Japan 2026

Nozawaonsen, Japan

October 11th - 17th, 2026

Take a step away from the everyday and reconnect with your true nature.

In many ancient traditions, including Yoga, it’s easy to assume that extreme effort and strict discipline are required for self-understanding.

Whether it is through interpretation or modern culture, often there is an inherent expectation of complete dedication and studentship required towards the path of Awakening.

But what if there’s another way?

By exploring the natural balance of effort/ease, activity/rest, control/surrender, we can create the conditions for deep insight, clarity, and presence.

Live Here Now is a week designed to explore the direct experience of presence.

We will bring together the teachings of Zen with The Bridge's foundational maps of Tantra and Yoga, offering a path that is both profound and approachable.

This immersion is perfect for anyone seeking calm, grounded presence, and the gentle guidance to access new depths of awareness through softness, openness, and embodied practice.

The Experience

Zen is often spoken of as a state of calm or stability — but what does it truly mean?

Over this week together, we won’t just discuss Zen as a concept. We will explore it as a lived experience, supported by the depth and structure of Tantric Hatha Yoga.

Our daily practices will focus on cultivating stability and inner calm (moon), relaxing the body and nervous system (restorative), and revealing insight through depth (fire). We’ll go deeper into profound meditation techniques, as well as experience the true power of Yoga Nidra.

Beyond the mat, expect gentle hikes through the neighbouring mountains and the opportunity to immerse in Japanese village life.

We are thrilled to be partnering with Shizen and owner/chef Rowie Geraerts, whose café and tatami-mat studio embody an ethos of slowing down, connecting, and being deeply nourished. Their space and food will be an integral part of the retreat.

We are also honoured that Dorothee Eshin Takatsu, a Zen priest in the Rinzai lineage, will join us for part of the retreat. Dorothee will share her perspective on Zen in the modern world, offer practices, and help illuminate how these teachings can guide us toward a more harmonious and grounded way of being.

The Location

Nozawaonsen is an ancient village surrounded by the majesty of the Japanese Alps.

Famed for its mineral rich hot springs, Nozawa is a popular ski village in the winter and the picture of peace in the quieter green months.

We will be there in autumn, immersing in the natural beauty as the leaves change and making the most of the quiet.

Our hotel has a stunning private onsen (hot spring) and there are dozens of public ones scattered throughout the village.

With some of the buildings dating back over 400 years and much of rural life still in practice here, it is like stepping back to a more quiet, easeful time.

It is less than 2 hours from Tokyo (via bullet train and then bus) so very easily accessed. Full details of how to get there will be shared upon booking.

Hotel Shimataya is both our accomodation and where the yoga shala is located. It has a choice of either Traditional Japanese Rooms (with futon-style beds) or En Suite Rooms (with western-style beds), pictured below.

Please note, the Japanese Rooms do not have a shower in them as it is customary in Japan to shower in the communal bathhouse/onsen. This is within the hotel and very accessible.

"The thief

Left it behind -

The moon, at the window."

- Ryokan (Zen poet)

WHAT'S INCLUDED

2x daily complete practices - Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Nidra and Restorative Hatha
Discussions of Satori, Enlightenment and Awareness in a modern context
Exploration of the similarities and differences of Zen, Yogic and Tantric Philosophy
Understanding the nervous system and creating the conditions for rest and presence
Key teachings around integration and creating space for spirituality in daily life
Guided walks and hikes
Onsens (natural hot springs)
Time in silence
Comprehensive guide/manual
Learn to create a Sadhana for your unique needs
Access and time with a practicing Zen priest from a living tradition
All chef-prepared meals and drinks
All associated accomodation costs (excluding transport to and from the retreat)
All activities and excursions whilst on retreat
Options for further activities on your own
A few more surprises whilst we're there!