Participants will stay in thoughtfully selected accommodations that reflect the character of each region, including traditional inns and refined modern hotels. Each stay is chosen for comfort, quiet, and proximity to the landscapes and sites we will visit.

Shared room with another participant of the same gender.

Tokyo (Arrival – 3 nights)
The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Shiodome

Nakasendo / Kiso Region (2 nights)
TAOYA Kisoji Hotel (natural hot springs property)

Kyoto (3 nights)
Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier

Tokyo (Final 2 nights)
The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Shiodome

Twin Room

Private room for your stay. Ideal if you value solitude and personal space.


Tokyo (Arrival – 3 nights)
The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Shiodome

Nakasendo / Kiso Region (2 nights)
TAOYA Kisoji Hotel (natural hot springs property)

Kyoto (3 nights)
Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier

Tokyo (Final 2 nights)
The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Shiodome

Single Room

Cody Edner

Salem, OR, USA

Energy & Intuition in Japan is an 11-day contemplative journey through sacred landscapes, mountain villages, historic paths, and refined temple spaces. Beginning in Tokyo and moving through the Nakasendo region, Kiso Valley, and Kyoto, this retreat blends meditation, embodied awareness, and intuitive practice within the natural rhythm of Japan.

Rather than a fast-paced tour, this experience is intentionally paced to support nervous system regulation, depth, and integration. Walking portions of the Nakasendo Trail, quiet mornings in traditional inns, and time in onsen hot springs create a container for subtle awareness to unfold naturally.

Daily meditation, energy awareness exercises, and group intuitive work are woven throughout the journey. No prior experience is required. All practices are progressive, grounded, and designed to meet participants where they are.

Throughout the retreat, participants will be guided by three experienced teachers who bring decades of work in meditation, intuitive development, and energy awareness.

David Gandelman is the founder of Meditation School and Energy Matters Academy. He has been teaching meditation and energy awareness for over two decades, helping people develop intuitive clarity, emotional balance, and a deeper connection to their inner awareness. His meditations have been streamed millions of times, and he has taught at organizations including Cornell University, NBC Universal, and SAP.

Sawako “Merrina” Suzuki is a Japanese-born spiritual teacher and clairvoyant, and the founder of Delphina, an online school based in Hawai‘i. She supports people in releasing old patterns and reconnecting with their deeper spiritual nature through meditation, energy healing, and intuitive development.

Cody Edner has been teaching meditation and intuitive awareness for over 40 years. An intuitive reader and healer, he has guided thousands of students in developing their natural intuitive abilities. Cody is also the co-host of the Energy Matters podcast and continues to teach workshops and advanced intuitive training programs.

This retreat is designed for individuals interested in meditation, energy awareness, and intuitive development within a grounded and structured environment. Both experienced practitioners and beginners are welcome.

Who is this retreat for?

No prior experience is required. All practices are progressive and supportive. Optional preparatory meditations will be shared before the retreat for those who would like to familiarize themselves with the work.

Do I need prior meditation or energy work experience?

Daily meditation sessions, energy awareness exercises, intuitive development practices, and group energy healings are woven throughout the journey. Walking meditation and contemplative site visits are also part of the experience.

What kind of practices will we be doing?

The retreat includes moderate walking, including portions of the historic Nakasendo Trail. Participants should feel comfortable walking at a relaxed pace for several miles at a time. It is not a strenuous hiking retreat.

Is this a physically demanding retreat?

Please book your international flight into Tokyo International Airport, Haneda (HND).

Which airport should I fly into?

Group airport transfers are included on the official retreat start and end dates (November 5 and November 15, 2026).

We will offer:
• One morning and one afternoon group pickup
• One morning and one afternoon group drop-off

Final timing will be confirmed after reviewing participant flight details to best support the group.

Participants arriving outside the official dates will arrange their own transportation.

Do you provide airport transfers?

The retreat begins in Tokyo on November 5, 2026 and concludes on November 15, 2026, with return travel to Tokyo for departures.

When does the retreat begin and end?

No. International airfare is not included in the retreat cost.

Are international flights included?

Daily breakfast is included. Several group dinners are included, particularly during retreat-focused portions of the journey and the onsen stay. Lunches and some dinners during free exploration time are not included.

Dietary needs and restrictions can be accommodated when communicated in advance.

What meals are included?

We're here to help! If you have any additional questions or need more details about the retreat, please email us at retreats@insighttimer.com, and we'll be happy to provide you with all the information you need.

I have a specific question about the retreat. How can I get more information?

English

Daily breakfasts are included at each accommodation. Several shared dinners featuring traditional Japanese cuisine are also included throughout the retreat. 

