JAPAN THROUGH THE SENSES. Its a ritual not a rush 9-16th October 2026

Rooms & Pricing

A Deeper Journey of Nourishment, Movement and Meaning
9-16th October 2026

Japan Through the Senses is a slow, nourishing journey through two of Japan’s most dramatic landscapes the tropical calm of Okinawa’s and the misty forests of Hakone. We’ll begin by the sea, where island life and the wisdom of Okinawa’s Blue Zones shape our days. Expect ocean swims first thing in the morning, home-cooked meals, and time to breathe and slow down.

Then we travel north to Hakone. A world of hot springs, temples, and mountain air. Here, rest deepens. We walk through forests, learn the rituals of tea, and share long, reflective meals.

Rooms & Pricing
Bettina's Japan Retreat

Our three guiding principles for the week are: Nourishment, Mindfulness, and The Art of Self-Care.

Japan teaches us that nourishment is a ritual, not a rush.

OKINAWA -THE ISLAND OF LONGEVITY

Our journey begins in the warm south of the blue zone islands of Okinawa. A collection of small islands surrounded by coral reefs and mangrove forests. Here, we slow right down. Mornings begin with ocean swims and herbal tea; afternoons unfold with tofu making, tea blending, and home-cooked Okinawan meals shared around long tables. It’s a reminder that nourishment can be simple, joyful, and deeply rooted in nature. We go back in time and slow right down.

HAKONE THE MOUNTAIN ONSEN REGION

From the tropics, we travel to Hakone’s cool mountain air, where forest, mist, and hot springs set the rhythm. We stay in a traditional ryokan, bathe in natural onsen waters, walk among golden pampas grass, and visit quiet temples tucked into cedar woods. The days invite calm; the evenings bring connection, kaiseki dinners, and the beauty of Japanese rituals.

The art of self care

I firmly believe that before one is able to love others, one must love thyself. Throughout the week I will be guiding you through your own journey to the true art of self-care so that you may truly love yourself and the people around you.You’ll learn from island cooks and tea masters, explore how place shapes nourishment, and return with practical ways to bring these lessons home from simple ferments and mindful eating to rest as ritual. It’s not about doing more, but about doing less with presence and joy.

{What Japan has to offer}

A JOURNEY FROM SEA TO FOREST

Looking out over the turquoise waters our Okinawa home. It is the kind of place where time slows. Family-run and surrounded by palm trees and coral sand, it’s simple and full of island warmth. Mornings begin with ocean swims and local fruit; evenings end with home-cooked Okinawan dishes and the sound of the waves. From here, we travel north to the mountains of Hakone, where the air turns cool and cedar forests surround the traditional Ryokan. Tatami mats, natural hot-spring baths and views of the valley invite quiet reflection. The energy shifts to stillness, soaking, walking, breathing, and sharing long, thoughtful meals. Both places share the same authenticness, family-run sanctuaries that feel like a deep exhale. They remind us that nourishment and rest often live in the simplest moments. A bowl of rice, a cup of tea, or the warmth of water and company.

OKinawa

Experience the bluezone foods for longevity and a slower pace of life.

Natural Beauty

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the islands of Okinawa, snorkelling, canoing in mangroves and star gazing.

Hakone

Experience Onsen baths, forest bathing and serene temples

Ceremonies

Immerse your self in cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies& meditations.

NOURISHING YOUR BODY AND SOUL IN JAPAN

Food on this retreat celebrates the heart of Japanese cooking, simple, balanced and nourishing. While the menus are plant-forward, they also include traditional elements of seafood and meat, reflecting how the Japanese truly eat: in harmony with nature, season and place.From colourful Okinawan home-style meals to elegant Hakone kaiseki dinners, every dish tells a story of connection, between land, sea and community. Expect delicious vegetables, tofu, rice, miso, seaweed, grilled fish all prepared with care and intention.This is not about restriction, but about longevity, eating in a way that supports health, joy and balance. Each meal offers a chance to slow down, taste deeply and experience nourishment as a form of mindfulness.

