Dec 8–18, 2025 · Tokyo · Kamakura · Beppu · Miyajima

Dr. Dédé’s Rest as Resistance Retreat

A luxury healing experience in Japan for women executives reclaiming rest as a right. Bask in slow mornings, onsen rituals, forest bathing and ryokan care—mindfully crafted for deep restoration, community, and liberation. Space is limited; reserve your spot today. We’ve kept this experience intentionally intimate, making sure every guest is pampered and poured into, receiving the attention, care, and joy they deserve—regardless of their chosen package.

With gratitude to Tricia Hersey, also known as the Nap Bishop of The Nap Ministry and author of Rest Is Resistance. Her pioneering work demonstrates how resting can be an act of resistance and liberation.

Your Restorative Oasis Itinerary

Days 1–2

Tokyo Arrival & Intention Setting

Evening arrival, gentle start, slow morning. Intention‑setting circle and restorative dinner.

Days 3–4

Kamakura Serenity

Private three‑room heritage home booked entirely for our group. Shichirigahama onsen ritual & forest bathing.

Days 5–6

Beppu Hot Springs

Japan’s onsen capital. Enjoy sand baths, mud baths and a complimentary 60‑minute treatment.

Days 7–8

Miyajima — Iwaso Ryokan

Iconic island, torii gate views and multi‑course kaiseki. Deep rest with caretaking hospitality at Iwaso Ryokan.

Days 9–10

Return to Tokyo & Depart

Return to Tokyo for reflection and integration. Leisurely shopping (optional), quiet moments, and a farewell dinner before departure for the U.S.

FYI

For Your Information

Our retreat is intentionally intimate to maximize rest and care, with two expert hosts guiding no more than 8–10 guests. If demand exceeds this number, we will add additional hosts—ensuring our guest‑to‑host ratio never exceeds 4:1 for safety, support and luxury.

Healing Waters & Forest Rituals

Shichirigahama Coastal Onsen

Private oceanside baths where healing mineral waters meet breathtaking Pacific views. Enjoy golden‑hour sunsets over Mount Fuji while soaking meditatively, and evening soaks under a canopy of stars invite deep relaxation and renewal.

Beppu’s Legendary “Hells”

Experience Japan’s most famous hot spring city with private access to the renowned thermal pools and geothermal wonders. Includes personalized mud and sand treatments.

Iwaso Ryokan’s Sacred Waters

Bathe in the centuries‑old healing waters of Miyajima Island while enjoying a traditional tea ceremony and restorative herbal infusions. A truly iconic ryokan experience.

Forest Bathing & Rituals

Guided silent walks through ancient groves, breathwork beneath maple canopies, nature journaling and sunrise meditation among bamboo—practices designed to calm the nervous system and honor ancestral connections to the natural world.

Rest as Resistance

  • Sunset hot spring soaks
  • Meandering forest strolls
  • Solo/guided hikes & shrine visits
  • Afternoon naps & spontaneous karaoke
  • Solo/group ecstatic dance sessions
  • The Politics & Practice of Rest Workshop
  • Embodied Stillness & Care Workshop

Good‑to‑Know

  • Cultural care for hair/skin needs; vetted Black‑traveler tips
  • Onsen etiquette guidance; private or low‑exposure options where possible
  • Flexible opt‑out culture; slow mornings; quiet hour daily
  • Pack modest bathing attire; tattoos may need to be covered
  • Cash is preferred in rural areas; ATMs may be limited

Senanu Kimono

Senanu is Dr Dédé’s bespoke kimono brand where Japanese craft meets African aesthetics. Each piece blends silk and wax‑print fabrics, honoring the intertwined histories of two cultures while creating something entirely new. During the retreat you’ll have the opportunity to wear an exclusive Senanu yukata or kimono designed just for your journey.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to explore more designs and connect with the community.

