Yoga & Snow Adventure Retreat
Hakuba, Japan
Yoga & Snow Adventure Retreat!
*** Postponed until 2025 ***
Do you love yoga, winter, snow and sipping a warm drink by the fire? Are you an avid skier or snowboarder who also loves yoga? Are you a yoga retreat lover who just wants to play in the snow and sit in the hot springs after yoga. Have you ever wanted to explore Japan? Or maybe you've been before and want to come back for the 'Japow' (Japanese powder experience). Well this is the retreat for you!
Join Varsha Yoga in Hakuba, Japan for the perfect balance of yoga, ski/snowbarding, exploration, food and culture! Six nights and seven days of skiing, snowboarding, hot pools, snow monkeys, and of course YOGA! We will be staying at a beautiful hotel right in Echoland, the main area of Hakuba close to many restaurants, ski areas, a day spa and transport. Our hotel has a yoga studio on the premesis where you will enjoy twice daily yoga and meditation. Twin share accomodation is encouraged as this is a busy time of year for Hakuba and they like to fill all of the beds, however there is a private room option available for you.
Why you need this in your life:
This retreat will rekindle your love of adventure. You will get plenty of opportunities to challenge yourself and be active. Our morning yoga classes will prep you for your day on the slopes and our restorative evening classes will allow you to stretch out after working hard and having fun all day. You will get to eat amazing food. You will get to see the snow monkeys who frequent the local Onsens (hot pools). You will get to experience the Onsens yourself (monkey free). You will make some new friends, and you will get to see and experience authentic Japanese culture. Most importantly if you are coming for the snow.... you can ski and ride to your heart's content.
This Retreat is for you if you:
- love winter and yoga
- love Japan already or have always wanted to go there
- are dying to ride the JAPOW
- are a beginner or seasoned yogi
- are a beginner or seasoned skier or snowboarder (lessons are available)
- want to experience twice daily yoga, daily meditation
- want to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland and local culture
- want the freedom to do what you want during the day
- want to explore and be active
- have never been to Japan and don't know where to start
This Retreat is NOT for you if you:
- are looking for warm weather and palm trees (join us in Bali instead!)
- are looking for a detox/cleanse
- are looking for spiritual enlightenment
- are looking for the 5 star "resort" experience
- are looking for somewhere to take the kids
I am keeping it light and relaxed with many, many options tailored to you. I have planned this retreat to be exactly what I would want if I was attending a yoga retreat in a ski town. Small group, beautiful stylish hotel, affordable price tag, afternoon drinks by the fire, and lots of available optional activities that can be easily arranged with the onsite staff. Some additional activities might include, skiing or snowboarding, trips to local onsens, massage or spa treatments, trips to local cultural sites, shopping, private yoga or meditation workshops or anything else you can think of. I am available to help you plan any additional activities, but please note these additional activities are not included in the price of the retreat. You are also welcome to skip anything you don't want to do or just bring a book and relax by the fire. The choice is yours as this is your retreat.
So what is Included?
This retreat is quite affordable for Japan at this time of year and here is everything that's included:
- Six nights accommodation at our ski lodge hotel in Hakuba
- Two yoga/meditation/yoga nidra classes per day in our private Yoga Studio
- Full day trip to see the snow monkeys, national park and cultural sites (includes lunch and transport)
- Daily buffet breakfast, tea and coffee
- Onsite staff for assistance with planning other excursions or activities
- Yakuta pajamas for use during your stay as well as slippers
- Free shuttles run from near the hotel to all the different ski resorts and hills in Hakuba Valley
What's not included:
- Flights to Tokyo. Narita or Haneda Aiports
- Airport transfers (we can help you to arrange them)
- Luggage transfers (this is how the Japanese do it so they can travel light on the trains and it's very affordable)
- Travel insurance (is mandatory and MUST include winter snow sport cover if you plan on skiing/snowboarding)
- Lunch, dinner and drinks (mainly because we will be out on the slopes or exploring)
- Additional activities like sking and snowboarding are not included because there are so many different options available.
So if this all sounds perfect for you here's a bit more about the rooms:
Our hotel is located in Echoland which is right in the centre of all the action. There are two types of rooms to choose from. The deluxe rooms are located in the main building. They are a bit newer, larger and the beds are a bit wider. Annex rooms are in the building next door and are a bit older and smaller. All bedrooms can be configured with one large double bed or two single beds. Each room has its own ensuite bathroom. There are also triple and quadruple Annex rooms available if you have a group of 3 or 4 friends wanting to share. Contact us for pricing on this room option.
Have a look at the photos below to start drooling!
Do you love yoga, winter, snow and sipping a warm drink by the fire? Are you an avid skier or snowboarder who also loves yoga? Are you a yoga retreat lover who just wants to play in the snow and sit in the hot springs after yoga. Have you ever wanted to explore Japan? Or maybe you've been before and want to come back for the 'Japow' (Japanese powder experience). Well this is the retreat for you!
