Maana
RETREATS
Art of Living: Kyoto
Maana
RETREATS
Art of Living: Kyoto
A once-in-a-lifetime journey
Step inside the private worlds of Kyoto’s heritage crafts experts.
In this retreat, we’ll uncover how these artisans bring joy and purpose into everyday living through their passionate pursuit of mastery.
This rare invitation welcomes a small group of five at a time into the homes and studios of the artisans for an intimate dialogue that bridges the past and present. Together, let’s study and explore how Japan’s centuries-old sustainable living arts can be creatively applied today.
This six day retreat is only available on select seasons.
DECEMBER 7 - 12, 2024
To apply, simply drop us a note at experiences@maanahomes.com.
Package includes:
- 5 nights accommodation at Maana Homes.
- Daily excursions into countryside towns to artists’ private spaces Oharano, Seki, Keihoku, and Ohara.
- Daily Workshops and Retreat Sessions Indigo Dye, Pottery Class, Fermentation, Earthen Wall.
- An intimate welcome dinner at a master chef’s home.
- Daily breakfast.
- Group lunches focused on hyper-local fare.
If you’re interested in the retreat, please email experiences@maanahomes.com.
One day at the retreat
8:30 AM
Gather for breakfast & dive deep into textiles
We’ll start our day with a nourishing breakfast, sharing our thoughts on how textiles have subtly impacted our daily lives. Then, we’ll dive into the life cycle of a kimono, exploring how each piece of fabric finds new purpose. Together, we’ll learn about the power of sustainable techniques, like the beauty of sashiko stitching and the captivating process behind fermented dyes.
10:30 AM
Excursion to a Kyo-Aizome expert’s workshop at Oharano
We’ll take a private car to Oharano, a peaceful neighborhood nestled on the outskirts of Kyoto. Here, we’ll visit the studio of an indigo dye artisan, who is on a mission to revitalize Kyoto's historic indigo agriculture and Kyo-Aizome technique from a blank slate. Together, we’ll explore the rich history, specialized tools, and deep wisdom that make this ancient craft so unique and special.
11:30 AM
Stroll to a potter’s house: crafting with indigo & clay
We’ll take a leisurely stroll to the potter’s home next door, where she warmly welcomes us to explore the art of pottery-making using only local materials. Together, we’ll craft unique pieces by folding used sukumo (fermented indigo) into the clay. Sukumo, typically a byproduct of indigo dyeing, is usually returned to the earth as fertilizer, but here, it’s repurposed in a fun, creative fusion of two traditional crafts.
12:30 PM
A home-cooked lunch at the potter’s house
To complete the day, our host- a master potter as well as an exceptional cook, will prepare a plant-centric, home-cooked lunch. Featuring locally-grown produce, this meal will explore the three phases of "seasonal", connecting us to the rhythms of nature.
3:00 PM
Indigo dye workshop
After lunch, we’ll return to the Kyo-Aizome studio, where he will show us how to dye our own fabric using this ancient technique. We will explore the vibrant spectrum of blue shades, and observe the way fermented dye inhale and exhale as it absorbs into the textile. You can either bring your own natural fabric to dye, or we will provide a new one.
6:30 PM
A tranquil evening in Kyoto: Maana Homes
To complete the day, return to your beautiful home in Kyoto and unwind with a relaxing bath in a private setting that overlooks nature. Spend the rest of your evening reflecting or exploring the endless wonders of the city with your new friends.
Our why
Inherited, ancestral Japanese practices may just be the hint we need to create a more sustainable future.
Details
Price
910,000 JPY - 1,100,000 JPY (Tax included.)
Price varies based on property selection and size of your group. Please inquire for more details.
Deposit & Cancellation Policy
A non-refundable deposit of ¥80,000 is required to secure your spot.
The remaining balance can be paid anytime before 30 days prior to the workshop.
Cancellations made within 30 days of the retreat are non-refundable.
Food Allergies
Please include any food allergies or intolerances in the application form.
Contact Us
experiences@maanahomes.com
In collaboration with
Kyoto Research Institute
Kyoto Research Institute was founded under the direction of Momoko Nakamura. Momoko’s interest stems from 20 years of communicating and educating on cookery culture and the food system, informed by anthropological field research across the Japanese archipelago. The Institute’s research now extends beyond food, expanding into both textile and home, with the growing understanding that each pillar of Japanese living originates from a single terroir.
