Join us for a life changing journey....
Inner Alchemy Meditation ☯︎ Qigong Training Retreat
October 1 - October 9, 2025
Japan - land of Ancient Beauty
This October we will guide a select few to take part in a journey to some of the most beautiful Sacred Sites in Japan. Our journey will focus on the following three areas:
- Kamakura City
- Mitake Mountain
- Hakone Yumoto
We will engage in daily Qigong, Breathwork, and Inner Alchemy Meditation Training on Mount Mitake - experiencing a traditional practice retreat - deeply refreshing ourselves - gaining rejuvenation, self healing and inner peace.
We will engage in daily Taoist Meditation and Qigong Practice in the large temple training hall - staying in this majestic and potent nature area with many beautiful shrines and a large temple complex will be a time of deep rejuvenation and self reflection.
This will truly be an epic, profound and amazing journey...
We are so excited to be facilitating this very magical Journey in Japan - an inspiring 9 day journey taking place from October 1 - October 9, 2025.
Due to the local conditions in Japan, and to insure a personal experience for our group, we may only allow space for 8 members.
Please register as soon as possible if you are interested in attending and taking part in this journey. *** please see all of the registration details, costs, and how to join at the bottom of this page.
Come experience the beauty of Japan with us this October and take part in daily Taoist Inner Alchemy and Qigong practice sessions in the beautiful nature of the Japanese Mountains - let us Wander Free and Easy together - having the best time of our lives...
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Your Guides on this Journey
During your time in Japan, you will be guided each day by Jesse Lee Parker. Jesse brings a wealth of experience to his lessons, having practiced the Taoist Arts since age 13, giving him well over 35 years of experience which he draws on in his insightful lessons. Lessons with Jesse open up a vast and exciting well of wisdom, methods, fun and insight into the Taoist Arts of Qigong, and Neidan - Inner Alchemy.
From 2009, Jesse relocated from China and based himself in Japan - living in Japan gives Jesse knowledge and access to special areas and amazing spiritually charged sites not easily found by the inexperienced first time traveler.
Come share in the magic, mystery and beauty of Japan with us this October. Join us and begin taking steps to experience greater health, longevity, peace and happiness in your life through the wonderful Way of Taoist Practice and Inner Alchemy in the Sacred Mountains of Japan.
🪷 YUKO 🪷
During our time in Japan - we will be supported behind the scenes by Yuko Kon. Yuko is a Senior Instructor in Japan - having first studied under Jesse for many years beginning in 2005 - and later traveling to China to study directly under Jesse's Taoist Masters - Yuko took a total of 9 trips to China for intensive learning and retreat practice. Yuko is a very experienced practitioner of Taoist Qigong and Inner Alchemy and a valuable resource for other female practitioners. Yuko is a native of Kanagawa Prefecture and will help to support our groups travel throughout Japan - truly a wonderful spirit, with a magical smile and an invaluable support for our groups journey in Japan.
Retreat Training in JAPAN
Training in the mountains has a long history in the Taoist School. Taoists feel that Mountains hold a very strong, natural energy which supports our practice, and also helps us to find quietude and peacefulness through spending time in the beautiful green nature and tree filled valleys.
This Taoist view holds that training in the Mountains helps in the development of our Qi Energy. The Taoist views that by learning to Cultivate our Qi Energy, one may come to deeply transform their health, strengthen the physical body, enhance longevity, and develop the wisdom mind.
The Taoists teach us that it is very helpful for us to take Retreats in Nature - to focus on our personal practice, relax, and take time away from our usual daily schedule and work. In our Taoist Inner Alchemy Retreat on Mount Mitake this October, we will guide our members to transform their Body, enhance Vitality and cultivate their Inner Qi Energy to a profound level in a retreat setting in the beautiful nature area of this special mountain.
During our time on Mount Mitake members will learn a traditional and complete method of Taoist Qigong and Inner Alchemy Practice - students will be guided in the related theory, and also receive direct face to face transmissions. Online training is good - but training face to face is a completely different realm of experience, and opens up profound possibilities. This will truly be an amazing and very special event - we look forward to training with you in person on Mount Mitake this October.
What is Inner Alchemy...
The Taoist Tradition of 'Inner Alchemy' focuses on the cultivation and transformation of our Inner Energy - which supports the birth of our Spiritual Nature. The practice of Qigong, Transforming the Body, and developing Vital Health of the Body is generally the first step in the long process of moving through the many Stages of Inner Alchemy. Often this first Step in Training is termed - 'Marrow Washing and Tendon Changing Qigong' and is a Foundation Stage.
Inner Alchemy in the Chinese language is termed 'Neidan" - Nei -內 - means Inner or Internal and Dan - 丹 - is a reference to the Alchemical Elixir of Immortality. The use of these two words together gives us a reference to the Alchemical Elixir of Immortality. In English we will usually translate the term 'Neidan' as 'Inner Alchemy Practice'.
Taoist Inner Alchemy is concerned with transforming the substance of the Inner Energy of the human being into a refined, rarified, and Pure Quality - something which is True, Spiritual and Bright. This transformed energy, gathered to the Dantian is often termed the 'Elixir'. This Transformation of the Inner Energy and Development of the Elixir, will give one Health, Healing, Longevity, Wisdom, and bring one closer to Nature and the Great Tao.
During our Inner Alchemy Retreat Training in Mitake Mountain, we will learn a complete and systematic approach of Taoist Inner Alchemy Practice - adhering to the same way as the practice was passed on to us during our training in the Mountains of China.
During our daily training in Japan, we will bring these esoteric methods into a clear, simple and organised structure for our students. We will present Inner Alchemy Training and Qigong Practice in an easy to follow process which is organized based on a Preparation Stage which leads to the Three Stages of AlchemicalTransformation - The first of which is the Transformation of Jing Essence to Vital Energy. We will teach and explain many aspects of Inner Alchemy Practice which are not clear to the general public or easily understood .
During our Inner Alchemy Retreat we will give our students a direct embodied experience through Daily Practice and combine this with a detailed theoretical outline, so members may gain real embodied Internal Development and also understand the Traditional Theory.
Our focus is to pass on Practical Training and Real Practice Methods, so the student may gain a clear understanding and return home with a life long practice. We wish to guide our students to develop their Internal Ability in a healthy, happy, and balanced way. Taoist Inner Alchemy Practice will enhance one's physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through practical Self-Cultivation - come join us in October and discover this magical system of Life Enhancement.
Originally, the Way is complete and universal.
How can we distinguish practice from enlightenment..?
~ Dōgen Zenji
JAPAN RETREAT ☯︎ 2025
DAY 1 ~ 3 - KAMAKURA CITY
- October 1, 2, 3 -
Our Journey begins in the historic city of Kamakura - the home of the oldest Zen Monastery in Japan and the place we call home. In Kamakura we will be staying at a beautiful modern hotel which is a 10 minute walk to the ocean and close to many wonderful temple areas. We will have morning Qigong Lessons at ONE CLOUD ☯︎ STUDIO and take relaxing afternoon tours to beautiful nature areas and spiritually charged temple complexes. We will enjoy wonderful dinners of fine Japanese cuisine, and bond together as a group, preparing for our upcoming epic journey to Sacred Mount Mitake. During this time we will take part in a private blessing ceremony for our group at Kenchoji Zen Temple - setting our intention for an amazing journey together. We will also enjoy the nearby beach park - refreshing in the splendid ocean breeze and enjoying the beautiful nature. We will take a few days to catch our breath in Kamakura and refresh ourselves before we travel to the top of Mount Mitake where we will take part in our concentrated Inner Alchemy and Qigong Retreat Training.
ONE CLOUD ☯︎ STUDIO
In the foothills of Kamakura City, next to the Big Buddha of Hase, you will find - One Cloud ☯︎ Studio - a wonderful retreat place, nestled against the quiet slopes of Kamakura Mountain - we have a wonderful space with a tatami grass mat meditation room, a hard wood floor practice area, and a secluded room for relaxing and enjoying tea. The numerous temples, shrines, mountain trails and the scenic Shonan coastline are all within walking distance. Truly a perfect location to transmit the Ancient Wisdom of the Taoist Arts of Qigong and Inner Alchemy. This October - during our stay in Kamakura - we will have workshops and evening meditations in our One Cloud ☯︎ Studio - giving our members a very personal, fun and intimate face to face learning experience. 🙏
YUIGAHAMA BEACH
Our Hotel in Kamakura is around a ten minute walk to a wonderful long stretch of beach - perfect for early morning walks during sunrise, sitting and contemplating life, or evening star gazing. A very relaxing place - where you can just let go and listen to the sounds of the waves and the wind. During our stay in Kamakura - will will have an in-depth practice session facing this wonderful body of water - performing our dynamic Taoist Moving Qigong forms, TaiChi, and Standing Meditation - with the majestic sun, wind, waves and blue sky surrounding us.
Kamakura Hotel Lodging
Standard double room
Members will stay in beautiful, spacious rooms at our Kamakura Hotel. There are both western style rooms with standard beds, and also Japanese style rooms with tatami mats - sleeping on the floor in a futon. There are many simple comforts to enjoy at our hotel such as a nice lounge area, restaurant, and many local shops and nearby cafe.
Onsen Hot Spring Bath
Our hotel has a very nice and relaxing traditional Japanese Bath area. In Japan bathing is seen as a way to cleanse not only the body but also the soul - washing away impurities and restoring harmony. It's a meditative practice, a time for relaxation, rejuvenation, and spiritual renewal - fostering a sense of peace and tranquility.
Breakfast Buffet
Every morning in Kamakura there will be breakfast available in our hotel. Meals will consist of either traditional Japanese foods or more western style options. There is also tea, coffee, and juice available. Breakfast is usually served between 7:00am ~ 9:00am - members can enjoy and prepare for the active days of Qigong Practice and exploring the Temples.
JAPANESE TRADITIONAL FOODS
SEASONAL INGREDIENTS
SACRED SOURCE
We will experience the unique Japanese Buddhist Cuisine called Shojin Ryori - which emphasizes simplicity, mindfulness, and appreciation for nature. This style of cuisine is a core training practice of Buddhist monks in Japan, and grew in popularity with the spread of Zen Buddhism over 800 years ago. This cuisine is made without any meat, fish or other animal products, The core philosophy of Shojin Ryori is - Soshoku - the belief and practice of eating only what is necessary to sustain our health - simple foods are seen as a means of reaching closer to the goals of Buddhism and learning the precious value of life.
BALANCE
The philosophy of balance in Japanese food is a holistic approach to dining that encompasses flavor, texture, color, seasonality, and mindful eating. The philosophy of balance in Japanese food, is referred to as 'Washoku' - seeking to achieve harmony and balance in flavors, textures, colors, and even seasons within a meal. This concept, rooted in the principle of 'Wa' - also extends to the visual presentation of dishes, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing and harmonious experience. Japanese cuisine often features smaller portions, encouraging Mindful Eating and savoring each bite - teaching us balance and moderation.
Present Moment Awareness
The rays of the sun, moon, and stars nourish our bodies - the five grains of the earth nurture our spirits - all are the gifts of Nature and the Universal Source.
Even a drop of water or a grain of rice which we receive is the result of meritorious work and the hard labor of many.
During our meals together we will practice Mindfullness before we eat - taking a moment to be Aware of the Present Moment - expressing our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the source of our meals and to honor the abundance of the delicious foods we receive.