Pricing & Rooms

Reviews from our Past retreatS

“I took a leap of faith to travel across the world for this retreat, and it turned out to be so much more than a week away it was life-changing. The experience offered space for reflection, mindfulness, and restoration in the most stunning setting. Every meal was vibrant, nourishing, and prepared with such care that eating felt like a ceremony. Bettina’s calm, generous spirit touched us all we’ll each go home wanting to be a little more “Bettina.” I met inspiring women and formed friendships that will last a lifetime. This was not an indulgence, but a priceless reset for body, mind, and soul.
Angela
Bali Wellness Retreat
Thank you for the week I didn’t know I needed so much.” Kathryn Amey
Kathryn Amey
“This week has been the perfect combination of education, exploration and relaxation. Not only does my body feel nourished by the amazing food, my mind and body are also nourished by the workshops, mind-blowing blessings, and mindful yoga practice.
Kate
Client
“Every single ceremony impressed me deeply and left traces on me, which I will process in my next books. A two-hour workshop for cooking was of course a must. We were also honoured with a dance performance by three young girls, something that tourists cannot see like this. Without Bettina and all her many helpers I would never have got to know the country in this natural way. We were welcomed by the people with open arms and were allowed to dive into a completely different world with all our senses.”
Kirsten & Carsten
Germany
A true retreat from daily life, in a vibrant and inspiring location with a diverse open-hearted group of people that healed this slightly lost, emotionally exhausted San Franciscan. I am recommending it to everyone.  Thank you Bettina’s Kitchen Bali 2019 crew!”
Ulrika
USA
Honestly, I can’t recommend the retreat enough and I’m counting down the days until the next one.”
Jade
Bali

“I am inspired by how Japan connects food, nature, and longevity the idea that nourishment is a way of living, not a set of rules.Through simplicity, balance, and respect for the seasons, we can eat in a way that restores harmony to both our bodies and the world around us.”

- Bettina Campolucci Bordi

A Retreat filled with Adventures

This isn’t your typical retreat checklist — it’s a week designed to awaken your senses, nourish your body, and immerse you fully in Japan’s rhythm of slow living.

Beautiful, authentic stays
Family-run guesthouses handpicked for comfort, character, and connection — ocean views in Okinawa and tatami serenity in Hakone.
All meals, snacks, and tea ceremonies
A celebration of balance and flavour think fresh tofu, miso, vegetables, fish, and soothing bowls of rice. Every dish tells a story of longevity and local love.
Private tea ceremony & temple experience
Step inside a centuries-old ritual of presence and calm, learning the art of stillness through tea.
Island adventures in Okinawa
Snorkelling in coral reefs, canoeing through mangrove forests, and picnicking beneath waterfalls.
Morning meditation in the Pampas Grass Fields
A silent sunrise walk through golden grass plains one of Japan’s most breathtaking natural moments.
Forest bathing in Hakone
Slow down in the cedar woods with a guided Shinrin-yoku session — a sensory immersion proven to restore balance and calm.
Chef-led kaiseki dinner & sake tasting
An evening to savour — traditional Japanese cooking and the delicate art of pairing.
Hot springs & Onsen bathing
Unlimited access to natural mineral baths at your ryokan — pure mountain relaxation.

Whats Included

Every detail has been thoughtfully curated so that all you have to do is arrive, breathe, and enjoy. From ocean swims and forest walks to shared meals and quiet moments, this week is designed to restore balance and connection in every sense. Seven days exploring Okinawa & Hakone.

