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Yakushima Island, 薬島

Yakushima Island was known in ancient times as “Medicine Island” (“薬島”) due to the richness of medicinal plants naturally growing on the island, with ‘gajutsu’, a variety of highly medicinal turmeric, being the most renowned. Yakushima was also where the first scientific study on forest bathing and the healing effects of the forest was held. It is awarded UNESCO status for clear reasons - its ancient Cedar trees, rich biodiversity, mossy forests and majestic waterfalls are sure to provide rich opportunities for a deep re-connection with the natural way of life.

Experience Highlights

Program

Day 1

Arrive at the land where time and space feel different, and begin to slow your footsteps by visiting a local shrine hidden among cedar trees. This sensorial experience opens the heart to be one with the land. Check in to the lodge and enjoy your first sunset and restful night.

greet the land / check-in

Day 2

Journey to Yakusugi land where the old growth forests thrive and ancient trees stand tall for a deep forest bathing session. In the mesmerising energy of the moss-filled forest, you will enter a liminal space where time and space stretches.

mossy forest / forest bathing

Day 3

Take a change of landscape to experience the healing touch of water. Meet the ocean, soak in the sea breeze, go upclose to the largest waterfall of Yakushima and enjoy water blessings. End the day with a unique outdoor low-tide onsen by the sea over sunset.

ocean playdate / waterfall bath / sunset onsen

Day 4

Take an unstructured exploration through the forest valley and let the trees guide you. Soak in the calming river and connect to the roots of a beautiful Banyan tree being. Spend the afternoon idly doing what your heart wishes.

forest valley / intentional free time

Day 5

A spacious day to live slow, enjoy some downtime by yourself and visit an ocean view cafe for lunch. Plans are flexible and optional, and shuttle will be provided. For those with an adventurous spirit, choose an alternative path of a one-day hike deep into the Yamatosugi mountains to meet a 4000-year old tree.

‘Wildcard Day’ - choose space or adventure

Day 6

The retreat concludes meaningfully with a gratitude circle, thanking the land and storing the gifts of the trip in our hearts. You will get to make a quick pitstop at local gift stores for souvenirs before departing the island.

gratitude circle / giftstores / departure

Good to Know

Weather

Intensity

Nature Encounters

Meals

While the program is slow paced, the terrain in the forests and mountains can be tricky, requiring a good level of fitness and agility. Those with physical limitations or injuries will not be suitable.

Look forward to cooling autumn weather in November, with temperatures ranging around 10 - 20 °C, with bright days and some occurrences of rain.

Look forward to authentic Japanese homecooked meals made from fresh seasonal ingredients, not just tasty but nourishing. Note that vegan, vegetarian and special diets will have limited menu.

Expect rich flora and surprising encounters of wild monkeys and deers in the forests. While bugs will be lower in activity, it will not be rare to see them around but most are harmless.

Your Guides

Jovena

Founder of Gentle Walks
ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide

With a love for the earth and deep care for people, Jovena has been guiding walks and retreats in Singapore and across Asia since 2022, bridging humans and nature. Trained and certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, she brings this evidence-based methodology to life with her own childlike curiosity and poetic touch, creating experiences that nourish the spirit and move hearts.

She first found forest therapy while searching for relief from chronic anxiety and stress. Over time, nature became both medicine and teacher, guiding her in building self-acceptance, courage and faith. Having learnt the quiet language of the forest, she hopes to awaken the innate ability of humans to reconnect with the rich wisdom of the natural world, softening hearts and nurturing a gentler world.

With a Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy & Counselling, her practice is psychology-informed, offering a safe and empathetic space for self-exploration and authenticity. You can trust that you are in good hands, so come as you are.

Makiko

Founder of KaleidoForest Co. Ltd.
ANFT Certified Guide & Trainer

Makiko is a forest therapy guide based in Yakushima, certified by both ANFT and Japan Forest Therapy Society.

Before moving to Yakushima in March 2020, she spent two decades addressing health inequalities in vulnerable populations of Africa and Southeast Asia as an expert of JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and various UN organizations.

She has since shifted her focus from human health to a more comprehensive aim of planetary health, devoting her work and life to helping others restore their relationship with nature through KaleidoForest. She has also become a certified ANFT trainer and teaches with ANFT at a global level.

She looks forward to sharing the healing touch of Yakushima in some of her favourite trails in the forests on the island.

all is welcome.

this retreat supports inclusivity, non-discrimination and love for all.

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Quaint Countryside Living

Experience a quiet countryside life amidst nature and true Japanese hospitality in this quaint hotel with stunning views of the mountains and ocean. Fully equipped with amenities, ac/heater and hot showers.

2 Room Types


Cottage with Kitchenette

larger room area, priority given to room sharing for solo travellers and pairs - 5 available

Private Cabin

smaller room area, priority given to private rooms for individuals and couples - 4 available

Hear from Past Participants

“It is not a retreat, but a homecoming.”

