Nagano, Japan Qigong Retreat: Autumn 2026

Join us in Nagano prefecture, Japan, for a week of Qigong, Japanese cuisine, natural hot springs, mountains, and the infamous snow monkeys. November 16 - 21, 2026.

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 a thorough, multi-course breakfast and dinner daily, prepared by onsite chefs using local, seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes

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

  • 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 a few minutes walk 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.

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 large outdoor communal Onsens in the forest (pictured here), a large indoor communal Onsen, and private Onsen's you can rent very affordably. Communal Onsens in Japan are gender segregated. 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 seems to have some of the healthiest. 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, if they still have any room!

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

Take your practice deeper than ever before. Find true stillness of mind, cultivate suppleness and vitality in your body, and harmonize the life force energy that connects it all. Retreats typically feature a long practice in the morning and afternoon, and a short restorative practice in the evenings. Guests find levels of healing, inner peace, connection, and release that normally can't be accessed with daily practice at home.

Spacious, Traditional Rooms

Experience True Japanese Sleep, Hygiene, and Aesthetics

Sleep on traditional Futon and Tatami by night, then watch your room transform into spacious living quarters by day. All rooms have a viewing room overlooking the zen garden, a large living and sleeping room, and separate bath, toilet, and powder rooms. This spaciousness and separation makes for a relaxing experience, even in the shared rooms. The shared rooms will each house 2 - 4 same-sex guests. For private rooms, we have one available with western style beds. This will be given on a first come first serve basis. Please request this as soon as possible if you feel you need it.

Deposit Options

Grab your spot with a security deposit here, then don't pay the rest until October 1, 2026. All private rooms are sold out.

Remainder Due Oct 1

Once you've payed your deposit, full payment is due October 1, 2026. All prices include meals, lodging, hot spring access, indoor pool, and Qigong.

  • Private Single Room. Remainder due October 1: $2,997 USD

  • Shared Ladies & Men's Rooms. Remainder due October 1: $1,484 USD

  • Private Couple's Room. Remainder due October 1: $3,189 USD

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

FAQ

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

    Easier than you might think! Airports, hotels, and train stations have everything written in both Japanese and English. Japanese airlines and hotels generally have fluent English speaking employees. Taxi drivers, shopkeepers, and other people you might interact with are generally used to using Google Translate with tourists, and more often than not know a little bit of relevant English. All Japanese people take English as part of school curriculum, but most aren't conversationally fluent outside of tourism workers. Nick's wife is fluent in Japanese and can translate during your stay at the Ryokan when necessary.

  • What weather should I prepare for?

    This time of year is in the mountains of Japan is right on the cusp between fall and winter. Bring layers, from cool to cold weather apparel. It could rain or snow, so bring appropriate gear, especially if you want to hike to see the monkeys etc. Qigong will mostly be indoors.

  • 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. The security deposit however is strictly non-refundable.

  • 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 :)

Instructor

Nick will be your guide through this experience of a lifetime

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, David Verdesi, and Ken Cohen. 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 Okinawa, Japan 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.

Nick Loffree

Head Instructor