Lunches and most dinners are not included to allow flexibility and choice.

David Gandelman

Boulder, CO, USA

Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan’s busy capital, mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. The opulent Meiji Shinto Shrine is known for its towering gate and surrounding woods. The Imperial Palace sits amid large public gardens. The city's many museums offer exhibits ranging from classical art (in the Tokyo National Museum) to a reconstructed kabuki theater (in the Edo-Tokyo Museum)

Tokyo, Japan

Arrival in Tokyo, evening orientation and grounding practice

Day 1

Tokyo meditation sessions and acclimation

Day 2

Travel to Nakasendo region, evening practice

Day 3

Walking meditation along the Nakasendo Trail

Day 4

Transition to Kiso Valley, evening session

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Onsen stay, rest and integration practices

Day 8

Day 9

Temple visits, meditation, and closing circle

Day 10

Day 11

Each day includes a blend of structured meditation and intuitive practice sessions, guided site visits, walking experiences, and spacious time for rest or reflection. Travel between regions is thoughtfully paced, allowing transitions to feel grounded rather than rushed.

Tokyo (Arrival – 3 nights)
The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Shiodome

Tokyo → Nakasendo (Kiso Valley)
The group will depart Tokyo Station around 10:00 AM by train and arrive near the hotel around 2:00 PM, followed by a short taxi ride to Tsumago-juku for walking and exploration.

Nakasendo / Kiso Region (2 nights)
TAOYA Kisoji Hotel (natural hot springs property)

Nakasendo → Kyoto
After checkout, the group will take a hotel shuttle to Nagiso Station, then depart by train at 12:33 PM, arriving in Kyoto around 2:45 PM.

Kyoto (3 nights)
Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier

Kyoto → Tokyo
Later in the retreat, the group returns to Tokyo via train (approximately 3 hours).

Tokyo (Final 2 nights)
The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Shiodome

Within cities, local transportation will include chartered bus tours (with English-speaking guides), subway/train, taxis, and walking, depending on the day’s activities.

Please note that the detailed schedule is subject to natural flow, weather, and group needs, so some timings may shift slightly.

I did not know what to expect as I have never done a retreat before, I can now say that it is an awe inspiring experience. There is a lot that happens - trekking, yoga, mediation, talks, joy, laughter, visiting an orphanage, spending time in a monastery and a good dose of self reflection. The deep friendships we formed through these shared experiences has reminded me how much good there is in the world.

Travelling expands your heart and soul... travelling with teachers like David and Jordana takes that expansion to the next level.

Australia

Leila Jeffreys

The Retreat was spectacular and beyond my expectations. Everything went smoothly and the people were amazing.

Amy Johnson

My recent retreat to Nepal surpassed all of my expectations. Now that I am back stateside, it is surreal to think about the experiences I shared with people who were strangers merely 2 weeks ago that I will now consider to be lifelong friends. David and Jordana attracted a crowd with amazing energy and created a safe space allowing folks to be vulnerable while weaving in humor and joy. It's a tough balance to strike but once achieves, it unlocked limitless potential which was felt by everybody.

From the morning meditations and yoga sessions to the trek through the Himalayas to site seeing and meetings the children at the orphanage, everything was well thought out and executed to perfection. I could not recommend this enough and am already planning my next retreat!

Scott Brennan

Expectations well exceeded! I was of course curious about travelling to Nepal but my expectations were well exceeded as it was a perfect combination of the minute by minute surprise of a brand new country, yet well supported by the brilliant organisation and planning of the organisers. The combination of new people, yoga, meditation, and incredible scenery and the people and animals and plants of Nepal...it is hard to describe just how good it is. But imagine a day of climbing - yes hard but not exhausting - through mountain forests, looking at huge mountains above you, with the great people of your trip and meeting wonderful the new people of Nepal, patting a rooster, and eating well all day and laughing at night, followed by meditation and sleep and then doing it again the next day after some yoga. Absolutely life changing and completely loved it.

James Roden

Two exceptional teachers, fifteen wonderful individuals and a stunning location created an unforgettable experience. Scott and David are so knowledgeable and extremely generous with their time and attention. They created such a warm and welcoming environment that we instantly felt at home, at ease and part of something special. They create some kind of magic and there is no doubt that I will be attending another one of their retreats to be a part of that magic again. My heartfelt thanks for a truly memorable journey.

Natalia Ripsher

I loved the retreat. Everything about it. The agenda, the pace, the number of participants, the participants themselves, the location, lodgings... The hosts complement one another perfectly and their combined expertise made the program substantial AND fun!