Experience tranquility and rejuvenation with a 7-day yoga retreat hosted by Byron Yoga Centre at the Aoshima Picnic Club in Japan. Nestled on the beautiful Aoshima coastline, this retreat combines daily yoga practices, meditation sessions, and wellness workshops. The perfect opportunity to relax and be imersed into Japanese coastal culture.

Japan Yoga Retreat

Find Yourself in Japan.

Surrounded by lush greenery and pristine beaches, you’ll find the perfect environment to deepen your yoga practice and connect with nature. Enjoy delicious, locally-sourced vegan japanese meals that cater to a variety of dietary preferences, ensuring a balanced and healthy experience. Relax and detoxify with traditional Japanese sauna sessions followed by refreshing cold baths.

Whether you’re an experienced yogi or just starting out, this retreat offers a wonderful opportunity to refresh your mind, body, and spirit.

7 Day Japan Yoga Retreat Dates

7 Day Yoga Retreat in Japan

Prices start at $3,500 for a twin share room with ensuite bathroom, or $3,100 for a triple share room with ensuite bathroom. Single rooms available on request. 

What’s included?

  • 6 nights accommodation in Aoshima, Japan
  • Airport transfers in Japan ??
  • Daily itinerary including yoga, meditation and japanese philosophy
  • Daily Japanese vegan meals
  • On site facillities including Japanese Sauna and cold bath
  • Opportunity to deepen your understanding of yoga asana (poses), philosophy, meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises) and relaxation techniques.
  • Day trip to ???
  • Our flexible schedule is designed for you to explore your yoga practice but also immerse yourself in the local Japanese culture with plenty of free time to explore. Create your own yoga retreat, and participate in as many or few activities as you wish.

Travel and insurance are not included in costs.

Yoga is a lot about giving and receiving. It has been proposed that we only keep what we have by giving it away, which is one of the main motivations for teaching and training others to teach.

The yoga we teach at Byron Yoga Centre and on this Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand is called Purna, meaning integrated or complete. Purna Yoga represents a holistic approach to yoga integrating not just the physical postures but also philosophy, meditation, pranayama breath control and the yogic personal and social code of ethics. The postural instruction is alignment focused. Sequences range from gentle restorative to dynamic. Blocks, belts and bolsters are available to be used to support and modify postures safely.

You can read more about Purna Yoga here. 

Example of daily timetable 12 day residential

6:00am- 8:00amAsanas class with senior teachers / practical teaching classes
8:00am- 9:00amBreakfast
9:00am-10:30amPractical and Lectures
10:30am-11:00amMorning Tea
11:00am-12:30amPractical and Lectures
12:30pm- 2:00pmLunch and free time
2:00pm- 3:30pmPractical and Lectures
3:30pm- 4:00pmAfternoon Tea
4:00pm- 6:00pmPractical and Lectures
6:00pm- 7:00pmDinner
7:00pm- 8:00pmPractical and Lectures

Example of daily timetable for the additional 8 day residential (Premier Course)

6:00am- 7:30amPractice teaching or participating in public yoga classes
7:30am- 8:00amPranayama and Meditation
8:00am-9:00amBreakfast
9:00am-12:00pmAttend Special Yoga Teaching Clinics/Workshops and Complete assignments
12:00pm- 2:00pmLunch and free time
2:00pm- 4:00pmAttend Special Yoga Teaching Clinics/Workshops and Complete assignments
4:00pm- 6:00pmPractice teaching or participating in public yoga classes
6:00pm- 7:00pmDinner
7:00pm- 8:00pmPractical and Lectures

The Location

Aoshima Picnic Club is located on the stunning Aoshima coastline, a hidden gem in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. The lush, tropical landscape is dotted with palm trees and offers breathtaking ocean views. Aoshima Shrine, a historic Shinto shrine, adds a touch of cultural significance to this tranquil paradise. The coast’s serene beaches and crystal-clear waters provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation. Aoshima is a peaceful retreat that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Accommodation

Accommodation options are designed to blend comfort with the natural beauty of Aoshima. Guests can choose from cosy, traditional Japanese-style rooms featuring tatami mats and futons, or modern, well-appointed rooms with comfortable beds and contemporary amenities. Each room offers stunning views of the surrounding lush greenery or the serene ocean, providing a tranquil retreat. The accommodations are equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. With a focus on simplicity and relaxation, Aoshima Picnic Club ensures a restful and rejuvenating stay for all guests.