Join Varsha Yoga in Hakuba, Japan for the perfect balance of yoga, ski/snowbarding, exploration, food and culture! Six nights and seven days of skiing, snowboarding, hot pools, snow monkeys, and of course YOGA! We will be staying at a beautiful hotel right in Echoland, the main area of Hakuba close to many restaurants, ski areas, a day spa and transport. Our hotel has a yoga studio on the premesis where you will enjoy twice daily yoga and meditation. Twin share accomodation is encouraged as this is a busy time of year for Hakuba and they like to fill all of the beds, however there is a private room option available for you.
Why you need this in your life:
This retreat will rekindle your love of adventure. You will get plenty of opportunities to challenge yourself and be active. Our morning yoga classes will prep you for your day on the slopes and our restorative evening classes will allow you to stretch out after working hard and having fun all day. You will get to eat amazing food. You will get to see the snow monkeys who frequent the local Onsens (hot pools). You will get to experience the Onsens yourself (monkey free). You will make some new friends, and you will get to see and experience authentic Japanese culture. Most importantly if you are coming for the snow.... you can ski and ride to your heart's content.
This Retreat is for you if you:
- love winter and yoga
- love Japan already or have always wanted to go there
- are dying to ride the JAPOW
- are a beginner or seasoned yogi
- are a beginner or seasoned skier or snowboarder (lessons are available)
- want to experience twice daily yoga, daily meditation
- want to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland and local culture
- want the freedom to do what you want during the day
- want to explore and be active
- have never been to Japan and don't know where to start
This Retreat is NOT for you if you:
- are looking for warm weather and palm trees (join us in Bali instead!)
- are looking for a detox/cleanse
- are looking for spiritual enlightenment
- are looking for the 5 star "resort" experience
- are looking for somewhere to take the kids
I am keeping it light and relaxed with many, many options tailored to you. I have planned this retreat to be exactly what I would want if I was attending a yoga retreat in a ski town. Small group, beautiful stylish hotel, affordable price tag, afternoon drinks by the fire, and lots of available optional activities that can be easily arranged with the onsite staff. Some additional activities might include, skiing or snowboarding, trips to local onsens, massage or spa treatments, trips to local cultural sites, shopping, private yoga or meditation workshops or anything else you can think of. I am available to help you plan any additional activities, but please note these additional activities are not included in the price of the retreat. You are also welcome to skip anything you don't want to do or just bring a book and relax by the fire. The choice is yours as this is your retreat.
So what is Included?
This retreat is quite affordable for Japan at this time of year and here is everything that's included:
- Six nights accommodation at our ski lodge hotel in Hakuba
- Two yoga/meditation/yoga nidra classes per day in our private Yoga Studio
- Full day trip to see the snow monkeys, national park and cultural sites (includes lunch and transport)
- Daily buffet breakfast, tea and coffee
- Onsite staff for assistance with planning other excursions or activities
- Yakuta pajamas for use during your stay as well as slippers
- Free shuttles run from near the hotel to all the different ski resorts and hills in Hakuba Valley
What's not included:
- Flights to Tokyo. Narita or Haneda Aiports
- Airport transfers (we can help you to arrange them)
- Luggage transfers (this is how the Japanese do it so they can travel light on the trains and it's very affordable)
- Travel insurance (is mandatory and MUST include winter snow sport cover if you plan on skiing/snowboarding)
- Lunch, dinner and drinks (mainly because we will be out on the slopes or exploring)
- Additional activities like sking and snowboarding are not included because there are so many different options available.
So if this all sounds perfect for you here's a bit more about the rooms:
Our hotel is located in Echoland which is right in the centre of all the action. There are two types of rooms to choose from. The deluxe rooms are located in the main building. They are a bit newer, larger and the beds are a bit wider. Annex rooms are in the building next door and are a bit older and smaller. All bedrooms can be configured with one large double bed or two single beds. Each room has its own ensuite bathroom. There are also triple and quadruple Annex rooms available if you have a group of 3 or 4 friends wanting to share. Contact us for pricing on this room option.
Have a look at the photos below to start drooling!
Ready for JAPOW? Ok. Here are the details you require.
When: TBA... all dates and pricing is from 2020. Website will be updated when new dates are confirmed
Where: Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture 3020-682, Japan
Prices:
SUPER EARLY BIRD SPECIAL! SAVE OVER $200 Until May 1st, 2020:
$1565 AUD per person twin share or double in Annex room
$1805 AUD per person twin share or double in Deluxe room
$2085 AUD per person private Annex room
$2325 AUD per person private Deluxe room
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL! SAVE $100 from May 2nd until July 1st, 2020:
$1690 AUD per person twin share in Annex room
$1930 AUD per person twin share in Deluxe room
$2190 AUD per person private Annex room
$2430 AUD per person private Deluxe room
After July 1st:
$1790 AUD per person twin share in Annex room
$2030 AUD per person twin share in Deluxe room
$2290 AUD per person private Annex room
$2530 AUD per person private Deluxe room
Additional costs for ski/snowboard lift tickets, rentals and lessons aren't released until later in the year. We do get discounted lift tickets through our hotel, to Happo-one and possibly other mountains TBA (we can help arrange all of this). I've listed last year's aproximate prices (subject to change and exchange rate fluctuation) so please use this as a guide only:
1 day lift pass to Happo-one (discounted): $65 AUD
2 day lift pass to Happo-one (discounted): $115 AUD
3 day lift pass to any mountain in Hakuba: $225 AUD
Ski/snowboard & boot hire: $65 AUD per day
Lessons: $125 AUD for 2.5 hour, $170 AUD for 4.5 hour (with a break)
I will post the updated prices as soon as they are released but this will allow you to plan and budget. I can also help you book all of these things ahead of time.
