The location
Yakushima (屋久島) is one of the Ōsumi Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Yakushima is a unique remnant of warm temperate ancient forest and natural World Heritage site since 1993.
Yakushima has been settled since at least the Jōmon period (BCE 縄文時代, Jōmon jidai 14,000–300 BCE). Yakushima contains one of the largest tracts of existing Nansei Islands subtropical evergreen forests, an endangered habitat ecoregion. The only large animals indigenous to the island are red-bottomed macaques (Yakushima macaque) and a variety of sika deer (yakushika). The Japanese raccoon dog is also a common animal, but is not native to the island. Japanese weasels (Mustela itatsi) may also be seen from time to time. The island is a spawning ground for migratory loggerhead turtles, and dolphins are to be found offshore. It has been recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because they support populations of Japanese wood pigeons, Ryukyu green pigeons and Ryukyu robins.
Yakushima is famous for its lush vegetation and yakusugi (屋久杉) millenarian cedar tree. The best known single example of which is named the Jōmon Sugi (縄文杉), as its age is estimated to date to at least 2300 years ago. In addition, the island lists over 50 varieties of endemic flower, notably rhododendrons, and hundreds of rare endemic Bryophyta, as well as a number of endemic trees. In 1980, an area of 18,958 ha (46,850 acres) was designated a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve. In 1993, 10 hectares (25 acres) of wetland at Nagata-hama was designated a Ramsar Site. It is the largest nesting ground for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle in the North Pacific.
Venue
Guesthouse
Yakushima is a rural area. Participants will need to be open-minded and adjust to the simplistic lifestyle, frequent changing weather conditions and environment. You will be staying in a traditional Japanese guesthouse located at the very south of Yakushima. The guesthouse is adjacent to Navakaraṇa Āśrama. You will clean your room and wash your own clothes at the coin-washing machine available in the guesthouse.
Weather
The weather on the island is unpredictable. It can be super hot and sunny for 7 days straight, we can get heavy rain, storms and windy for 7 days. It can also be sunny, rainy, windy, cloudy and clear sky with rainbows on the same day! Participants need to be able to adjust.
Accommodation
The accommodation is simple and spartan. There are six small rooms that can be shared between a maximum of two people. The rooms are of two types:
- tatami room with futon
- bedroom with bunk beds
Room allocation is on a “first come first served” basis.
Tatami Room
Sleeps two
Bunk Room
Sleeps two
Environment
There is amazing nature on this special island, ocean, mountain hikes, hot-springs, waterfalls, forest moss and much more which we would not want to miss. We will arrange excursions according to weather conditions for you to have the best experience.
Navakaraṇa Kyorei
A hermitage for self-transformation and experimental ground for organic holistic eco-living is just next your guesthouse across the river.
Our Food
All meals are plant-based without the use of garlic and onions served by Navakaraṇa Ryorī.
We use organic, seasonal and locally grown ingredients supporting local farmers and the environment.
Our talented Japanese culinary team will prepare a light breakfast, lunch and dinner with love each day. Please inform us in advance if you have any food allergies or intolerance and mention the type of allergy or intolerance on the registration form when you confirm your payment.
Meals times, menus and dinning arrangements are designed thoughtfully and intentionally for an optimal holistic lifestyle and inspire you to develop healthy eating habits after the programme.
How to get there
Access to Yakushima
You can reach Yakushima by airplane or by ferry. There are direct flights to Yakushima from Kagoshima (Kagoshima Airport), Fukuoka (Hakata Airport) and Osaka (Itami Airport).
An alternative option is to take the High Speed Ship Jetfoil operated by “Toppy” and “Rocket” from Kagoshima Port. Some jetfoil stops first at Tanegashima then Yakushima, another reaches directly Yakushima. Please be reminded to not get off at Tanegashima but at Yakushima. You can book jetfoil online or locally (if any empty seats are available). There are also ferries operating the same route but they take longer. The Hibiscus Ferry for instance operates overnight and arrives at Yakushima in the morning. This could be an option if you prefer to skip staying a night at Kagoshima. No reservations are required for the ferry. These are purchased locally.
What could be an economical option can turn into a more expensive one as if the weather is not optimal the ferry will be cancelled and you may end up paying a extra night in a hotel.
Weather condition is unpredictable on our rainforest island, flights and ferries may be cancelled. Consider extra time when you plan the itinerary. You need to arrive at Yakushima a day prior to the programme.
Our advice
The best route for reaching Yakushima from overseas is:
- Fly to Kagoshima International Airport then take a walk of 3 minutes to the Kagoshima Domestic Airport, then fly directly to Yakushima Airport
Alternatively:
- Fly to Osaka, Kansai International Airport; then take a bus transfer to Osaka Itami Domestic Airport (takes 50 minutes and costs about ¥2000) then fly directly to Yakushima Airport.
Holistic Retreat
Back to Nature
Imagine waking up to the beautiful sound of pure nature, nourish your body and mind with delicious nutritious local plant-based food, holistic lifestyle and connect with like-minded people from all parts of the world.
Join Dario, founder and conceiver of Navakaraṇa Tantra in the most peaceful and magical mossy island in Yakushima of Japan.
Retreat
A transformative and restorative retreat which takes you into pure Japanese countryside, simplistic and holistic lifestyle, exploration of the wilderness, beauty and harmony of nature. A naturalistic retreat harmoniously and thoughtfully curated with mindfulness, sound meditation, Navakarana mind-body immersive experience.
Navakaraṇa practice including seated movement meditation with fuke-suizen (shakuhachi sound meditation), shinrin-yoku (forest bathing deep into the untouched wildness), seaside onsen, intentional ritual and river bath in waterfalls.
