility, and hospitality.
Tokyo | April 11–13 (2 nights)
Hotel Niwa Tokyo
A serene hideaway in the heart of Tokyo, where refined Japanese design, tranquil gardens, and understated comfort offer a beautiful place to arrive, settle in, and exhale.
Kyoto / Arashiyama | April 13–15 (2 nights)
Ranzan — Arashiyama, Kyoto
Set amid the beauty of Arashiyama, this graceful Japanese inn offers a peaceful garden setting, warm hospitality, and an intimate connection to Kyoto’s timeless atmosphere.
Koyasan | April 15–17 (2 nights; temple-stay options)
Ekoin Temple — Koyasan
An extraordinary stay within a sacred Buddhist temple, with traditional rooms, contemplative spaces, temple cuisine, and opportunities to experience meditation and morning prayer.
Fudo-in Temple — Koyasan
A quiet, historic temple retreat where traditional Japanese rooms, Buddhist cuisine, and morning services create a deeply peaceful and immersive stay.
Nachi | April 17–20 (3 nights)
Hotel Urashima — Nachikatsuura
A dramatic seaside retreat overlooking the Pacific, known for its restorative hot springs, ocean views, and remarkable setting—an ideal place to slow down and restore after days of pilgrimage, meditation, and exploration.
Osaka | April 20–21 (1 night)
Hotel TBD
A final night in vibrant Osaka, offering time to experience the city, gather for a farewell dinner, and reflect together before the retreat comes to a close.
*Accommodations and activities are subject to final confirmation and availability.
A Glimpse of the Journey Ahead
Sacred temples, quiet forests, restorative hot springs, timeless traditions, and landscapes that invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience Japan with intention.
Meet Your Hosts: Shanna & John
Shanna Hughes
Shanna Hughes is a certified yoga therapist (IAYT) dedicated to supporting physical, mental, and emotional well-being through yoga, breath-work, mindfulness, and meditation. A faculty member in the USC Yoga and the Healing Sciences program, she specializes in gentle and adaptive practices, including chair yoga and iRest® Yoga Nidra, to make yoga accessible for all.
Her work is deeply shaped by over 15 years of study in Kashmir, India, under Swami Lakshmanjoo, exploring the non-dual philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism. She also leads retreats in Bali and Kashmir, creating transformative experiences for students to deepen their practice in inspiring settings. With compassion and clarity, Shanna helps people connect with their inner strength, balance, and self-awareness.
John Vosler
For more than twenty-five years, John has guided thousands of people into experiences of profound rest, renewed clarity, and deep self-discovery. An internationally recognized meditation teacher, transformational guide, retreat leader, and pioneer in Yoga Nidra, he helps people reconnect with the awareness and wholeness that remain present beneath life’s changing circumstances.
John’s work weaves together ancient contemplative wisdom, modern neuroscience, Yoga Nidra, meditation, somatic awareness, conscious movement, and self-inquiry. His greatest gift is his presence—the ability to create a field of safety, authenticity, and connection where people can soften, regulate the nervous system, open the heart, and allow insight to arise naturally.
He has led retreats and trainings at Esalen, Omega, universities, leadership organizations, and destinations around the world, including India, Bali, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, and Japan. Participants often describe leaving his retreats feeling more deeply themselves—rested, open, clear, and connected.
John is a Senior Teacher at the Amrit Yoga Institute, where he leads I AM Yoga Nidra™ Certification Programs and has helped train hundreds of teachers worldwide. He is also a certified iRest® teacher and former board member of the iRest Institute.
At the heart of John’s work is a simple invitation: Pause. Rest deeply. Feel fully. Live consciously. Remember what has never been lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Sri Lanka retreat experience has been thoughtfully designed to create a balance of spiritual practice,
cultural immersion, and natural exploration.
What is the price of this retreat and how does registration work?
When is the Zoom Q&A and how do I attend?
What's included?
What's not included?
What should I bring?
Is travel insurance required?
What are the Sri Lanka entry requirements?
Arrival and departure Information
What is the cancellation/refund policy?
What is the weather like?
Will I have free time?
Should I bring my computer?
If I have questions who should I contact?
Reserve Your Spot! Japan 2027
We’re excited you’re considering joining us in Japan. This page will guide you through reserving your spot and making your payment. Your retreat fee includes both the program and accommodations at a hand-selected collection of beautiful hotels.
Pricing
Private Room: $10,995 (limited to 7, single occupancy)
Shared Room: $8,995 (limited to 14 guests in 7 shared rooms, double occupancy)
How Registration Works
We’re inviting those on the interest list first, before opening registration to the public. Once you hear from us, you can reserve your spot by paying online or by check.
To hold your place:
• Download, read, and complete the Participant Agreement (sign and initial each page)
• Email it to [email protected]
• Submit your nonrefundable deposit per person (see below).
To reserve your place, choose your preferred room option below and complete your payment. Space is intentionally limited to create an intimate experience, and reservations are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participant Agreement
All participants must download, print, read, sign/initial, and email the required agreement. Please register only one participant per form. Email completed form to [email protected].
How to Pay
Pay by Check
Payments are per person.
Make your check out to Shanna Hughes and mail to: Shanna Hughes, 9709 SE Tower Drive, Damascus Oregon 97089. Please indicate whether or not you're sharing a room, write the name(s) of the participant(s) you are paying for on your check, and email a photo of the check to [email protected] before you drop it in the mail. Pay in full or pay in up to 3 payments by check as follows:
Pay by Check —
Shared Room/Double Occupancy
Pay in Full (by Sept 25): $8,995
or
Payment Plan:
Nonrefundable Deposit (by Sept 25): $2000
Payment #2 (by Nov 1): $3,497.50
Payment #3 (by Jan 11): $3,497.50
See address and instructions above.
Pay by Check —
Private Room/Single Occupancy
Pay in Full (by Sept 25): $10,995
or
Payment Plan:
Nonrefundable Deposit (by Sept 25): $2000
Payment #2 (by Nov 1): $4,497.50
Payment #3 (by Jan 11): $4,497.50
See address and instructions above.
Pay Online
Payments are per person and include a 4% credit card fee surcharge.
Once your deposit is complete, the remaining balance is split into two payments as outlined below. Use these links anytime to make additional payments, pay ahead, or pay in full.
Pay Online
Retreat Deposit
Reserves Your Spot
Reserves Your Spot – $2080 deposit (nonrefundable)
Pay Online
Full Payment
Private Room/Single Occupancy
$11,434.80
(due by Sept 25)
Pay Online
Private Room
2nd & 3rd Payments
Payment #2 due by Nov 1: $4677.40
Payment #3 due by Jan 11: $4677.40
Pay Online
Private Room
2nd & 3rd Payments
Payment #2 due by Nov 1: $4677.40
Payment #3 due by Jan 11: $4677.40
Pay Online
Shared Room
2nd & 3rd Payments
Payment #2 due by Nov 1: $3637.40
Payment #3 due by Jan 11: $3637.40
