Nagano, Japan Qigong Retreat: Autumn 2025

Join us in Nagano prefecture, Japan, for a week of Qigong, Japanese cuisine, natural hot springs, mountains, and monkeys. November 17 - 22, 2025.

Stay in a traditional "Ryokan", embrace nature, and deepen your Qigong

A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese retreat center, focused around an Onsen, or natural hot spring.

  • Includes 6 Days and 5 nights stay at Senjukaku Ryokan

  • Includes breakfast and dinner daily, prepared by onsite chefs using local, seasonal ingredients

  • Two to three deep Qigong & Meditation sessions daily to revitalize mind, body, and spirit

  • Learn a new Monkey Qigong set, while observing the local Macaques

  • Learn Jing Gong meditations for inner transformation

  • Learn Huo Gu Nourishing Qigong

  • Learn the Daoist Wudang Taiji 28 Form

  • Walking distance from "Snow Monkey Park" where you can see the famous monkeys in their natural mineral pools

  • Walking distance to local shrines, temples, and miles of hiking trails through the mountains

  • A beautiful Zen garden, communal Onsen's, and private Onsen's are all available on property

Experience the Famous Monkeys

Japanese Macaques at Snow Monkey Park

Our Ryokan resort is just 15 minutes away from Snow Monkey Park; a natural preserve in the mountains where you can view the monkeys up close in their hot spring pools. You can relax in a secluded pool of your own at the local Onsen, view one of the only geysers in Japan, or go for a longer hike on the trails, all a short walk from the park entrance. Of course, our Qigong lessons will include the monkey frolics!

Traditional Japanese Gardens

Like you've never seen before

You think you've seen a Japanese garden, until you actually go to Japan! They are truly on a different level there, and the effect on your mind and spirit reflects the timeless wisdom in their curation. Our Ryokan has its own gardens right on property (pictured here), which you can stroll through meditatively, or simply observe from the dining room or lounge. The garden is always changing with the seasons, so for a fall experience, the deep red of the famous Momiji, or Japanese Maples, will light up the gardens. Many say fall is the most beautiful time of year to visit Japan!

Onsen's Onsite

The largest natural hot spring in Nagano Prefecture

The Ryokan we are staying at has multiple Onsens (hot mineral baths) fed by the highest volume natural hot spring in Nagano. Over 1000 tons of hot mineral water flow from deep in the earth and run through the Onsen baths every day. These baths can be healing for the skin, hair, nails, joints, muscles, nerves, and spirit. Our Ryokan has a large outdoor communal Onsen in the forest (pictured here), a large indoor communal Onsen, and private Onsen's you can rent very affordably. There is also a large indoor heated pool available for swimming.

Indulge in Your Health

Traditional Japanese chefs prepare intricate meals

How fortunate that a country with such delicious food also has the best health outcomes and longest lifespans in the world. While on this retreat, you can relax, and know that your health, and palate, are in good hands. Breakfast and dinner is served every day, and included in the cost of the retreat. Meals are inspired by the season, and feature locally grown produce from the surrounding regions. For November, the theme of the meals is called Shukaku, or Harvest. Vegans and vegetarians will find plenty of animal-free dishes, and most dishes are gluten free. For those feeling less adventurous, western style breakfasts are available upon request (eggs, toast, etc.) Guests are welcome to explore the nearby cafe's and restaurants during lunchtime.

Explore Nature & Culture

Where majestic mountains meet timeless tradition

Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Nagano is a region of stunning natural beauty and deep cultural heritage. Host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, this area is renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, dense forests, and winding rivers—all of which create the perfect backdrop for a transformative retreat. We'll take a special afternoon excursion to Matsumoto Castle (pictured here)—one of Japan’s last remaining original Shogun castles. Unlike most reconstructed castles, this architectural treasure has stood for centuries as a symbol of Samurai strength and elegance. Our home for the retreat, a traditional ryokan inn, is peacefully tucked into nature yet steps away from a network of historic Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Just up the road, you’ll find the famous Snow Monkey Park, offering scenic hiking trails through serene mountain terrain. The ryokan strikes the perfect balance—secluded enough to feel the calm of the forest, yet close enough to enjoy the comforts and charm of nearby village life.

