Shakaizen
Yoga & Meditation Retreats In Nagano, Japan
Escape the noise and distractions of modern life with our yoga and meditation retreats, designed to teach you the classical authentic foundations of yoga free from new age influence, help you develop a strong practice, and offer a holistic experience that nurtures your body and mind in Nagano, Japan.
"yoga perishes by these six: overeating, overexertion, talking too much, performing needless austerities, socializing, and restlessness - hatha yoga pradipika 1.15"
Nowadays rather than a deep immersion into solitude for self-discovery and personal growth, yoga and meditation retreats have increasingly become synonymous with socializing and entertainment in overcrowded groups.
With our yoga and meditation retreats in Nagano, we redefine the retreat experience by returning to yoga’s true essence, by putting the teachings and students first, providing a learning and practical experience that goes beyond superficial pleasures to foster inner peace and stillness of the mind.
With Shakaizen, we aim to offer a sanctuary, focusing on authentic yoga and meditation practices that honor the ancient teachings. You won’t eat, pray, love but instead fast, think and practice.
Authentic
Retreats that do not involve new age pseudo practices, focusing solely on the classical teachings of yoga to ensure an authentic experience.
Intimate
Retreats limited to a maximum of 4 persons, ensuring personalized attention and a more meaningful experience.
Pragmatic
A pragmatic approach, with an emphasis on learning through observation, reflection, critical thinking and practical applications.
Experience
Yoga and meditation retreats led by a highly experienced teacher who bring a wealth of knowledge and real life experience.
Nagano Retreat Details
The retreat program is meticulously crafted to offer a profound experience that nurtures your body, mind, and spirit. Each day is structured to provide a balanced blend of yoga practices, meditation, and philosophical study, guiding you on a journey of inner transformation and mental calmness.
Asana, the physical practice of yoga postures, forms the foundation of a balanced and holistic practice. The asana classes are designed to condition the body, making it a strong and flexible vessel capable of sustaining long periods of seated pranayama and meditation practice.
In the classical tradition of yoga, asana serves a purpose far beyond achieving physical fitness. In modern yoga, series of postures derived from Hindu gymnastics are practiced to create a strong, flexible, and healthy body capable to achieve asana, laying the groundwork for the higher stages of yoga.
HATHA
We follow the teachings of classical hatha yoga, providing a calm and steady pace that allows for deep exploration of each posture and its effects on the body and mind.
VINYASA
We integrate principles of vinyasa, connecting movement and breath to create fluid sequences of postures, enhancing both physical vitality and mental clarity.
IYENGAR
We draw from the principles of Iyengar Yoga, emphasizing proper alignment and precision in each posture to prevent injuries and maximizes the benefits of your practice.
VINIYOGA
In the spirit of Krishnamacharya, we offer personalized modifications to ensure that each posture is accessible and beneficial to you, regardless of your level of experience.
Pranayama, the practice of breath control, is a vital component of yoga that bridges the physical and mental realms. The pranayama classes are designed to teach you the fundamentals of breath control and its significance in yoga practice.
Pranayama is derived from two Sanskrit words: “prana,” meaning life force or vital energy, and “ayama,” meaning to extend or control. Together, pranayama refers to the regulation of breath to enhance the flow of prana throughout the body and mind.
Pranayama is where all modern breath training methods or breathwork originated from, but its practice does not stop at the layer of the breath. It is also about cultivating awareness and harnessing the breath to restrain the senses and act as a preparation for concentration practices.
KRIYA
Kriyas are cleansing techniques that purify the body, enhance respiratory function, and clear mental blockages, setting the stage for effective pranayama and meditation.
PRANAYAMA
From Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) to Bhramari (bee breath), these practices balance the nervous system, calm the mind, and connect you to a deeper sense of inner peace.
BANDHA
Bandhas, or body locks, are techniques that direct, control and help channel the flow of prana within the body, leading to greater physical strength and mental focus.
