Winter Solstice 2027
The Complete Journey
Experience our most immersive winter retreat: 16 transformative days embracing the season's stillness. From snow-covered hot springs to New Year traditions, this extended journey offers the deepest rest and renewal.
December 13-28, 2027 | Tokyo · Snow Country · Kyoto · Premium Ryokan
Early Bird Pricing Available Through March 2027
The Winter Solstice Experience
Honor the winter solstice—the longest night and the return of the light—through 16 days of profound stillness, cultural immersion, and intentional rest. This extended journey allows time to fully release, restore, and emerge renewed.
Snow Country Immersion
Five nights in Japan's legendary snow country. Daily onsen rituals in mountain hot springs, forest bathing through winter landscapes, and profound quiet.
Sacred Winter Temples
Experience Kyoto's most sacred sites in their winter beauty. Four days exploring temples, zen gardens under snow, and traditional tea ceremonies.
Daily Onsen Rituals
Morning and evening hot spring practices throughout the journey. Experience yuzu baths on the winter solstice and private onsen time.
Winter Solstice Ceremony
Celebrate December 21st with traditional yuzu bath rituals, Ichiyo Raifuku charm ceremony, and seasonal foods honoring the return of light.
Winter Illuminations
Tokyo and Kyoto transform with spectacular winter light displays. Experience the magic of Japanese winter celebrations.
Luxury Ryokan Finale
Two nights at a premium ryokan with private onsen, spa treatments, and gourmet kaiseki. The perfect culmination of your winter journey.
16-Day Itinerary
- Private transfer to boutique hotel
- Welcome orientation and winter preparation
- Gentle introduction to Japanese winter culture
- First onsen experience in Tokyo
- Imperial Palace gardens in winter beauty
- Meiji Shrine visit and traditional ceremony
- Tea ceremony workshop
- Tsukiji Outer Market food tour
- Winter illuminations viewing
- Five nights in mountain onsen town (Nagano region)
- Daily hot spring rituals (morning and evening)
- Forest bathing in snow-covered landscapes
- Traditional kaiseki dinners
- Sake brewery tour and tasting
- Snow monkey park visit
- December 21: Winter Solstice Ceremony
- Yuzu bath ritual and Ichiyo Raifuku charm ceremony
- Traditional solstice foods and celebration
- Travel to Kyoto (December 22)
- Fushimi Inari shrine exploration
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in winter
- Arashiyama bamboo grove
- Traditional kaiseki experiences
- Winter garden viewing at historic temples
- December 25: Optional Christmas gathering for those away from family
- Transfer to luxury ryokan (Gora Kadan or similar)
- Premium spa treatments included
- Private onsen reservations
- Multi-course gourmet kaiseki dinners
- Closing ceremony and integration circle
- Final group reflection and intention setting
- Morning return to Tokyo
- Afternoon/evening international departure
- Arrive home December 28 (crossing international date line)
Investment
13 Days | December 13-25, 2027
- 12 nights accommodations
- All meals included
- Cultural experiences & activities
- Daily onsen access
- Winter solstice ceremony
- Ground transportation & airport transfers
Depart December 26 - Home before New Year
Single Occupancy: +$2,900
16 Days | December 13-28, 2027
- Everything in Core Journey PLUS:
- 3 additional nights (Dec 26-28)
- 2 nights premium luxury ryokan
- Premium spa treatments
- Private onsen reservations
- Enhanced gourmet kaiseki
- Extended closing ceremony
Most immersive RaR experience - Maximum transformation
Single Occupancy: +$2,600
Frequently Asked Questions
The 16-day Complete Experience is designed for those who want maximum depth and transformation. The extended timeline allows for fuller nervous system regulation, deeper cultural immersion, and includes a luxury ryokan finale that's not possible in the shorter format. The 9-day intensive (offered in 2026) was designed to end before Christmas; this 16-day journey is perfect for those with flexible schedules or no holiday family obligations.
Everything except international flights and personal shopping: all accommodations, meals, cultural experiences, daily onsen access, ground transportation, airport transfers, and activities. The Complete Experience also includes spa treatments and private onsen time at the premium ryokan.
The Core Journey (13 days, $20,500) ends December 25, getting you home before New Year. The Complete Experience (16 days, $25,500) includes 3 additional nights with 2 nights at a premium luxury ryokan, enhanced spa treatments, private onsen access, and an extended closing ceremony.
Absolutely. We handle all logistics, provide cultural context, and ensure you feel comfortable navigating Japanese customs and spaces. Many participants are first-time Japan visitors.
We limit the retreat to 8-12 participants to ensure intimate group dynamics and personalized attention from Dr. Dede.
No. Dr. Dede speaks Japanese fluently and will facilitate all interactions, cultural experiences, and translations throughout the journey.
We understand! That's why we offer the Core Journey option (13 days) that ends December 25, getting you home in time for New Year celebrations. The Complete Experience is designed for those who either don't celebrate Christmas or have flexibility with family obligations.
Deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations 90+ days before departure receive 50% refund of remaining balance. No refunds within 90 days of departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance.