THE IKIGAI RETREAT
Fulfill Your Passion to Help Others and Become A Certified Ikigai Coach in Japan!
Come to Japan and immerse yourself in the birthplace of ikigai as you complete the Ikigai Tribe Coach Certification. Guided by Japan’s leading experts, you’ll gain authentic insights into the true meaning of ikigai—far beyond the Western buzzwords.
This transformative experience combines expert-led training with unforgettable cultural encounters, from traditional arts to mindful rituals, offering you both personal growth and professional mastery. Discover the ikigai of Japan while becoming a certified coach equipped to guide others toward purpose and fulfillment.
May 2026
Reflect, Connect, Discover and Commit
REFLECT
Step away from distractions to reflect on your life and who and what matters to you.
CONNECT
Connect with like-minded people and Japanese culture to gain more perspective.
DISCOVER
Through introspection, discussion and cultural experiences discover new meaning and purpose.
COMMIT
With new knowledge and insights commit to both personal and professional change.
WHO IS THE IKIGAI RETREAT FOR?
LEADERS
Leaders and business owners wanting to create more harmony and connection in their workplace.
CHANGE MAKERS
Change makers and entrepreneurs looking for inspiration and perspective.
COACHES
Coaches wanting to more deeply understand how they can help others
TRUTH SEEKERS
Learning enthusiasts interested in the ikigai concept and Japanese culture.
Transform Your Personal & Professional Life With Ikigai in Japan
Embrace the Japanese mindset and immerse yourself in Japanese culture on Ikigai Tribe’s transformative Ikigai Retreat and Japanese Cultural Study Trip.
This week-long Japanese retreat is more than just a cultural experience in Japan. It’s a comprehensive multi-month program that includes pre-trip and post-trip learning to enhance your knowledge and skills. This ensures you gain maximum impact from your investment, boosting your coaching and communication abilities in your professional and personal life
May 2026
The Ikigai Retreat Experiences
Are you ready to elevate your coaching and communication skills while deepening your understanding of ikigai and Japanese culture?
Experience a world of ikigai in Gifu, Japan, with cultural workshops, a zazen meditation experience, washi paper making, forest bathing, cooking classes, pottery making, tea ceremony, amazing food and heartfelt hospitality.
Ikigai Workshop
Autum Leaf Hunting
Pottery Making
Zen Meditation
Tea Ceremony
Washi Paper Making
Shakyo: Sutra Tracing
Ikigai Diet Cooking Classes
Indigo Dying
RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
Ikigai Workshop
A two-day workshop with Japan's ikigai experts
Spend two days day rubbing shoulders with and learning from Japan's leading authorities on the ikigai concept. This will be an in-depth study on the many perspectives of ikigai and other related cultural concepts.
Zen Meditation & Sutra Experience
Japan's Best Kept Secret
Kokeizan Eihoji Temple founded in 1313 contains two buildings that are listed as National Treasures. The temple grounds and gardens have been designated as a place of National Scenic Beauty. Here we will take in the beauty of koyo, autumn foliage, as we walk around the Zen garden after morning meditation and Shakyo, zen sutra tracing.
Iaido
The Japanese art of sword drawing
Delve into Iaido, a traditional Japanese martial art centered on the controlled, deliberate act of drawing the sword. In this exclusive masterclass, you’ll train under the guidance of 9th-dan iaidō master Atsushi Shibata. As you learn the fundamentals of kata—structured solo forms emphasizing smooth movement, mental discipline, and the avoidance of conflict—you’ll engage in a rare form of training that unites mind, body, and spirit.
Washi Paper Making Workshop
Traditional Japanese paper making
Set within the natural beauty of Warabee Land in Mino, Gifu Prefecture—Japan’s UNESCO-recognized washi capital—this hands-on workshop invites you to slow down and connect deeply with the process. You’ll create your own sheets of washi to take home—a one-of-a-kind memory infused with mindfulness and meaning.
