Ski & Onsen Retreat in Nozawaonsen, Japan
6D5N: 21 to 26 Feb 2025
Welcome to the hidden gem snow destination of Japan—Nozawaonsen, a darling village in Nagano prefecture. Last winter season of 2023/24, I stayed here for three months, in a cosy winter lodge that feels just like home. Life was slow and fast at the same time, with so much to receive.
Mindful Winter Retreat is my way of sharing the joys of mindful living in the mountains with you. Every moment big or small experienced here had been yoga for me. I brought a yoga mat along, but only rolled it out for use five times in three months. Skiing is mindful movement, the equivalent of asanas to me.
Being in the snowy mountains surrounded by tall oak trees, the air was so crisp and fresh, my lungs were rejuvenated and my mind’s crystal clear. By simply breathing on the slopes, it’s deeply delightful—the perfect pranayama.
Learning a new skill i.e. skiing and feeling humbled, curious and motivated! It’s such a wonderful feeling, reconnecting with my inner child who yearns to play and learn new stuff. I noticed feeling embarrassed falling and “failing” at skiing. It taught me a great lesson on letting go. I laughed so much and was glad to keep in check that ridiculously serious grown-up in me!
Exploring the local village by foot, popping into tiny shops buying postcards, holding hot mugs of coffee in the snow, praying for simple joy at the shrine—I was repeatedly reminded that mindfulness isn’t bound to the mat.
I found myself wishing more people have access to this sense of aliveness that comes with simply being in the mountains, having a little adventure, learning something new with childlike wonder. So—you are warmly invited to experience this magic with me this coming winter season! My one true intention is to pave the way and be your (tour) guide so you can experience this sense of aliveness and mindfulness beyond the yoga mat.
Let’s take a fun and rejuvenating trip to start our new year with mindful high vibes!
21st to 26th Feb 2025, Nozawaonsen, Japan
2x Private ski group classes and 3-day mountain pass
Half-day trip to the Nozawa Snow Monkey Park
Guided onsen excursions, tattoos are accepted
Visits to the village shrines
2-way lodge transfers from shinkansen train station, Iiyama
Nozawaonsen village tour
Gin tasting and distillery tour
Traditional izakaya dinners (non-vegetarian)
2-3 yoga sessions
Mindful sunset walks
Mail a postcard to yourself and group journaling
Late night bouldering (add-on and optional)
Japanese traditional tatami room with shared bathroom
(fits 2 pax)
Twin share: Per pax at S$1,800
Single: S$2,500
2x futon beds, heaters, towels, shared bathrooms with toiletries and hairdryer, wifi
Japanese traditional tatami room with attached bathroom
(fits 2 pax)
Twin share: Per pax at S$1,900
Single: S$2,700
2x futon beds, heater, towels, hairdryer, attached bathroom with toiletries, wifi
Junior Studio with attached bathroom
(fits 2-3 pax: 1 queen mattress, 1 sofa bed)
Twin share: Per pax at S$2,100
Single: S$3,000
1x queen mattress in tatami sleeping area, 1x futon on a sofa bed, heaters, towels, attached bathroom in the corridor with toiletries and hairdryer, wifi, mini kitchen and living room area (where the sofa bed is), a mini fridge
Included:
- Accomodation for 6 days 5 nights
- 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners
- 2-way private car transfers to and fro Iiyama station
- 3 days’ all access ski pass
- 2 sessions of 2-hour private group ski lessons (with the best instructor!)
- Half-day excursion to the Snow Monkey Park
- 2 sessions of 1-hour yoga in a heated studio, mats and props provided
- Gin distillery tour and gin tasting
- Walking village tour, including shrine visits
- Onsen excursions
- Postcard to be sent home and group journaling
Not included:
- Daily (5-6) lunches: Around 2,000 yen for an enjoyable meal
- Rental: Around 12,800 yen for 3 days’ rental of skis, boots, and poles
- Your flight tickets in and out of Narita Airport
- Trains to and fro Iiyama station: Around 12,000 yen one way, depends on the route you take and train timings
- Others: Tea time drinks and snacks, souvenirs
- Travel insurance: Please ensure you get the fullest coverage for snow sports
How to arrive:
- Step 1 – Flight: Closest airport is Tokyo Narita Airport. Anytime is fine, but ideally try to arrive as early as possible, so you can buffer time for train transfers, and arrive in time for 5pm walk and 6pm welcome dinner.
- Step 2 – Trains: Take note that the station is Iiyama station, not Nozawa station, which is 600km the wrong way. There are more than one way to get to Iiyama station. One of which is from Narita Airport Terminal 1 station, take the train to Ueno station. Change to a shinkansen train to Iiyama station. There will be a private pick-up provided by the lodge for you. This transfer fee is included in your retreat package.
Things to note:
- Snow sport travel insurance: Please ensure and show proof of your travel insurance coverage that includes high risk sport activities. I will need you to send me all relevant contact information and details.
- Not a vegetarian retreat: The retreat package includes a luxurious opening dinner and closing dinner, both which serve divinely sinful meals including meat dishes. Alcohol is welcome but know your limits.
- Pack snow-ready clothes: If need to, borrow or buy the necessary snow wear from your friends. You will need your own snow helmet, goggles, gloves, socks, thermals, fleece (maybe), waterproof snow jacket and pants. Rental of ski boots, skis and poles are price-friendly at the village.
- Onsens: Tattoos are accepted. There are 13 free onsens in the village, and more paid ones which we will visit together. You are free to opt out. One of the onsens allows bathing suits, byo or rent from the shop.
- Things provided in the lodge: Fresh towels, toiletries, onsen bath essentials, hairdryer, water from the tap is the freshest mountain water to drink, heaters.
- Flow with the weather: Please understand that the itinerary may change due to unforeseeable weather conditions.
SHENAYOGA 