- KAMAKURA CITY -
Kamakura - 鎌倉 - is a coastal town in Kanagawa Prefecture, less than an hour south of Tokyo and will be our first destination on this exciting tour. Our home is hidden away in the hills of this amazing coastal town, right next to the famous Big Buddha statue. The town of Kamakura was an ancient political center of Japan, and also was a very important Spiritual Center for Shintoism, Buddhism, and an important site of the development of Zen Buddhism during the 12th Century. During your stay with us in Japan we will take trips to the wonderful temples, nature areas and Sacred Sites of Kamakura together. Please check below of some of the temples in Kamakura that we will visit together during the first few days of our tour.
Kamakura - Ancient Sacred Sites
Jōchi-ji - Zen temple
Kinpōzan Jōchi-ji is a Buddhist Zen temple in Kita-Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It belongs to the Engaku-ji school of the Rinzai sect and is ranked fourth among Kamakura's Five Mountains. The main objects of worship are the three statues of Shaka, Miroku and Amida Nyorai visible inside the main hall. The temple has a very long history, and was founded in 1283 by Hōjō Munemasa.
Big Buddha - Daibutsu
Kōtoku-in is a Jōdo-shū Buddhist temple in the city of Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The temple is renowned for its "Great Buddha" (大仏 Daibutsu), a monumental outdoor bronze statue of Amida Buddha, which is one of the most famous icons of Japan. It is also a designated National Treasure, and one of the twenty-two historic sites being proposed for UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.
Zeniarai Benten - Shrine
Zeniarai Benten, is a Shinto shrine in Kamakura, Kanagawa prefecture, Japan. In spite of its small size, it is the second most popular spot in Kamakura prefecture after Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū. This 800-year-old shrine is unusual as it is completely surrounded by high rock walls. Totally invisible from the outside, Zeniarai Benzaiten can only be reached through a unique cave like tunnel.
JAPAN RETREAT ☯︎ 2025
DAY 3 ~ 6 - MITAKE MOUNTAIN
- October 3, 4, 5, 6 -
On day three - we will begin with our morning Qigong lessons, and take breakfast. We then will check out and begin our travel by train as a group to the beautiful nature area of Mount Mitake, which has been a site of sacred worship in Japan for over 2,000 years. We will stay in a very unique traditional lodging area that is a converted Shrine on top of the mountain. During our time on Mitake Mountain we will engage in daily Qigong and Inner Alchemy Training sessions three times a day - early morning, afternoon and evening. We will experience the rising of the full moon during our time on this special mountain. In the afternoon there will be organised hikes to the beautiful mountain shrines, and waterfall areas. Our daily meals for our group are carefully hand prepared by an experienced traditional Japanese chef - embodying deep traditional principles in each meal - a great support our retreat training. Members may completely relax, dive into the daily practice, and embrace the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Please take a look at the video below to get an idea of the beautiful nature of Mount Mitake and the area we will stay in for our Inner Alchemy Mountain Retreat Training.
Mitake Mountain - Ancient Pilgrimage Site
Traditional Lodging
Our lodging is located near the peak of the mountain and was used as a Shine and place of worship in the past. In modern times it has been converted as a traditional lodging place for pilgrims who visit Mitake for spiritual practice. Rooms are traditional style, with tatami mat floors, and there is also a wonderful large communal Japanese bath that members may use to refresh body, heart and mind.
Beautiful Mountain Views
Mount Mitake has an abundance of wonderful views of the many surrounding mountain peaks and valleys. During our free time members may enjoy hiking in the nature, visiting the shrines, hiking through vast groves of trees and even visit sacred waterfalls used for ritual purification practices called Misogi - 禊. Mitake Mountain is a famous place for Misogi Practice, and members can hike to these sacred falls and experience their beauty.
Retreat Training Room
During our Inner Alchemy Retreat on Mount Mitake, we will have a wonderful private training hall we will use. Our large training room is a traditional tatami mat room and comes prepared with an abundance of Zabuton cushions for meditation. Our Training Hall is separate from the lodging areas - so it is very quiet, and serene. We have wonderful views of the mountain hillside, and mornings are full of sunlight and fresh mountain breeze. Truly a perfect place to practice.