Katanakaji Workshop
Blacksmithing experience
In a traditional Japanese farmhouse, you’ll spend the day forging your own knife using centuries-old techniques under the expert guidance of an acclaimed local swordsmith. This hands-on experience includes every step of the swordsmithing process: heating and hammering iron, shaping with a file, tempering, and sharpening.
Pottery Workshop
Make a one of a kind piece of pottery
Equipped with facilities for wheel throwing and painting, Kokei-Gama will ensure that you'll enjoy making pottery, whether it's creating a piece with the potter's wheel, hand-building, or painting. Your unique piece of pottery will be fired and shipped to your home country.
Momijigari
The timeless tradition of autumn leaf viewing
Enjoy strolling through serene forests and temple grounds awash in crimson, amber, and gold, where every step invites reflection and presence. More than just a seasonal activity, momijigari is a practice of mindful appreciation, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life and the quiet joy found in impermanence.
Cha no yu
The Way of Tea
Discover how to balance the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility in a bowl of tea, with a private tea ceremony with a chajin (Tea Master) in a traditional chashitsu tea room on the grounds of Kokeizan Eihoji Temple.
Ikigai Tribe Coach Certification
Immersive Ikigai Coach Certification Experience
The Ikigai Retreat also includes the Ikigai Coach Certification, with half of the program delivered online before the retreat and the remainder completed in person through live workshops and group work in Japan. This is the VIP version of the certification and includes additional mentoring, cultural experiences, and group coaching. You don’t just learn to coach ikigai—you live it. By fully immersing yourself in the principles and practices of ikigai throughout the retreat, you’ll embody what you teach and return home with the confidence and clarity to guide others with authenticity.
MAY 2026 JAPAN RETREAT ITINERARY
May 2026
DAY 0 - FRI - TOKYO
DAY 1 - SAT - TOKYO WORKSHOP
DAY 2 - SUN - TOKYO WORKSHOP
DAY 3 - MON - ZEN
DAY 4 - TUE - IAIDŌ
DAY 5 - WED - BLACKSMITH'S WORKSHOP
DAY 6 - THURS - CRAFTSMANSHIP
DAY 7 - FRIDAY - TEA CEREMONY
DAY 8 - FAREWELL
* Please note the itinerary above is tentative and subject to change
What's Included in the Retreat?
The Ikigai Retreat is a multi-month online and in-person study prgram.
What's included:
What's not included
What's included
Recommendations
ACCOMMODATION
On our first two nights we will stay in splendor and tranquility high above Tokyo Station at a 4-star Hotel.
In Aichi is where the magic will happen. You'll spend 5 nights the Hotel Indigo Inuyama Uraken Garden. This hotel exudes a fantastic vibe, blending modern sophistication with traditional Japanese elements. The interior design is stunning, with thoughtfully curated decor that reflects the local culture and history of Inuyama. Every corner of the hotel feels like a piece of art, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.
We will even take care of your luggage and have it forwarded between hotels so you can enjoy the Shinkansen ride with peace of mind.
- YOUR HOST -
NICHOLAS KEMP
Your journey will be guided by ikigai authority and author Nick Kemp, along with program coordinator and local expert Shinji Kimura. Together, they will provide you with unparalleled insights and experiences that will help you transform lives through your enhanced coaching and communication skills.
By joining Ikigai Tribe's Retreat and Japanese Cultural Study Trip, you’ll enjoy a fully curated experience and gain insider access to renowned Japanese thought leaders and academics, while partaking in unique cultural activities that will inspire and deepen your understanding of ikigai and Japanese culture.
We'll dive into Japanese philosophical and cultural concepts to broaden your coaching skills and improve your communication.
Embark on the learning journey of a lifetime!
Your experience includes
Meet and learn from Japan's leading academics and ikigai thought leaders. In Tokyo, we will spend a full day with Japan's ikigai experts, discussing and debating ikigai and how it plays out in Japanese culture. During the retreat you'll have the opportunity to talk directly with Japanese from all walks of life, including academics, Zen priests, artists, and craftspeople, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the spectrum that is Ikigai.
