Returning to Your Essence
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Women
A Six-Day Immersive Wellbeing & Cultural Journey Through the Healing Traditions of Japan
3–8 October 2027 | Gunma Prefecture, Japan
"Treading gently along new paths, brings us back to ourselves"
There comes a time in many women's lives when achievement no longer feels enough.
Perhaps you've built a successful career, raised a family, supported others or spent years striving for the next milestone.
Yet somewhere beneath the busyness is a quiet longing.
A longing to slow down
To breathe more deeply
To reconnect
To nourish
To rediscover wonder
To return to yourself
We created Returning to Your Essence because we believe wellbeing isn't something we find—it is something we return to through practice and nurturing ourselves.
Japan has quietly mastered this art for centuries.
Its people embrace rituals rather than routines. Food is medicine. Bathing is ceremony. Nature is teacher.
Rest is respected. Simplicity is celebrated.
The work hard at relaxing
For six beautiful days, you'll step away from the demands of modern life and immerse yourself in these timeless traditions, experiencing a side of Japan that few international visitors ever discover.
This is far more than a holiday.
It is an invitation to experience another way of living—and perhaps discover another way of being.
Why Japan?
Japan consistently ranks among the healthiest and longest-living countries in the world. But longevity isn't simply about genetics.
It is found in everyday rituals.
Moving gently.
Eating seasonally.
Walking often.
Bathing slowly.
Connecting with community.
Honouring nature.
Finding beauty in simplicity.
Throughout this retreat you'll discover these practices firsthand, taking home practical rituals that can continue nourishing your life long after you've returned home.
Why Gunma?
Hidden amongst the mountains of central Japan lies one of the country's best-kept secrets.
Away from the crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto, Gunma is a place where life moves more gently. Ancient forests, crystal-clear rivers, sacred temples and traditional villages create an environment that naturally invites you to slow down, and connect with your flow.
Our retreat is based in the peaceful mountain village of Shima Onsen, renowned for its mineral-rich hot springs and breathtaking natural beauty.
For more than a thousand years people have travelled here seeking restoration.
The healing waters are rich in naturally occurring minerals that have long been valued for their ability to soothe tired muscles, encourage circulation and promote deep relaxation.
Yet perhaps their greatest gift is something less tangible.
In Japan, bathing is more than cleansing the body.
It is a ritual.
An opportunity to become fully present.
To let go.
To simply be.
Surrounded by forests, mountains and the extraordinary blue waters of Lake Shima, you'll experience a rhythm of life which reminds us that healing often begins when we stop trying so hard and moving too fast.
What you'll experience
Every element of this retreat has been thoughtfully curated to nurture your body, calm your nervous system and awaken your curiosity.
MOVE
Yoga
Himalayan Breathwork
Forest bathing
Somatic movement
Gentle stretching
Kiko energy practices
Hiking
Restore
Japanese onsen bathing
Massage
Yoga Nidra
Meditation
Lymphatic drainage
Deep rest
Hydrotheraoy
Nourish
Traditional Japanese cuisine
Seasonal local produce
Food as medicine
Mindful eating
Tea tasting
Connection through food
Pure waters
embrace
Sacred temples
Hidden mountain villages
Traditional artisans
Ancient indigo dyeing
Glass workshops
Ancient wisdom
Journaling and reflection
Your Journey
Day One — Arrive
Meet in Tokyo before travelling to the beautiful mountains of Gunma and settle into our traditional Japanese inn.. We'll orient you on some local customs before gathering for an optional Yoga Nidra and our welcome dinner.
Day Two — Slow Down
Begin your day with yoga, breathwork and meditation before immersing yourself in the healing waters of traditional onsen.
Visit the spectacular blue waters of Lake Shima, breathe in the crisp forest air and embrace the slower rhythm of mountain life.
Day Three — Awaken
Discover the artistry and traditions of rural Japan while we visit local artisans to awaken our creativity. Enjoy a beautiful temple walk that echoes the past and traditional regional cuisine. Today is about slowing down enough to notice the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Day Four — Restore
Today is devoted entirely to restoration. Enjoy massage, Kiko practice, meditation, onsen bathing or simply spend time resting with a book overlooking the mountains. There is nowhere to rush. Nothing to achieve.
Only space to breathe.
Day Five — Embrace
Travel to the beautiful mountain town of Karuizawa.
Wander charming streets filled with boutiques, cafés and artisan stores before enjoying afternoon tea at an historic Hotel.
Day Six — Return
Share an authentic meal and experience the warmth that sits at the heart of Japanese culture before returning to Tokyo and parting ways with lifelong memories.
Your Guides
Every meaningful journey begins with trusted guides.
For more than fifteen years, we’ve been neighbours, friends and each other’s biggest supporters through many of life’s seasons. We’ve celebrated milestones together, navigated challenges together and shared a deep appreciation for the things that truly matter—connection, wellbeing, adventure and living a meaningful life.
It was from countless conversations over cups of coffee, pilates sessions and chats on the deck and a shared love of that travel this retreat was born.
