Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2009

Courtesy of Center for Arts and Wellness

“In Tokyo, most yoga studios are in concrete buildings and you’re requested to use a plastic yoga mat,” says Eriyo Watanabe, director of the Center for Arts and Wellness. “Ideally, it is much better to do yoga outside and breathe clean air. I love the idea of beach yoga, listening to the sound of the ocean and sitting on the sand.”

If that sounds good to you too, you might want to join the center for its yoga retreat on January 9-11 on the island of Ishigaki, at the southern tip of Okinawa. The beginner-friendly schedule will include daily yoga sessions that draw on Tibetan Heart Yoga and martial arts, as well as meditation, beach walks, and workshops in expressive arts therapy. This latter is the practice of using creative endeavors as a means of attaining relaxation, self-awareness and empowerment. Watanabe’s unique brand draws on traditional Japanese arts such as incense and tea ceremony, as well as multicultural influences picked up during her travels and the decade she spent living overseas.

The theme for this retreat is “connecting with nature,” and Watanabe—who visited Ishigaki twice last year—says the trip will take advantage of the hotel’s location among mangrove trees. It will also benefit from low-season rates: the retreat costs a very reasonable ¥38,000 per person, including accommodation and breakfast (airfare not included). The center will run a similar—though slightly pricier—retreat in March, while upcoming events in the Tokyo area include an incense making workshop.

For details, see www.arts-wellness.com