Description
Cranial Retreat with Gary Strauss in Japan
May 23 – June 3, 2026 | Sasayama, Japan
We warmly invite you to a rare and immersive Craniosacral Unwinding Retreat in Japan, taught by Gary Strauss, with Japanese–English interpretation by Kyoko Hayashi.
This retreat represents the culmination of over 20 years of Gary Strauss’s teaching in Japan, offering a unique opportunity to study almost the entire Craniosacral Unwinding system in one coherent, intensive retreat.
The Place
The retreat is held in a 200-year-old traditional Japanese kominka, restored as a dojo for embodied learning.
Surrounded by forests, waterfalls, temples, shrines, and hot springs, this environment allows the work to be integrated naturally into daily life.
Teaching & Interpretation
- Teaching: Gary Strauss
- Interpretation: Kyoko Hayashi (Japanese ⇄ English)
Program Overview
Week 1
- Craniosacral Unwinding I – 2 days
- Craniosacral Unwinding II – 2 days
- Craniosacral Unwinding III – 2 days
Experiences during Week 1 include:
- Walks to nearby forests and waterfalls
- A visit to a traditional onsen (hot spring) after class
- A full-day cultural excursion:
- Visit to a Shinto shrine
- Visit to a Buddhist temple
- Exploration of the historic Sasayama Castle area
Week 2
- Cranial Anatomy & Listening Skills II – 2 days
- Craniosacral Unwinding IV & V – 3 days
Additional experiences during Week 2:
- A hike to a large natural cave
- Another visit to the hot springs after class
Important note:
Prior to the retreat, participants must complete:
- Cranial Anatomy & Listening Skills I (ONLINE)
(Additional fee applies)
Accommodation & Meals
- Accommodation and most meals are included for the retreat period
- Meals are prepared with care and simplicity
- Please inform us in advance of any special dietary requirements
Please note:
- Hot spring (onsen) entrance fees are not included
- Meals taken at restaurants during outings are not included
(Participants will cover these expenses individually)
Retreat Cost
USD $3,097
The fee includes:
- All in-person classes in Japan
- Accommodation and most meals
- Transportation to and from the airport
- Cultural day trip to temples, shrines, and the castle town
Not included:
- International airfare (flight to Osaka, Japan)
- Onsen entrance fees
- Restaurant meals during outings
- Fee for the online Cranial Anatomy & Listening Skills I class
**payment plan available – call 310-455-7873 to set up your payment plan