JAPAN RETREAT ☯︎ 2025
ONSEN HOT SPRINGS
During our time together in Japan, we will enjoy a wonderful Onsen Hot Spring experience together
Onsen are natural hot spring baths in Japan, valued for their mineral-rich waters and therapeutic properties. They are a popular attraction and a significant part of Japanese culture.
Japanese hot springs, hold deep spiritual significance, rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions. They are seen as places of purification and healing, both physically and spiritually, and are often located near sacred sites. The ritual of bathing in onsen is a form of mindfulness and a way to connect with nature and the spiritual realm.
We will take some time to refresh our body, mind and spirit in the healing hot spring waters - deeply refreshing, purifying and rejuvenating ourselves.
JAPAN RETREAT ☯︎ 2025
DAY 6 ~ 9 - KAMAKURA CITY
- October 6, 7, 8, 9 -
Day 6 will begin with our early morning Qigong and Inner Alchemy Meditation in our Mitake Mountain Lodging. Members will then pack up and prepare to begin our journey by train back to Kamakura. Along the way, we will take a break and visit a Japanese Onsen Spa to take a break from the train ride, refresh and relax. After a refreshing Onsen Spa Experience, we will make our way back to Kamakura. The remaining days of our journey will be spent with morning Qigong in our - One Cloud ☯︎ Studio - and Dynamic Qigong Sessions on the beach in Kamakura. We will also visit local temples, walk around the town, and members may also visit the many unique shops to buy special gifts for their family and friends. We will enjoy wonderful dinners in town together, and share our experiences through lively conversation. On the morning of October 9th we will have our final practice session together, and celebrate with a wonderful group afternoon brunch with a beautiful ocean view at our local friends restaurant. Members may then depart back to their home country, or continue their journey and adventure exploring Japan.
What you can look forward to on this amazing journey to Japan..
- Visit powerful Sacred Sites, beautiful nature areas, shrines, majestic temples, and unique places of power - off the beaten path in Japan - being in such spiritually charged areas truly brings a profound and great transformation that is hard to put into words.
- Learn a Complete System of Taoist Qigong and Inner Alchemy Practice - bringing amazing progress and development to your personal Qigong Practice.
- Eat wonderful and delicious Japanese foods - we will eat what is called 'Wa Shoku' 'Traditional Foods' - very healthy, nutritious and well balanced meals.
- Refresh and Rejuvenate Yourself - being in the deep nature and engaging in daily Taoist Practice will help one to unplug from their regular life back home - this will lead to rejuvenating and empowering your energy reserves - bringing you to a more youthful state - overflowing with a healthy, peaceful and happy heart.
- Make Lifelong Friends - in going on such a journey together as a group, and training in Taoist Practice daily a strong connection and a deep bond is created among members that often can last a lifetime.
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JAPAN RETREAT ☯︎ 2025
Inner Alchemy Meditation & Qigong Training
During our time training together in Japan, we will learn traditional forms and practice methods of Taoist Qigong, Neigong and Inner Alchemy Meditation drawing from the following sources:
1. Taoist Breath Training -
We will teach a progressive Breath Work Method to regain the Original Breathing Pattern experienced in Childhood. These breathing methods will naturally transform the negative emotional patterns, calm the mind and return one to a more centered and Pure Heart State - naturally leading to building and enhancing the Inner Energy. This is a Foundation Method to create the conditions which will then allow one to practice at a deeper level and progress to the work of Developing the Dantian Center.
2. Awakening the Dantian Center -
Working with and developing the Dantian is perhaps the most important first step. We will guide members in systematic methods to Open, Develop, and Solidify the Dantian Center - bringing one to return to a more youthful state of Vital Health, Inner Peace, and also enhance Physical Transformation.
