The Izu Peninsula is one of Japan’s most extraordinary destinations, where mountains, ancient forests, waterfalls, dramatic coastlines, hot springs, shrines, caves, and pristine ocean landscapes coexist within a remarkably compact region.

Formed by volcanic activity over millions of years, the Izu Peninsula is recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, offering a landscape shaped by the powerful forces of the Earth itself. Its unique geological history has created one of Japan’s most diverse and spectacular natural environments.

For centuries, Izu has also been known as one of Japan’s great hot spring destinations—a place where people came not only to bathe, but to restore both body and mind.

Many of Japan’s most celebrated writers sought inspiration and healing here. Nobel Prize-winning author Yasunari Kawabata set his beloved novel The Dancing Girl of Izu (Izu no Odoriko) in this region, capturing the quiet beauty of its mountains, villages, and people. Another literary masterpiece, Shirobamba by Yasushi Inoue, is set in Yugashima in the Amagi Mountains and vividly portrays childhood memories surrounded by Izu’s rich natural landscape.

Because of this, Izu is more than a beautiful destination—it is a place where nature, literature, culture, and spirituality have been intertwined for generations.

We chose Izu because we believe that the land itself is an essential part of the retreat experience.

The quiet forests, the sound of flowing waterfalls, the fresh ocean breeze, natural hot springs, and sacred shrines that have welcomed pilgrims for centuries create an atmosphere where it becomes easier to slow down, reconnect with nature, and return to yourself.

Our retreat is based at Funabarakan, a traditional Japanese hot spring inn nestled in the peaceful forests of the Amagi Mountains. Surrounded by nature and preserving the timeless elegance of old Japan, it offers an authentic sanctuary where guests can relax in natural hot springs and reconnect with themselves in complete tranquility.

During our six-day retreat, each afternoon we travel together by private minibus to discover the many faces of Izu.

From breathtaking coastlines and hidden waterfalls to ancient forests, sacred shrines, sea caves, panoramic viewpoints, and historic temples, every excursion has been thoughtfully designed to deepen your connection with the extraordinary natural and cultural heritage of this remarkable peninsula.

This is far more than sightseeing.

It is an immersive journey into one of Japan’s most inspiring landscapes—a place where nature, culture, history, and stillness come together to support reflection, renewal, and transformation.

In Izu, the destination itself becomes your guide.

Our retreat is intentionally scheduled during the breathtaking season of Kawazu Cherry Blossoms and blooming canola flowers, one of the earliest signs of spring anywhere in Japan.

Unlike the famous Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms that bloom across most of Japan in late March and April, Kawazu Cherry Blossoms flower almost a month earlier. By mid-February, the town of Kawazu is transformed into a spectacular landscape of soft pink cherry blossoms stretching alongside brilliant yellow fields of canola flowers.

This makes Izu one of the very first places in Japan to welcome spring, giving our guests the rare privilege of experiencing Japan’s cherry blossom season before the rest of the country.

Walking beneath these blossoms is more than witnessing a beautiful landscape—it is an experience of renewal itself.

Nestled deep within the ancient forests of Amagi in Izu, Funabarakan is a traditional Japanese hot spring inn where the timeless culture of toji (therapeutic hot spring healing) lives in harmony with the richness of nature.

For nearly 900 years, this region has been a place where people have come to restore both body and mind through the healing power of its natural hot springs. Within this quiet tradition, we invite you to rediscover the sense of well-being that is so often forgotten in modern life.

Since its founding in 1958, Funabarakan has remained dedicated to preserving the authentic practice of toji, embracing the gifts of nature just as they are. Here, the hot spring is more than a bath—it is nature’s gift, gently releasing tension from the body, deepening the breath, and guiding the mind toward stillness.

Our private natural spring emerges from the earth at approximately 45°C (113°F). This remarkable temperature, a rare gift of nature, allows the water to flow directly into the baths without dilution, heating, cooling, or even exposure to air. The result is a truly “living” hot spring, preserving the vitality of the water from the very moment it rises from the source. Experiencing the spring in its pure, untouched state is exceptionally rare, even in Japan, and remains one of Funabarakan’s greatest treasures.

Within the inn, guests can experience our distinctive 1.2-meter-deep standing bath, specially designed for WATSU® (Water Shiatsu). Surrounded by the gentle pressure of the mineral-rich water and supported by a trained therapist, the body is able to float effortlessly, encouraging deep physical release and natural alignment. With each slow, mindful breath, accumulated tension gradually dissolves, giving way to a profound sense of calm and restoration.

Beyond the windows, the forests of Amagi transform beautifully with each passing season. Birdsong, the gentle murmur of mountain streams, and the whisper of wind through the trees create a quiet rhythm that restores not only the body, but also the mind.

Within this extraordinary natural setting, our retreat brings together healing hot springs, conscious breathing, meditation, and silence to guide the body, mind, and spirit back into their natural state of harmony.

The luxury found here is not one of extravagance.

It is the quiet experience of surrendering to nature and returning to your true self.

This is the enduring richness of time spent at Funabarakan.