CURRENT RETREATS - Japan March 2027
Walk with me Journeys | Japan
with Gisele Theriault from MINDFUL NECESSITIES
MARCH 19 - APRIL 2, 2027
Walk with me in Japan. Not as tourists, but as pilgrims can be profoundly transformative.
Come home to wonder.
THE INVITATION
One of the best ways to experience our lives more deeply is to step out of our familiar ways. Retreats and pilgrimages offer a different lens to the same eyes, allowing us to reconnect with our wonder and our spirit.
When I walked 1200 kilometers across Shikoku in Japan, there was nothing familiar to cling to. A language I did not speak, and a culture I was learning to honor with each step. What it taught me was that having nothing familiar to cling to, also disabled the very habit energies that keep us stuck.
Now I'm inviting you to walk through parts of this path with me. Not as tourists, but as pilgrims. As a sangha stepping into radical unfamiliarity together. Two weeks next Spring, while cherry blossoms are blooming and falling around us.
THE PATH
We will walk portions of one of Japan's most sacred pilgrimage routes. A spiritual lineage walked for over 1200 years. The path itself is an extraordinary teacher. The language barrier is the practice. The culture, the rituals, the honor for everything, these are not obstacles, they are the thresholds that will help reset our nervous system and call us home to presence.
We will spend a day in Osaka upon arriving and will close our time with a few days in Kyoto. Enough time to do a little shopping in the urban environment before leaving the country.
This journey is a little more demanding than the Ireland retreat. It asks a lot, and gives a lot in return.
A WALKING PILGRIMAGE
Walking shoes matter. Water bottles matter. Everything else is secondary.
ACCOMMODATIONS
It's my aim to stay in small Japanese Guest Houses and temples for optimum cultural experiences and support local economies over corporate endeavours. There will also be times we stay in hotels.
Rooms are modest. The generosity of the monks and innkeepers are extraordinary.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring as little as possible. This is part of the teaching. ;-)
Essentials:
● Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots or trail shoes
● Hiking poles that can fit in your suitcase will be helpful
● Lightweight, layered clothing (spring weather varies)
● Rain gear
● Small backpack (15-30L)
● Comfortable walking clothes
● Most places supply toiletries
● Medications
● Small offerings for temples
Consider leaving behind:
● Unnecessary comfort items
● Expectations of ease
● Any need to stay connected to social media
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This pilgrimage is not for everyone. The humidity, the unfamiliarity, the simplicity, and walking, all requires presence and resilience.
You should be comfortable with:
● Walking 10 km daily (often hilly)
● Staying in simple accommodations
● Embracing discomfort as part of the practice
● A small group dynamic (maximum 8 pilgrims)
We will move at a contemplative pace. This is not a fitness challenge by any means. It is a threshold.
ACTIVITIES & TEACHINGS
Walking meditation - The pilgrimage itself is the primary practice
Sitting meditation - whenever possible.
Temple visits - We will visit sacred sites along the way; teachings from the path itself.
Cultural immersion - Language immersion, local meals, learning the small rituals of respect and gratitude
Evening reflection - Gathering to share the day, process what arises, practice deep listening
Silence - Periods of walking in silence, allowing the path to teach.
THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS
We will arrive at peak cherry blossom season. Watching how the Japanese show up for cherry blossoms in their best clothes for the annual family photos is deeply touching.
The fleeting blossoming and falling in the same breath is a teaching on impermanence. Their brief beauty will not last. This is wabi-sabi. This is the heart of the practice.
COST
Two-week Spring pilgrimage: March 19 - April 2, 2027
¥820,000 (~CAD $7,400. / USD $5200.)
This includes:
● All accommodations (shukubo, ryokan and hotels)
● Most meals (occasional lunch or dinner out may be independently paid )
● Local transportation between starting point and pilgrimage route
● Temple entrance fees and offerings
This does NOT include:
● International flights to Japan
● Travel and medical insurance (highly recommended)
● Personal spending money for tea, small gifts, incidentals
● Transportation to our next destination, when opting out of walking with the group
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
¥50,000 or ($450 CAD) once application is accepted
Balance due 60 days before departure, payable in installments if needed
Payment accepted via:
● Bank transfer (preferred)
● Credit card (with processing fee)
CANCELLATION POLICY
After acceptance:
● 60+ days before departure: 10% of total cost retained for administration
● 30-60 days before departure: 25% of total cost retained
● Less than 30 days: No refund unless we can fill your place
Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended and often covers weather, illness, or emergency withdrawals.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Passport & Visa
● Valid passport required (must not expire within 6 months of return)
● Canadian and US citizens receive 90-day visitor status on arrival (no visa needed)
● Check current requirements before booking
Currency
● Japanese yen (¥)
● Bring a credit/debit card; ATMs available in towns
● Cash is preferred in small communities
● Translation apps on phones are helpful
Health & Fitness
● Consult your doctor before committing to this level of physical activity
● We should average walking 10 kms per day. Although that’s very doable, if we are in the mountains, it’s more challenging. Some day’s experiences may have very little walking, and some days a little more.
● I hope to create travel options for days that anyone doesn’t feel up to walking. (In these cases, the individual will be responsible for the costs of the trains, buses or taxis to our next destination.)
Weather
● March in Japan: 8–15°C (46–59°F), variable
● Rain is common; waterproof gear is essential
● Temple accommodations may be cool at night
Departure
● Return flights should be booked for April 2nd or later
● Return transportation from pilgrimage end to airport can be arranged
HOW TO APPLY
This pilgrimage is limited to maximum 8 pilgrims.
To express interest or ask questions:
Gisele Theriault
Mindful Necessities
gg@mindfulnecessities.com
Cell: +1-416-894-7172
WhatsApp: +39-375-703-2515
I'd love to have a conversation about whether this pilgrimage is right for you. Come as you are. Come with questions. Come with doubt. All is welcome.
The path is waiting.
Love to you, Gisele