Journey Add‑ons

Essentials not included

  • International airfare to and from Japan
  • Entry visas
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
  • Meals on days reserved for independent exploration

Optional indulgences

  • Spa treatments and onsen rituals, curated at each accommodation
  • Private tours and bespoke shopping excursions
  • Kimono or Yukata purchases for Whispering Pines and Golden Crane journeys
  • Professional photoshoot in Kimono (optional add‑on for Whispering Pines and Golden Crane journeys)
  • Personal photographer to beautifully document your retreat experience

Your Journey's Investment Value

  • Lodging & ryokans — $6,200
  • Train & transfers — $1,000
  • Onsen & wellness experiences — $1,500
  • Workshops & rituals — $2,200
  • Concierge & hosting — $20,000

Estimated total value — $30,000+

Reserve Now
Mount Misen in fall

Choose Your Rest Journey

Dec 8–18, 2025 · 8–10 guests · 2 hosts

All deposits are fully refundable if the minimum number of guests (8) is not reached. Joining now guarantees the best rate, priority access if we need to waitlist, and early access to future retreats.

Whispering Pines

$8,700
(w/ Round-trip airfare)

  • Wake to the quiet elegance of hand‑picked boutique hotels and tranquil ryokans, each chosen for its soul and story
  • Glide between cities with seamless transport while your luggage follows effortlessly behind
  • Sink into the restorative embrace of daily onsen rituals, each one a sanctuary unto itself
  • Receive a Senanu kimono—woven beauty to welcome you—(available as an add‑on for other journeys)
  • Gather in Rest‑as‑Resistance workshops and wander into the whispering stillness of the forest, where every breath feels like renewal
  • Hand‑picked boutique hotels & shared accommodation at Sakura Sakura ryokan (accessibility accommodations available upon request)
  • All intercity transport + luggage forwarding
  • Daily onsen rituals in each city
  • Rest as Resistance workshops & forest bathing experiences
  • Guided cultural experiences & local excursions
  • Group integration circles & journaling prompts
  • Fresh, seasonal breakfasts prepared daily
  • Group messaging support throughout your stay
  • Pre‑departure orientation & recommended reading list
  • Digital detox guidance & gentle transition support

Golden Crane

$11,200 (w/ Round-trip airfare)

  • All the wonders of Whispering Pines, and more…
  • Retreat to serene, more private accommodations whenever possible
  • Savor a hand‑curated journey through Japan’s finest flavors, crowned with a hosted tea ceremony
  • Be first in line for tranquil spa indulgences
  • Choose to immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of elevated culinary artistry
  • More private rooming where available
  • Premium dining curation & hosted tea ceremony
  • Exclusive kimono styling session
  • Priority spa scheduling with accessibility accommodations
  • Optional luxury culinary night (add‑on)
  • Enhanced room amenities & welcome gifts
  • Hosted cultural performances & private tours
  • Evening meditation or live musical performance
  • Personalized rest ritual consultation with Dr. Dédé
  • Golden Crane welcome gift

*Sakura Sakura has 3 rooms reserved for our group; those nights are shared across all journeys.

Eternal Blossom

$13,500
(w/ Round-trip airfare)

  • All the treasures of Golden Crane, elevated to their pinnacle…
  • Stay in the finest rooms available at every destination
  • Be welcomed and farewelled with VIP touches that linger in memory
  • Continue your daily onsen rituals, complemented by bespoke spa treatments tailored to you
  • Savor an evening of exceptional indulgence with a luxury culinary night, now included
  • Best‑available rooms throughout the journey
  • Eternal Blossom welcome & departure amenities
  • Daily onsen rituals (2+ hours) and personalized spa treatments tailored to your body's needs
  • Luxury culinary night included
  • Personalized daily wellness consultations
  • Complimentary deluxe airport transfers
  • Custom accessibility planning & accommodation coordination
  • Private chauffeured transport for select excursions
  • Private 90‑minute life design & sustainable rest planning session with Dr. Dédé
  • Complimentary spa gift package & amenities
  • Professional photoshoot in Kimono (optional add‑on for other journeys)
  • Legacy rest practice design for post‑retreat integration
  • Senanu kimono included in welcome gift (optional add‑on for other journeys)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is this retreat designed for?

Our Rest as Resistance journey is created for Black women seeking a deeply restorative experience combining Japanese wellness traditions and Black liberation practices. All identities are welcome to apply, but priority and pricing are curated for our primary audience.

What’s included in the price?

December 9–18, 2025 | 10 Days | 9 Nights

Step into a sanctuary of renewal. This intimate 10‑day, 9‑night retreat invites you to slow down, go deep, and return to yourself — supported by nature, ritual and expert guidance.