Together, we have created this experience from a common belief that true wellbeing isn’t about becoming someone different.
It is about returning to yourself.
Jade Lee
Jade is a yoga teacher, mindfulness educator, breathwork and meditation facilitator, Pilates instructor, author and workplace wellbeing specialist who is passionate about helping people reconnect with themselves through ancient wisdom and modern science.
Drawing on years of study and practice in yoga philosophy, meditation, breathwork, somatic healing and nervous system regulation, Jade creates experiences that are both deeply restorative and profoundly practical. Her teaching is warm, authentic and accessible, blending movement, mindfulness and self-reflection to help participants reconnect with themselves and create lives they don’t need to escape from.
Jade believes that beneath the noise of modern life lies an innate wisdom that can be rediscovered through presence, movement and breath.
Nicole Patterson
Nicole is an experienced international business professional with a lifelong connection to Japan.
Having lived, worked and married into a Japanese family, Nicole offers a rare insight into Japanese culture that extends far beyond the typical tourist experience. For many years she has welcomed international executives, delegates and VIP visitors to Japan, introducing them to hidden places, local traditions and authentic cultural experiences that few overseas travellers ever encounter.
Nicole’s deep local knowledge, relationships, respect and love of Japanese culture allow our guests to experience the real Japan—the quiet mountain villages, family-run businesses, sacred spaces and everyday rituals that have shaped one of the world’s healthiest and longest-living cultures.
Together
Our friendship is at the heart of this retreat.
While Jade gently guides your inner journey through yoga, meditation, breathwork and somatic practices, Nicole opens the door to the hidden heart of Japan through authentic cultural experiences and local connections.
Together, we hope to create more than a memorable holiday. We hope to create an experience that leaves you feeling rested, inspired and deeply connected—to yourself, to others and to a beautiful way of living that you can carry home long after the journey ends.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Japan and share this extraordinary experience with you.
What's Included
✔ Five nights' accommodation
✔ Transportation throughout the retreat while in Gunma
✔ Breakfast daily, plus selected lunches and dinners
✔ Daily yoga, meditation and breathwork
✔ Traditional Japanese onsen experiences
✔ Kiko sessions
✔ Selected wellness treatments
✔ Cultural excursions and entry fees
✔ Retreat workbook
✔ Two live online pre-departure sessions, including cultural preparation, retreat orientation and your comprehensive packing guide
✔ One post-retreat online integration session to help you continue bringing the practices of Japan into everyday life
To Note
One of Japan's most treasured traditions is communal onsen bathing.
Public onsens are enjoyed without swimwear and are deeply rooted in respect, acceptance and simplicity. We have incorporated options for private bathing.
Before your first visit we'll explain the etiquette and cultural significance so you feel informed, comfortable and supported.
Participation is always your choice.
Your Wellbeing Investment:
AUD $6,300 per person
For an intimate retreat immersion with limited participants
Your Investment Includes
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Five nights' accommodation
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Transportation throughout the retreat including personal driver
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Daily yoga, meditation and breathwork
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Traditional onsen experiences
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Kiko and selected wellness treatments
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Cultural excursions, workshops and entry fees
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Breakfast and dinner daily
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Retreat workbook and resources
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Two online pre-departure preparation sessions
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One post-retreat integration session
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A signed copy What my Sherpa Taught me about Teams “A guide to engagement at work”
Not Included
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International airfares
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Travel insurance (comprehensive travel insurance is essential)
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Meals not specified in the itinerary
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Personal purchases and optional activities outside the retreat
Secure you spot
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A $500 non-refundable deposit secures your place.
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The remaining balance is payable 90 days prior to departure.
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Due to the intimate nature of this experience, places are expected to fill quickly.
Terms And Conditions
1. Accommodation is twin share, if you are travelling alone, you will be sharing with someone of the same sex.
2. To confirm your booking, we require a non-refundable hold deposit of A$500.
3. Hold deposits are non-refundable.
4. Hold deposits are transferable to another new attendee found and assigned by original attendee.
5. Full balance due 90 days before start date of trip unless otherwise noted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need yoga experience?
Not at all. All practices are designed to be accessible and can be adapted to suit varying levels of experience and mobility.
I'm travelling on my own. Is that okay?
Absolutely. Many guests join our retreats solo, and you'll quickly become part of a warm and supportive community.
I've never experienced an onsen before.
Neither have most of our guests. We'll gently guide you through the etiquette and cultural traditions so you feel comfortable and informed.
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Are dietary requirements catered for?
Where possible, yes. Please let us know your dietary requirements when booking and we'll work with our accommodation providers to accommodate your needs wherever possible.
Return Home Changed
The Japanese have a beautiful word:
Kaeru (帰る).
It means to return home.
Our hope is that when you leave Japan, you won't simply be returning home to Australia.
You'll be returning home to yourself.
We would be honoured to share this journey with you.
Returning to Your Essence
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Women.
To discuss this opportunity:
Please contact Jade Lee +61 439 660 060
or Nicole Patterson +61 435 969 326