MUDRA
Mudras are symbolic hand gestures that influence the flow of energy in the body and align the mind with specific states of consciousness, helping you achieve inner harmony.
The meditation classes are designed to offer you the tools needed to cultivate a state of inner peace and mental clarity.
Meditation is not something that you can practice or teach. Meditation is a state of absorption, that you achieve through the practice of concentration techniques. Every person’s mind is different, and each individual will find that certain techniques resonate more deeply with them.
We guide you through a variety of essential techniques, helping you quiet the mind and reach a state of profound inner stillness.
TRATAK
Tratak is a concentration technique that involves focusing your gaze on a single point, such as a candle flame.
JAPA
Japa uses the repetition of a mantra, a sacred sound, word, or phrase to focus the mind and deepen your meditation practice.
VISUALIZATION
Visualization is a concentration technique that involves creating vivid mental images to evoke a state of mental clarity.
ZAZEN
Zazen involves cultivating a state of present-moment awareness, where you let your thoughts pass by without judgment.
The philosophy classes cover ancient texts and classical scriptures that form the foundation of yoga and meditation to offer a clearer and deeper insight into the practice.
By grounding your practice in the ancient and sacred teachings of yoga philosophy, you can navigate your yoga journey with authenticity and depth, ensuring that every aspect of your practice is meaningful and transformative.
Our philosophy program is structured around four essential texts, to offer a wealth of knowledge.
THE YOGA SUTRA OF PATANJALI
The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali is considered the cornerstone of yoga philosophy, outlining the eightfold path of Ashtanga Yoga. These sutras provide a detailed guide to living a life of ethical discipline, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.
THE HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is one of the foundational texts of Hatha Yoga, focusing on the physical practices that prepare the body for higher states of meditation. This text covers techniques such as asanas, pranayama, mudras, and bandhas.
THE BHAGAVAD GITA
The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, offers insights into the nature of life and duty. This epic presents various paths of yoga, including Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga.
THE WHITE LOTUS SUTRA
The White Lotus Sutra of The Good Dharma is a key text in Mahayana Buddhism, known for its teachings on the nature of enlightenment, the importance of compassion, wisdom, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
Nagano, Japan
8 Days/7 Nights Retreat
- 7 Nights accommodation in private room
- 7 Days of practice
- Group size 1-4 persons
- Dinner included
- Unlimited tea
- Fruits and snacks
- 1 x 60 minutes yoga asana class per day
- 1 x 60 minutes yoga philosophy class
- 1 x 45 minutes pranayama class per day
- 1 x 15 minutes meditation class per day
- 1 x 15 minutes zen origami lesson per day
- Nara forest walk
- Japanese traditional painting lesson
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights
- Transfers
- Breakfast & Lunch
15 Days/14 Nights Retreat
$5000
- 14 Nights accommodation in private room
- 14 Days of practice
- Group size 1-4 persons
- Dinner included
- Unlimited tea
- Fruits and snacks
- 1 x 60 minutes yoga asana class per day
- 1 x 60 minutes yoga philosophy class
- 1 x 45 minutes pranayama class per day
- 1 x 15 minutes meditation class per day
- 1 x 15 minutes zen origami lesson per day
- Nara forest walk
- Japanese traditional painting lesson
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights
- Transfers
- Breakfast & Lunch
22 Days/21 Nights Retreat
- 21 Nights accommodation in private room
- 21 Days of practice
- Group size 1-4 persons
- Dinner included
- Unlimited tea
- Fruits and snacks
- 1 x 60 minutes yoga asana class per day
- 1 x 60 minutes yoga philosophy class
- 1 x 45 minutes pranayama class per day
- 1 x 15 minutes meditation class per day
- 1 x 15 minutes zen origami lesson per day
- Nara forest walk
- Japanese traditional painting lesson
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights
- Transfers
- Breakfast & Lunch