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 four areas:
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.
In Kyoto we will reside as a group in a beautiful Zen Temple, with wonderful views of a majestic Zen Rock Garden in our courtyard - we will engage in daily morning Taoist Meditation and Qigong Practice in the large temple training hall. In Kyoto we will also take part in a traditional Zen tea ceremony with a local Master, and receive teachings on the Way of Zen. The highlight of our Kyoto stay will be a group pilgrimage to the birthplace of Reiki Energy Healing - Kurama Mountain - a majestic and potent nature area with many beautiful shrines and a large temple complex.
This will truly be an epic, profound and amazing journey...
We are so excited to be facilitating this very magical Journey in Japan - a once in a lifetime experience of Adventure, lots of daily Qigong Practice and Mystic Self Discovery.
Our Japan Retreat will be an inspiring 12 day journey taking place from October 1 - October 12, 2025.
Due to the local conditions in Japan, and to insure a personal experience for our group, we will only allow space for 10 members. Please register as soon as possible if you are interested in attending and taking part in this journey…
Come experience the beauty of Japan with us this October - truly a magical and inspiring journey - one that will stay with you for the rest of your life. We look forward to sharing the beauty of Japan with you - exploring the Way of Zen and taking part in daily Taoist Inner Alchemy and Qigong practice sessions - let us Wander Free and Easy together in the Mountains of Japan - having the best time of our lives...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 🙏
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 - 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.
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.
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, 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.
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 Retreat Training.
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.
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.
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.
On day 6, our morning begins early on Mount Mitake - we will engage in a full session of Taoist Inner Alchemy and Qigong. After breakfast, members will pack up and prepare to depart and head down the mountain to catch the local train to Tokyo Station - where we will board our high speed Bullet Train - our next destination will be - Kyoto City - the former capital of Japan for over a millennium - located in the Kansai region of Japan - Kyoto is a city renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and scenic beauty. It's home to countless temples, shrines, gardens, and palaces, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will stay in a very special Zen Temple Lodging area - our group will have exclusive access to this sub-temple, which is a part of a vast complex of 46 other temples. After dinner we will take part in an evening meditation in our Zen Meditation Hall. The following days in Kyoto will be focused on our daily morning practice of Inner Alchemy Meditation and Qigong - in the afternoons we will explore the nearby sacred sites, historic gardens, and the surrounding temple complexes such as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion - Kinkakuji - which is in walking distance from our temple lodging. We will enjoy wonderful Kyoto Cuisine, taste fine teas, and absorb the rich culture of this Ancient Capital City. - The banner picture below shows one part of our temple lodgings in Kyoto - a meditation platform for garden viewing - truly a majestic place - rich in spiritual potency, nature and history...
Japan's
It's a popular tradition in Japan to admire these changing leaves, a practice called 'momijigari' - which means to ‘seek out and admire’ the beauty of the vibrant colours.
The Koyo season typically begins in late September and continues through early December. Kyoto city has many breathtaking nature areas to view these vibrant autumn colours and we will enjoy taking in these majestic sites together during our time in the ancient capital city.
On our third day in Kyoto - we will depart after our morning training and breakfast for Mount Kurama - the birthplace of Reiki Healing. Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki, underwent a 21-day period of fasting and meditation on Mount Kurama - at the end of his 21 days, he received the Reiki Healing Energy and gained insight into the wisdom of life and the Way of Healing. Kurama Mountain is known for its rich history, spiritual significance, and beautiful natural surroundings. The mountain is said to be protected by the Mystical Tengu, which are guardians and protectors of nature. This will be a wonderful day of deep immersion in nature, and visiting a very powerfully charged Sacred Site. *The banner below shows one of two energetic gates at the top of Mount Kurama - one is an Earth Gate, the other is a Universal Gate - we will visit these powerful areas during this special and magical time on the mountain - with wonder and reverence, we will slowly experience this sacred place...
During our time in Kyoto City, we will stay in a traditional Shukubo - Zen temple lodging. In ancient times, Shukubo lodging was only for visiting monks and priests - but in modern times lay persons are allowed to stay in these traditional lodgings and experience the unique cultural traditions of old Japan. We will enjoy the peace and nature of this unique location, and enjoy the beauty of engaging in our Inner Alchemy Practice in a traditional Zen Meditation Hall. Our Zen temple which we will lodge in is one temple in a vast complex of 46 sub temples - a huge area, with tree filled paths, zen gardens and many shrines.
The tea ceremony is deeply rooted in Zen Buddhism and traces its origins back to the 8th century. The Japanese tea ceremony, or 'Chado' - involves the preparation and serving of matcha tea, in a ritualized way - that emphasizes simplicity, tranquility, and mindfulness - all key aspects of Zen Philosophy. It's a way to create a moment of stillness, peace and connection, not just with the tea itself, but with the host, guests, and the surrounding natural environment. During our stay in Kyoto - we will experience Tea Ceremony and other aspects of Zen Culture in the surrounding temples near our lodging.
Our Shukubo Temple lodging in Kyoto will be a wonderful journey into the unique beauty of Japanese aesthetics. We will get to enjoy tatami mat rooms,, rice paper doorways called 'Shoji', beautiful hanging calligraphy, and out door rock gardens. Japanese aesthetics are largely influenced by Shinto and Buddhist ideals such as: experiencing the wholeness of nature by incorporating the natural landscape into the home design, and allowing for simplicity and empty space to be a focal point for the interior rooms. Our lodging in Kyoto will be like going back in time - experiencing the profound beauty of elegant simplicity.
Day 10 will begin with our early morning Inner Alchemy Meditation in our Kyoto Temple Lodging. Members will then pack up and prepare to begin our journey by High Speed Bullet Train back to Kamakura - via Tokyo Station. Along the way, we will take a break and visit a Japanese Sento Spa to take a break from the train ride, refresh and relax. After a refreshing Sento Spa expereince, we will make our way 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 Day 12 we will have our final practice session together, and celebrate with a wonderful group breakfast 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 in Japan.
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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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Registration is simple - just pick a payment option below and you will be registered. We have three payment options, so you may pay one time, or split the cost up. Please contact us by email if you have any questions about our Taoist Inner Alchemy Retreat being offered this October 2025 in Japan - truly an amazing, life changing experience.
This retreat will be limited to only 10 members - due to the local conditions - so please contact us if you have any questions.
Please feel free to contact us by email with any questions - [email protected]
- INCLUDED IN KYOTO RETREAT 2025 -
Join us in Japan this October for a life changing journey into the Sacred Mitake Mountains and beautiful Kyoto City - a Journey of Self Transformation, Health, Happiness, and Harmony...
THREE SIMPLE PAYMENTS
INNER ALCHEMY RETREAT 2025
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ONE SINGLE PAYMENT
INNER ALCHEMY RETREAT 2025
*RETREAT PRICE INCLUDES*
TWO SIMPLE PAYMENTS
INNER ALCHEMY RETREAT 2025
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