Serenity Through Mastery

Tame the mind, heal the body, unleash the power of life force energy

Learn new skills never before taught publicly by Nick. Sets will include dynamic Monkey Frolics, a Daoist Wudang style Tai Chi set, and Huo Gu Nourishing Qigong. Also master Jing Gong (internal Qigong - usually done seated) such as the Turtle and Deer breathing, and other skills for inner transformation. Daily practice will include at least two deep Qigong, Tai Chi, and Meditation sessions, typically lasting between 1.5 and 2 hours, in the morning and afternoon. In the evenings, a shorter session will be taught, to help with deep sleep and healing.

FAQ

  • How hard is it to travel Japan without speaking Japanese?

    Easier than you might think! Airports, hotels, and train stations have everything written and spoken in both Japanese and English. Plus, my wife Charity and her mom Kyoko will both be there to translate when needed. They speak fluent Japanese, and will be available by phone or in person for any translation needs. (No, Kyoko isn't cooking this time, sorry! She's just coming for fun)

  • Isn't it expensive to fly to Japan?

    Currently, we are seeing much lower than average prices for flights. You can fly from most major cities in the US, Canada, Europe, the UK, or Australia for between $450 and $900 round trip. We would recommend taking advantage of the deposit option here, and buying your plane tickets well in advance while the prices are still low!

  • What weather should I prepare for?

    Japan is quite cool in the fall, especially in the mountains. Bring layers so you can warm up or cool down as we train and do activities through the day. Rain is not too uncommon, so proper rain gear will help you enjoy the experience to fullest.

  • Do you give refunds?

    No, unfortunately we aren't able to offer refunds. However, we may be able to provide you a credit towards a future retreat if you give us enough notice to replace your spot. Send us an email if you are having issues and we will be happy to help find a flexible arrangement that works for you.

  • How do I get to the retreat center?

    You will want to fly in to Tokyo, Haneda Airport. Most major cities have direct flights there. From Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen High Speed Rail (Bullet train) to Nagano. These trains are very spacious and comfortable, and you can enjoy seeing Japan from the window. From Nagano Station, a taxi is simplest for arriving at the retreat center. We will provide more detailed instructions to attendees upon signup. We advise everyone to arrive at least one day early to acclimatize to the time zone, so booking a hotel in Tokyo may be beneficial. You may also want to stay for longer before or after the retreat to explore Japan. Of course we encourage this, and are happy to provide recommendations :)

In rising steam, red momiji slowly fall — dancing into stillness

湯けむりに 赤きもみじの 舞い沈む

Pricing options

Secure your spot. Deposit option is only available until July 23. Take advantage of that and don't pay the rest until October 1. Spots are VERY LIMITED so sign up as soon as you can if you wish to join us. All private rooms are SOLD OUT. You can signup to be in the shared women's room, or shared men's room. Each will match you with 2 - 3 other students to share a traditional Japanese style room designed for 4.

Instructor

Nick will be your guide through this experience of a lifetime

Head Instructor Nick Loffree

Nick is a Qigong teacher and wellness educator whose journey began in the forests near Toronto, where a love for nature and movement sparked a lifelong pursuit of healing. After overcoming early struggles with mental health and chronic illness through meditation, yoga, nutrition, and traditional Chinese medicine, Nick trained extensively with master teachers such as Lee Holden, Robert Peng, and Roger Jahnke. He has since taught Qigong to thousands across the world — from tech retreats and mental health centers to global online audiences — offering practical tools for energy, resilience, and transformation. Now based in Boise, Idaho with his wife and daughter, Nick continues to share the power of embodied practice through retreats, online courses, and his growing community of certified instructors.