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Zen Kokyū, or Zen Breathing encourages us to be more mindful of our breathing, and can be used as a tool to improve our health and wellbeing.

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New Year.

New Beginning.

The New Year is a special time in Japan, when you can truly experience the essence of Japanese culture at its peak. This retreat offers a rare chance to step away, immerse yourself in ancient traditions, and learn a practice that creates lasting calm.

Five days of Zen Breathing practice with Yuki Shiina, traditional New Year customs, and natural hot springs. The perfect way to begin 2026.

What to expect

Daily Zen Breathing with Yuki Shiina（Masterclass requires an additional fee）

Learn how posture creates breath, and how breath creates calm

Access to Natural Hot Springs

Natural onsen to restore body and mind

Traditional New Year Customs

Experience mochi pounding with hand-harvested rice, miso-making (take home in a cedar box), temple incense ceremony*

Meals & Accomodation

4 shojin-style vegan breakfasts featuring Yuki's own rice and miso, plus 1 special soba kaiseki dinner

Ground Transportation

Round-trip from Ueda Station (90 min from Tokyo via Shinkansen)

Government-Supported Monitor Program Free of charge.

Participants are asked to provide feedback

*Organized by the Shinshu Ueda ZEN Agri-Treat Promotion Council under a government-supported program implemented with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan.
Introductory Zen breathing is included. The masterclass is optional and offered separately.

Retreat Information

Dates

January 13–17, 2026 (5 days, 4 nights)

Location

Earthworks Gallery, Bessho Onsen, Nagano

Meeting Point

Ueda Station (90 min from Tokyo)

Capacity

6 participants only

Cost:

$1,500 USD

ZEN Agri-Treat Monitor Tour Participation Fee: Free (Monitor Program) Optional Program Breathing Masterclass Participation Fee: USD 1,500

You'll receive ¥40,000 cash at the beginning of the retreat and will be asked to complete a feedback questionnaire afterward to help us refine future retreats.

Bonus: Free Online Zen Breathing Video Set included with all bookings (Valued at $49.99 USD)

Yuki Shiina is an expert of breathing
techniques, author, and the founder of Zen Kokyū.

Known for helping people restore health and well-being through her unique breathing methods. She is a published author, breathwork advisor, and experienced workshop facilitator, with global recognition for empowering thousands to improve mind and body health naturally

Yuki has a good sense of humour, and I had a lot of fun in the lesson

When I listened to Yuki speaking directly, I found many of the things she was saying to be very valuable. Everything she said left a deep impression on me. Yuki also has a good sense of humour, and I had a lot of fun in the lesson.

K.T., former student

It was an eye-opening experience

I loved the experience, it was very eye-opening for me. I never realized how much my posture and breathing could affect my overall well being.

Laura, former student

I have a new awareness of my body

I feel so much more aware of my body, and where and how breathe comes and leaves through my body.

Devyani, former student

A lesson we'll treasure for life

We learned many things that I am certain will help us for better health throughout our lives.

Valerie, former student

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