3. Inner Alchemy - Neidan Training -
Our main focus in this Retreat Training will be to transmit the Way of Inner Alchemy Practice. We will train in organized Preperation Methods such as the Taoist Seated TaoYin Methods, Yi Jin Jing - Tendon Transformation Postures, Hand Mudra, Awakening the Dantian Center, and developing the Automatic Circulation of the Microcosmic Orbit. This approach to Inner Alchemy Practice will lead the student to align with the Seasonal Cycles of Nature. These Inner States will lead to a profound harmony with the Inner Meridian System, developing Inner Energy, Deep Rejuvenation of the physical body, Resting in Stillness and Peace - leading one to the experience of Union with Nature.
4. Marrow Washing Qigong -
During our retreat, we will explore and learn sections of movements taken from the - Marrow Washing Qigong Practice - seeking to bring balance to the Body, harmonize the Energy Channels, Enhancing Circulation, Calming the Mind, and bringing a Deep Relaxation to the nervous system. When we engage for long periods of Stillness Meditation Practice - it is important to balance the Stillness with more Dynamic Movement based Qigong at times.
5. HsingYi Neigong Training -
We will learn Neigong Methods, Foundation Training, and Standing Meditation from the HsingYi System - helping us to Transform the Tendon & Fascia Networks, Strengthen the Bones, Open the Meridian Channels, and Unify the Body, Mind and Breath. This will lead one to develop a more unified internal strength, single pointed concentration, strengthen the Dantian, and also enhance the connection of the Mind Intention and the Body Form.
***NOTE: the teaching contents, lectures and daily lessons will be subject to changes, subtractions or additions depending on the students level, and the progress of development we move through as a group during the course of our Retreat Training. Our Lessons and Retreat Training will be taught in a Dynamic, Creative and Living Way - our focus is on the Internal Development of the Student and the Awakening of Wisdom and Insight.
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Japan Retreat ☯︎ 2025
Japan Retreat - 2025
Inner Alchemy and Qigong Training Intensive
How to Register
This retreat will be limited to only 8 members - due to the local conditions - so please contact us if you are interested in joining - do not miss this rare and amazing opportunity...
Please feel free to contact us by email with any questions - [email protected]
Details and Conditions
Japan Retreat ☯︎ 2025
Inner Alchemy and Qigong Training Intensive
☯︎☯︎☯︎
- INCLUDED IN JAPAN RETREAT 2025 -
- All on ground Costs in Japan are included. Once members arrive in Kamakura Station all hotel lodging, all local transportation (train / bus / taxi ), all temple admission tickets, and one Japanese Spa - Sento experience is all included. (Kamakura hotel and temple lodging is double occupancy)
- All daily Qigong lessons, and guided Inner Alchemy Retreat Training is included. Members will be immersed in profound daily Qigong Training, Taoist Theory discussions, and daily guided practice sessions of Inner Alchemy Meditation.
- All guided temple tours, and visits to sacred sites are included - During our journey in Japan we will visit many special temples and spiritually charged sacred sites - all temple admission tickets are included.
- All meals of breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in Kamakura and Mitake Mountain. We will experience wonderful and delicious meals of healthy Japanese cuisine in this journey. We will have a big welcome dinner together on the evening of October 1st. We will enjoy eating very healthy, delicious Traditional Foods during our journey and also having wonderful Japanese tea each day.
- NOTE: International Airfare, and travel insurance are not included. Members will be responsible for their International flights to Japan, and any related Visa processing. Members will be responsible for their transportation by train to and from the International Airport to Kamakura Station . We highly advise members to obtain comprehensive travel insurance for this journey. We will assist our members during every step of the journey - so please rest at ease...
In harmony with Tao, the sky is clear and spacious. the earth is solid and full, all creatures flourish together in harmony.
Return is the movement of the Tao.
Yielding is the way of the Tao.
One who is in harmony with Tao is like a newborn child... soft and flexible; full of vital power.
complete in its harmony.
~ Lao Tzu