Facilities

Aoshima Picnic Club offers a range of facilities designed to make your stay both comfortable and enriching. The highlight is the traditional Japanese sauna, providing a perfect space for detoxification and relaxation, followed by invigorating cold baths. Guests can enjoy delicious Japanese vegan meals, meticulously prepared with locally-sourced ingredients to ensure a nutritious and satisfying dining experience. The nearby Aoshima Shrine, a historic Shinto shrine, adds a cultural touch to your stay, offering a peaceful place for reflection and connection with Japanese heritage. For those seeking adventure, the island’s pristine beaches and consistent waves make it an ideal spot for surfing, catering to both beginners and experienced surfers. With this blend of wellness, culture, and adventure, Aoshima Picnic Club promises a truly unique retreat experience.

Your Hosts

Our facilitators have a combined teaching experience of over 100 years offering a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share with participants. Click on the links below to learn more about each teacher.

John Ogilvie is one of Australia’s most respected and experienced teachers and founder of Byron Yoga Centre. John has been practising yoga for more than 45 years and teaching for over 40. John developed his signature style of yoga, Purna Yoga, after 20 years of disciplined yoga training including both the Iyengar and Ashtanga lineages. Purna integrates asanas, breathing techniques, meditation and philosophical principles.

The Purna method John teaches focuses on safety through intelligent sequencing, individual attention including hands-on assists, and the use of props to support optimal alignment. John’s teaching style is entertaining and accessible. His instructions are clear and simple, always encouraging students to listen to their own body’s needs and only work at a level appropriate to the individual, at any given time.

John encourages students at all levels to build flexibility, strength and stamina of body, mind and spirit. Many students discover, as a consequence, that yoga becomes a way of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

FLIGHT OPTIONS
We have put together a suggested itinerary from Sydney.
Please note- flights are not included in your retreat.

Sydney to Miyazaki 
Two flights – one stopover

First flight
ANA (All Nippon Airways) NH 890
Departs SYD 12:25PM Sun, 2 Mar 2025
Arrives Tokyo HND (Haneda Int Airport) Sun, 2 Mar 8 2025
Stopover at Tokyo Hanada Int Airport

Second flight 
Departs Tokyo HND (Haneda Int Airport) 6:50AM Mon, 3 Mar 2025
Arrives Miyazaki (KMI) 8:40AM Mon, 3 Mar 2025

Miyazaki to Sydney
Two flights – one stopover

First flight 
ANA (All Nippon Airways) NH618
Departs Miyazaki (KMI) 8:10pm Fri, 7 Mar 2025
Arrives Toyko (Haneda Intl Airport) (HND) 9:45PM Fri, 7 Mar 2025
Stopover at Toyko Haneda Intl Airport 

Second flight
ANA (All Nippon Airways) NH889
Departs Tokyo HND (Haneda Int Airport) 8:30AM Sat, 8 Mar 2025
Arrives Sydney (SYD) 8:15PM Sat, 8 Mar 2025

From Miyazaki Airport:

  • By Train: From Miyazaki Airport, take the JR Nichinan Line to Aoshima Station. The train ride is approximately 30 minutes and offers scenic views of the coastline.
  • By Car: Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport and drive to Aoshima. The drive takes about 20 minutes via Route 220.

From Aoshima Station:

  • The Aoshima Picnic Club is a short walk from Aoshima Station.

In May, Aoshima enjoys pleasant weather, marking the transition from spring to early summer. Here’s what you can typically expect:

  • Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), while nighttime temperatures are usually between 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
  • Humidity: The humidity levels start to increase but are generally comfortable compared to the hotter summer months.
  • Rainfall: May can see occasional rain showers as the region moves towards the rainy season (tsuyu) which typically starts in June. However, there are plenty of sunny and partly cloudy days.
  • Wind: Gentle breezes are common, making the temperature feel quite pleasant.

Overall, May is a great time to visit Aoshima, with mild weather perfect for outdoor activities like yoga, surfing, and exploring the island’s natural beauty.

As an Australian citizen, you can enter Japan for short-term tourism purposes without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. This applies to visits to places like Aoshima as well. Just ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay and meets any other entry requirements specified by Japanese immigration authorities.

Bring comfortable clothing suitable for yoga.
Other than that bring your usual toiletries and creature comforts.