Expected guests include:
- Prof. Ken Mogi - neuroscientist and author of The Little Book of Ikigai
- Prof. Akihiro Hasegawa - clinical psychologist and ikigai researcher
- Prof. Daiki Kato - clinical psychologist and "Rolefulness" thought leader
- Sachiaki Takamiya - author of The Ikigai Diet and Ikigai Bio-hacking
We will have special access to some of Japan's best kept secrets including craftsman's workshops to observe ikigai in action and learn the principles of kodawari and the aesthetic of wabisabi.
On the retreat you will:
- Practice zen mediation and sutra tracing at a 700 year old temple
- Forge your own knife under the guidance of a Japanese blacksmith
- Embrace the craftsman spirit and create a one-of-a-kind piece of pottery and traditional washi paper.
- Learn to make delicious and healthy Japanese food
- Experience the way of tea
Nick Kemp, organizer of the Ikigai Retreat, will facilitate discussions throughout the program to deepen your learning experiences and understanding of Japanese culture. Drawing from his ten years of living in Japan and his journey as a solopreneur, Nick will share valuable insights on how he built his unique coaching and education business by embracing the Japanese mindset.
Together with Nick, you will explore Ikigai and other Japanese philosophical and psychological concepts, discussing how these ideas can help you become a better coach and communicator.
Shinji Kimura, the Ikigai Retreat coordinator and interpreter, will provide additional commentary on Japanese culture, ikigai, and local customs, enriching your experience with his deep knowledge and perspectives.
WASHOKU
Enjoy authentic, seasonal Japanese food in Tokyo, Aichi and Gifu. All meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as drinks are provided during the retreat. This includes daily afternoon tea and several special welcome and celebration dinners!
You'll enjoy:
- Kaiseki - a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner
- Irori -traditional homestyle food cooked in a sunken hearth fired with charcoal.
- Wagashi - traditional Japanese sweets
Only 6 spots available!
$14,999 USD
Early Bird Pricing:
*$13999 USD
* Sign up before the end of December 2025 and save $1000
* Payment plan option available.
Apply to book a call with Nick. He'll answer all your questions.
* Your position is only confirmed after your application has been approved and your payment has been received.
CONCEPTS WE'LL EXPLORE
IKIGAI
Delve into the heart of Ikigai, through guided workshops, co-reflection and authentic communication. Understand how this profound philosophy with its many perspectives and subtleties integrates various aspects of life to bring balance and meaning.
WABI-SABI
Embrace the beauty of imperfection and impermanence with the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi. Participate in activities that highlight the appreciation of simplicity and natural beauty, such as pottery or tea ceremony. Learn how to incorporate the principles of Wabi-Sabi into your coaching approach, encouraging acceptance and resilience in yourself and your clients.
MA
Discover the Japanese concept of MA, the space between moments that creates harmony and balance. Explore how MA influences Japanese art, architecture, and daily life. Learn to incorporate this principle into your coaching and communication practices, enhancing your ability to create meaningful pauses and connections that foster deeper understanding and presence.
ZEN
Experience the tranquility and mindfulness that Zen practice brings. Engage in meditation and sutra copying sessions at a traditional Zen temple, learning the importance of presence and inner peace. Discover how the principles of Zen can be applied in coaching to foster clarity and focus for your clients
SHOKUNIN DAMASHI
Explore the spirit of shokunin, the Japanese ethos of dedication to one's craft. Observe master artisans at work and learn about their relentless pursuit of excellence in their work. Discover how embodying this spirit can enhance your coaching practice, encouraging a commitment to mastery, continuous improvement, and a deep sense of responsibility in both your personal and professional endeavors.
SHINTO
Discover Japan's 8 million Kami. Explore the ancient spiritual traditions of Shintoism, the indigenous belief system of Japan that celebrates harmony with nature and the divine in everyday life. Through guided visits to sacred shrines and reflective practices, discover how Shinto principles of purity, gratitude, and reverence can inspire a deeper connection to the world around you and a greater sense of purpose.