  • Daily breakfasts, lunches & dinners
  • Family-run stays with ocean and mountain views (off the beaten track)
  • Okinawa adventures: snorkelling, canoeing & waterfalls, tofu making and farm visit.
  • Hakone moments: Onsen soaking, sunrise walks & sake tasting
  • All domestic travel in Japan (flights, ferries, transfers)
  • Welcome gift & retreat materials
  • Tea ceremony, temple visit & forest bathing
  • 7 full days of adventures
£3390 (including taxes)

Shared Room occupancy

Shared triple accomodation

Book Now
£3990 Per Person (including taxes)

Shared Twin occupancy

Twin or Single accommodation where possible

Book Now

Meet Our Team

Dedicated Professionals committed to your experience.

Bettina campolucci

Retreat Leader/Founder

Founder of Bettina's Kitchen with over 12 years of experience, I craft unforgettable experiences.

Pascale

Japan Coordinator

Japan-based food stylist, photographer, recipe developer, and graphic designer.

Olivia Taylor

Communicatiosn

I work with Bettina to ensure you have the best time and smoothest of journeys.

Customer testimonials

“What an absolute treat to experience Bettina’s retreat in Bali in such a beautiful venue too! A seamless experience from start to finish with a perfect amount of activities vs relaxation time to self-reflect and rejuvenise before going back into the real world.
Paula
CUnited Kingdom
I’d never been on a retreat before and I’d expected that we wouldn’t have much opportunity to experience Bali whilst on the retreat but I was pleasantly surprised. The activities included traditional experiences including a water blessing at the temple, a session with a local healer and a fire ceremony so by the end of the week I felt I had a true taste of the island and felt a little more integrated in the culture as opposed to experiencing it as just a tourist.
Maria
Singapore
“Bettina’s retreat is like the best hug ever. I hadn’t realised how emotionally charged I was until I arrived in Bali – I was in a hyper state of mind, thinking too much about the wrong things, aching and not sleeping well. Over the course of the week at the retreat, I felt nourished from the inside out, with the combination of the wonderful locally sourced organic vegan food lovingly prepared by Bettina, morning yoga, healing sessions and blessings.
Mark Owen
Ireland
This truly authentic experience took me on a journey where I learned to be still and reconnect with myself whilst making meaningful connections with new people.” Lots of love,
Olivia
Portland
I felt thoroughly relaxed when I got back to London, and I really can’t recommend this retreat enough. Whether you are after a digital detox and need to switch off, or are looking for a deeper spiritual awakening, there really is something for everyone here. Five stars to Bettina for a life-changing experience in Bali that I will never forget.”
Kate
United Kingdom
“Thank you Bettina! Beautiful place, beautiful food, beautiful people!”
Mayra
United Kingdom

FAQs

Find answers to your most common questions about the Bali retreat experience.

01/
What should I bring?

We recommend bringing comfortable clothing for yoga and relaxation, personal toiletries, and any favorite snacks. Don't forget your sunscreen and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. A journal can also be helpful for reflection during the retreat.

02/
Is the food vegan?

Food on this retreat celebrates the heart of Japanese cooking, simple, balanced and nourishing. While the menus are plant-forward, they also include traditional elements of seafood and meat, reflecting how the Japanese truly eat: in harmony with nature, season and place.From colourful Okinawan home-style meals to elegant Hakone kaiseki dinners, every dish tells a story of connection, between land, sea and community. Expect delicious vegetables, tofu, rice, miso, seaweed, grilled fish all prepared with care and intention.This is not about restriction, but about longevity, eating in a way that supports health, joy and balance. Each meal offers a chance to slow down, taste deeply and experience nourishment as a form of mindfulness.

03/
What is the schedule?

Generally we will wake up in the morning and start our day with meditation, a swim or a walk, breakfast and the days activities.

04/
Are there any excursions?

Yes! Lots, we will snorkel, swim, canoe, forest bathing, tofu making amngst many other excursions.

05/
What if I'm Solo?

Solo traveler's are warmly welcomed! Our Japan Retreat accommodation is  shared rooms as most rooms are in Japan. Many friendships blossom during the retreat, creating a supportive community.

Still have questions?

We're here to help you!

Contact