Sri Ashram

Yoga Ashram & Eco Village in Kumamoto

Karma Yoga Retreat at Sri Ashram - Vol.10

April 26 - May 11, 2025

When we, with absolutely no experience in architecture or civil engineering, found a piece of land in Kumamoto and held our very first retreat in November 2020—without any idea of what lay ahead—we had no way of predicting the journey that would follow. And yet, here we are, five years later.

To date, over 200 people have been involved in this project. With everyone’s support, wisdom, and dedication, we’ve steadily built on what we could do each day, step by step. As a result, the vision of creating an ashram is gradually taking shape.

In 2022, the very first structure, the Brahma Dome, was completed. Following that, we built an outdoor kitchen and a grassy field that serves as a yoga practice space.

Currently, we are working on the Saucha Sanctuary, an eco-friendly facility equipped with toilets, showers, and a water recycling system, and the Saraswati Dome, which will function as an educational center.

This upcoming retreat marks our 10th gathering—a special milestone.

At Sri Ashram Kumamoto, we invite you to leave behind the noise of the city and immerse yourself in nature through yoga practice and Karma Yoga—selfless acts such as contributing to temple construction, gardening, and cooking. The retreat is designed to support the purification of your karma and to encourage dedicating your actions to the well-being of all living beings.

This retreat is organized by Zuddha Lotus Yoga School, so you can expect to fully experience the richness of the yogic lifestyle.

We warmly invite you to be part of Japan’s very first Yoga Ashram & Eco Village Project, and we look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Ashram Retreat – How to Join & Participation Fee

Embark on a unique journey to experience the power of yoga and the creation of a sustainable yoga ashram

This retreat is not solely about completing buildings or perfecting the land. Instead, it cherishes the connections formed with those who gather, the shared process, and the spirit of togetherness. Surrounded by nature, we practice asana, study yogic philosophy, enjoy wholesome vegetarian meals, and engage in meaningful work (seva)—all rooted in the principle of Yoga = union.

By the end of the retreat, we aim to co-create a harmonious way of living, supported by the collective energy of all participants.

At Sri Ashram Kumamoto, let your body and mind return to balance in a peaceful, Shanti-filled atmosphere.

You'll stay in tents under the stars, waking before the birds begin to sing. The day starts with silent meditation, followed by breathwork and asana practice.

And after a deep and blissful shavasana on the grass, we’ll gather to sip our signature spiced Zuddha Yoga chai together.

During the day, we’ll split into teams and dive into various activities—gardening, DIY projects, children’s workshops, and more—each person contributing their strengths and passions.

This is Karma Yoga in action: selfless service carried out in a clear, grounded state of mind. It becomes a form of focused, safe, and deeply meditative work.

Each retreat also brings together a community of dedicated yoga practitioners and volunteer instructors.

Whether you're completely new to yoga or have years of experience, you’ll be supported not only in asana practice, but also in learning yogic philosophy and embracing a full yogic lifestyle—an opportunity rarely offered in most retreats.

Everyone is both a student and a teacher in their own way.

Even the smallest things can carry meaning—each of us is born with a role that only we can fulfill.

Through outdoor communal living and honest dialogue with nature, we gently let go of ego and attachment. In doing so, we uncover true freedom and the essence of comfort.

Join us in co-creating a one-of-a-kind experience—a radiant journey like no other.

Daily Schedule

4:30 AM
Begin meditation in a state of noble silence

5:00-7:30 AM
Practice breathing techniques and asanas (yoga poses) to relax the mind and body

7:45 AM
Breakfast (special chai along with light snacks such as bananas and nuts provided)

8:30 AM -12:00 PM
Karma Yoga – work in teams on various tasks

12:30 PM
Lunch (a delicious communal-style vegan lunch prepared by culinary experts)

1:30-4:00 PM
Karma Yoga – continue working in teams on various tasks

4:30 PM
Cleaning & tidying up

5:00 PM
Satsanga [Gathering of Truth] – learn yoga philosophy based on the sacred text, the Bhagavad Gita

6:30 PM
Dinner and kirtan (sound yoga)

7:30 PM
Onsen – relax and unwind at Tensui Onsen, famed from Natsume Soseki's “Kusamakura”

9:30 PM
Noble silence and bedtime

Retreat Highlights

Be part of Japan’s first authentic Ashram construction project.
You’ll have the rare opportunity to contribute directly to the building of a true ashram—something never before done in Japan.