Getting there:
Hakuba is about 5 hours by car, bus or train from the airports in Tokyo. There are a variety of methods to get to Hakuba and the hotel staff will pick you up from Hakuba Station. Direct airport transfers are probably the easiest but also the most expensive. If you plan on doing some sightseeing in Tokyo first, then you can catch a direct bus or train from Shinjuku Station to Hakuba station for a fraction of the price and send your luggage with one of the very reliable luggage transfer services if you don't want to lug it around with you. There's also various train and bullet train options if you want to get there faster.
Here are some example prices, but I will send you much more detailed directions and information upon booking.
Door to door Airport Transfers: $140 each way
Bus from Shinjuku: $75 each way
Luggage transfer from Airport to Hakuba (if you want to do some hands-free exploring without lugging your skis around with you): $35 each way
When: TBA... all dates and pricing is from 2020. Website will be updated when new dates are confirmed
Where: Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture 3020-682, Japan
Prices:
SUPER EARLY BIRD SPECIAL! SAVE OVER $200 Until May 1st, 2020:
$1565 AUD per person twin share or double in Annex room
$1805 AUD per person twin share or double in Deluxe room
$2085 AUD per person private Annex room
$2325 AUD per person private Deluxe room
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL! SAVE $100 from May 2nd until July 1st, 2020:
$1690 AUD per person twin share in Annex room
$1930 AUD per person twin share in Deluxe room
$2190 AUD per person private Annex room
$2430 AUD per person private Deluxe room
After July 1st:
$1790 AUD per person twin share in Annex room
$2030 AUD per person twin share in Deluxe room
$2290 AUD per person private Annex room
$2530 AUD per person private Deluxe room
Additional costs for ski/snowboard lift tickets, rentals and lessons aren't released until later in the year. We do get discounted lift tickets through our hotel, to Happo-one and possibly other mountains TBA (we can help arrange all of this). I've listed last year's aproximate prices (subject to change and exchange rate fluctuation) so please use this as a guide only:
1 day lift pass to Happo-one (discounted): $65 AUD
2 day lift pass to Happo-one (discounted): $115 AUD
3 day lift pass to any mountain in Hakuba: $225 AUD
Ski/snowboard & boot hire: $65 AUD per day
Lessons: $125 AUD for 2.5 hour, $170 AUD for 4.5 hour (with a break)
I will post the updated prices as soon as they are released but this will allow you to plan and budget. I can also help you book all of these things ahead of time.
Getting there:
Hakuba is about 5 hours by car, bus or train from the airports in Tokyo. There are a variety of methods to get to Hakuba and the hotel staff will pick you up from Hakuba Station. Direct airport transfers are probably the easiest but also the most expensive. If you plan on doing some sightseeing in Tokyo first, then you can catch a direct bus or train from Shinjuku Station to Hakuba station for a fraction of the price and send your luggage with one of the very reliable luggage transfer services if you don't want to lug it around with you. There's also various train and bullet train options if you want to get there faster.
Here are some example prices, but I will send you much more detailed directions and information upon booking.
Door to door Airport Transfers: $140 each way
Bus from Shinjuku: $75 each way
Luggage transfer from Airport to Hakuba (if you want to do some hands-free exploring without lugging your skis around with you): $35 each way
Japan
Japan is a beautiful country with rich history, culture and customs. It is one of the safest places to travel to and petty crime is almost non-existent. Japanase people embody a culture of deep respect towards one another and this creates a beautiful, harmonious society. People are happy to help out a foreigner in need, but don't assume that everyone speaks English. It's a great idea to learn a few words and phrases in Japanese, and have google translate installed on your phone. It's also advisable to research local customs and signs of respect/disrespect to show that you have made an effort to respect Japanese people and their beautiful country.
Cancellation policy:
All prices are in AUD. A $250 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. An additional payment of $500 is due by August 1st, 2020. Bookings made after August 1st are subject to availability and will require a $750 non-refundable deposit. Remainder of payment is due by Friday, November 27th, 2020. If final payment is not received by November 27th your place may be given to the next on the waiting list and you will lose your $250 deposit and $500 payment. Any cancellations made on or before August 1st will receive a refund of any payments made less $250 non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made after August 1st and before November 27th will receive a refund of any payments made less $750. Cancellations made on or after November 27th will not be able to be refunded. Payment plans available upon request.