The experience begins on the afternoon of Tuesday, December 9, and concludes on the afternoon of Thursday, December 18, 2025.

To ensure a seamless and nourishing journey:

  • Arrival: Guests are welcomed the afternoon of December 9 (please note that if your flight is booked for departure on 12/8, you will arrive in Japan on 12/9).
  • Departure: The retreat closes the afternoon of December 18. Departures may be scheduled later that day or the following morning, as desired.

Retreat Pricing (Flights Included) — After September 15

  • Whispering Pines: $8,700 USD
    • Double/shared occupancy
    • All retreat activities & meals
    • Round‑trip airfare
  • Golden Crane: $11,200 USD
    • Private room upgrade & premium amenities
    • All retreat activities & meals
    • Round‑trip airfare
  • Eternal Blossom: $13,500 USD
    • Single occupancy & maximum privacy
    • Exclusive spa treatment
    • All retreat activities & meals
    • Round‑trip airfare
How do I secure my spot?

Click “Pay Deposit” under your preferred journey to submit your deposit via Stripe. You may also submit an inquiry form below; our team will reach out with next steps and payment instructions.

What if I need to cancel?

We understand plans change. Deposits are refundable up to 60 days before departure, minus a small administrative fee. If you need to cancel after that, we’ll work with you on a case‑by‑case basis.

Do I need to speak Japanese to join?

No prior Japanese language skills are required. Our team and trusted partners speak English and will guide you through cultural etiquette and basic phrases so you feel at ease throughout the journey.

Are payment plans available?

Yes. After submitting your initial deposit, we offer flexible installment options for the remaining balance. Our team will work with you to create a payment schedule that supports your budget.

How physically demanding are the activities?

The retreat balances rest with gentle movement. Forest walks, onsen rituals and light excursions can be paced to your comfort, and participation is always optional—your body’s needs come first.

Is this retreat LGBTQ+ friendly?

Absolutely. We welcome guests of all gender identities and sexual orientations, and strive to cultivate a safe, affirming space for everyone. Our programs celebrate the diversity of our community.

Is there an age limit to participate?

There is no upper age limit for our retreat. Participants of all ages are welcome as long as they feel comfortable with the travel and gentle activities. We encourage you to consider your own mobility and rest needs, and please reach out if you have any questions to ensure the journey is right for you.

Meet Your Host

Dr Dédé Tetsubayashi is a healer, scholar and advocate who has called Japan home for over fifteen years. Her life’s work sits at the intersection of somatic healing, Black liberation and cultural exchange. Having walked sacred paths and soaked in hidden onsens herself, she brings an insider’s eye and a nurturer’s heart to every detail of this journey.

As your host, she curates deeply restorative experiences rooted in Japanese tradition and diasporic Black practices. She will introduce you to her favorite ryokans, demystify onsen etiquette and hold space for you to rest and reconnect. Join her to reclaim rest as a radical act of self‑love and resistance.

Note from Dr. Dédé

In a world that profits from our exhaustion, choosing rest is revolutionary. I'm Dr Dédé Tetsubayashi, and after 15 years in Japan, I've discovered that true innovation begins with deep restoration. As someone who disrupts systems for a living, I know the code that keeps us running on empty—and I know how to break it. This December, join me for 10 transformative days where rest becomes resistance. Sacred onsen rituals. Ancient forest bathing. Traditional ryokan experiences curated by someone who calls Japan home. You've been coded out of rest. Let me share the blueprint for breaking free. Dr Dédé — Your guide to radical rest

What Past Guests Say

“This journey completely shifted my relationship to rest. The onsens, the forests and the loving community nourished me in ways I didn’t know I needed.”

— Jasmine B.

“Every detail was handled with such care. Dr Dédé’s warmth and expertise made me feel safe to let go and receive deep healing.”

— Tanya M.

“Rest as Resistance is more than a retreat—it’s a reclamation of our birthright. I returned home rooted and radiant.”

— Alyssa R.

Reserve Your Spot

Two Kamakura nights are at Sakura Sakura—an intimate heritage home with only three rooms reserved entirely for our group.

All deposits are fully refundable if the minimum number of guests (8) is not reached. Joining now guarantees the best rate, priority access if we need to waitlist, and early access to future retreats.