Experience Karma Yoga in action.
Through temple construction, gardening, and cooking, you’ll engage in acts of selfless service that purify your karma and allow you to dedicate your efforts to the well-being of all living beings.

Daily training and teachings with world-renowned yoga teacher Waylon.
Dive deep into asana practice, yoga philosophy, mantra chanting, and kirtan—a form of devotional music known as the yoga of sound.

Live close to nature through a camping lifestyle.
Reconnect with the Earth through grounding (earthing) and experience daily life immersed in the elements.
(Please bring your own tent. If you live nearby, day participation is also welcome.)

Enjoy healthy, plant-based meals prepared by experienced vegetarian chefs.
Nourish your body with lovingly made, nutritious food that supports your yoga practice and overall well-being.

How to Join

This time, participation tickets are available as part of a crowdfunding campaign running from April 1st to April 30th.

Special offer for those 25 and under:
Join us for just 10,000 yen for a 1–3 night stay!

By supporting the campaign, you’re not only helping to build Japan’s first Ashram & Eco Village, but also becoming part of a beautiful circle (wa) of generosity, connection, and shared purpose.

Let’s co-create something meaningful—together.

Participation Fee

For Participants Aged 25 and Under

From 10,000 yen (for a stay of 1 to 3 nights)

1–3 nights: 1 ticket (10,000 yen)
4–6 nights: 2 tickets (20,000 yen)
7–9 nights: 3 tickets (30,000 yen)
10 nights to full participation: 4 tickets (40,000 yen)

For Participants Over 25

From 15,000 yen (for a stay of 1 to 3 nights)

1–3 nights: 1 ticket (15,000 yen)
4–6 nights: 2 tickets (30,000 yen)
7–9 nights: 3 tickets (45,000 yen)
10 nights to full participation: 4 tickets (60,000 yen)

Participation Details

The above prices include three vegetarian meals per day.
Transportation to the site, camping gear, and hot spring usage fee (approx. 600 yen per visit) are not included.
An additional fee of 220 yen + 5% transaction fee will be charged at checkout.

Pricing Structure

The retreat fee is based on a flat rate system depending on the number of nights you stay.

1–3 nights: 15,000 yen total
(e.g. 1 night = 15,000 yen / 3 nights = 15,000 yen)
4–6 nights: 30,000 yen total
(e.g. 4 nights = 30,000 yen / 6 nights = 30,000 yen)
7–9 nights: 45,000 yen total
(e.g. 7 nights = 45,000 yen / 9 nights = 45,000 yen)
10 nights or more: 60,000 yen total (flat rate)

For Families with Children

If you plan to participate with young children (preschool age or younger), at least one adult must always be present to ensure their safety. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Special Notice

Those who are already practicing Karma Yoga regularly at Sri Ashram or are currently enrolled in the Spring 2025 TTC (Teacher Training Course) are eligible for a special participation rate.Please contact us directly for more details.

How to Apply

Please visit our crowdfunding project page on the socially conscious platform For Good!
There, simply select the reward titled “Ashram Retreat Participation Ticket” to join the retreat.

Contact Us

For any inquiries regarding the Karma Yoga Retreat at Sri Ashram, please send an email to the Sri Ashram office.
Kindly include “Retreat Inquiry” in the subject line of your message.

[email protected]

Support Beyond the Retreat

We gratefully accept donations at any time, even outside the official crowdfunding period.
If you’re unable to join the retreat due to a busy schedule or live too far to visit the ashram in person, we warmly invite you to support in any way that feels right for you—whether through a donation or simply by sharing our project on social media.

Your support—no matter the form—means the world to us. From our hearts, thank you.