- M, participant of gentle retreat

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This retreat is for:

nature lovers who wish to experience untouched landscapes

depleted souls who need a peaceful time away for rejuvenation

deep thinkers & feelers who wish to understand the living world

mid-lifers who are seeking personal meaning and direction

curious seekers who wants to discover the origins of Shinrin Yoku

learners who want to understand more about nature, health & healing

unconventionals looking for alternative experiences of life

warm hearts seeking for real and meaningful connections

Fruits of the journey

Stronger bond with Mother Earth

Forest therapy will open your heart to intimate encounters with nature and help you find your place in this web of life. You will grow a closeness with Mother Earth and deepen your experience of life, and develop a faith that can hold you through difficulties.

Remembrance of self

With gentle guidance, you may shed the expectations and identities you carry and discover your true nature. You can explore your joys, fears and stories and find meaning and connection for clarity and self-empowerment.

Feel better

Nature will hold you with softness, allowing you to calm your nerves, relax your body and lighten the weight of your heart. The world can wait; you can fill your cup and receive for a change.

Self Trust & Confidence

Through a deep experience of your body, senses, urges and intuition, you will remember the intelligence of your body and heart, helping you to trust it more. By being gentle to yourself, you can go on to explore life experiences without fear, guilt and shame.

Spark for life

With curiosity, wonder and fascination at the heart of the experience, you may find clues and clarity on your reason for being (ikigai). This life-giving force will guide you forth and excite you about the future.

… & receive what you need

Every journey is unique to the individual and the forest will present encounters that will surface reflections that are meaningful to you now.

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Cost

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What is Included

Accommodation for 5 nights

3 meals daily from check-in to check-out

Program Fees for activities including entry fees

Transportation for airport transfers and day trips

Welcome Gift specially curated for you

The fees benefit the livelihood of local partners, vendors and tour operators and ensure the quality of your retreat experience. This will also sustain gentle walks as a regenerative and purposeful business as we continue to curate authentic experiences meticulously.

x Flight cost and booking service
x Personal purchases & travel insurance
x Travel arrangements deviating from the group

X Exclusions

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Register Now

Registration is open from now till 11 Apr:

5/12 spots remain

An Inspiration for Studio Ghibli

The Shiratani Unsui Gorge on Yakushima Island was the main source of inspiration for director and animator Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke film. The story depicts the complex relationship between humans, nature and its wild inhabitants, sparking a deep reflection on the exploitative nature of human activities. The movie reminds us of the magic in the hidden world of nature and all the invisible forces that regenerate life. The forest reconnects us to our imagination and awakens our childlike wonder to consider what is possible in this limitless world.

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FAQ

  • You are recommended to fly from Singapore to either Osaka or Fukuoka and take Japan Airlines to Yakushima on 23 Nov. Exact flight recommendations will be provided after registration.

    Due to the transit, we recommend to plan for buffer before and after the retreat in case of any flight interruptions. Do take it slow after the retreat for a softer landing back to the city. You may also choose to extend your stay in Yakushima or Japan on individual arrangements.

    The retreat is planned on Mon-Sat so you may take the weekends for air transits.

  • Apart from recommending flight timings, we are unable to provide further support on flight arrangements.

    Individuals who are familiar with travelling free-and-easy should find it relatively manageable to transit independently in the international airports.

    Should you meet with any flight interruptions, our local partners can support you to ensure you get on the island.

  • The program is curated with adults in mind, as it offers a deep appreciation of life philosophies and the wisdom of nature. We recommend participants to be at least 21 years and above.

  • You are invited to check in on your readiness and willingness to meet with your fears. The forest bathing practice offers a brave space for gentle encountering, relaxing your nervous system for a friendlier meeting with the common fears like darkness, insects, water, or being alone.

    The method has effectively supported the experience of previous retreat participants, and many have grown a deepen appreciation and compassion towards all beings of nature.

  • While the pace of the program is slow, it will require a minimum level of fitness and confidence to participate due to the rawness of the terrain. We regret to inform it will be unsuitable for individuals with injuries and physical limitations to join.

    You may opt out of some programs voluntarily should you have breathing and heart problems, or should any illnesses arise during the retreat.

    For individuals with clinical psychological conditions, we recommend consulting with your psychologist or therapist on your suitability and come equipped with your measures for emotional first aid.

  • Forest bathing is an open practice conducted in a secular manner with the intent to deepen our relationship with nature. Participants are free to draw their own meaning according to their personal faith and beliefs and has full autonomy over their own interpretation.

    As part of the cultural experience, we will be exposed to the Japanese practice of Shintoism which believes in a harmonious co-existence and respect for nature. There is no obligation to observe the practices if it is against one’s beliefs.

  • There are a couple of small bakery and cafe in front of the lodge. There are not many grocery and convenience stores on the island, so we recommend to stock up what you need in the city of transit.

    A packing list will be provided so you can prepare ahead of time.

  • Yes, you can mention your request during sign up and it will be subject to availability. Cost of additional nights will be added to the total fees.

  • Yakushima is known as a rainy island but November is generally calmer.

    We typically welcome rain as a friend as it brings about unique encounters (like mists!) and teaches us about our discomforts.

    All activities will continue under safe conditions, flowing with the elements. If the program cannot proceed, it will be converted into free time for personal activity.

  • Not to worry, we do not retain any devices during the retreat. We respect individual autonomy while encouraging meaningful disconnection with the stressors of normal life.

you deserve rest, and the world deserves a rested you.

- gentle walks

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