Nourish Body and Spirit in Taiwan & Japan

Taroko Mountain, about 2.5–3 hours southeast of Taipei, offers a sanctuary of stillness.
Surrounded by the marble cliffs and winding rivers of Taroko National Park, the mountain is an ideal place to practice meditation. Whether seated on a quiet ridge, beside a forested trail, or overlooking the sweeping gorge from a high vantage point, the setting invites reflection. The ancient energy of the mountains grounds the body, while the vast expanse opens the mind.

Begin your retreat with a silent ceremony guided by a monk, following a light vegetarian dinner enjoyed with mindful eating. End the day with seated meditation in a peaceful mountain lodge.

As dawn light filters through layers of mist, the air is crisp and hushed. The rhythmic sound of distant waterfalls and rustling bamboo sets a natural cadence for breath. Silent walking meditation through cedar forests or along gorge trails invites deep presence. Each inhale draws in the purity of the mountain air; each exhale releases the weight of the everyday, flowing with every mindful step on stone paths. Return to the retreat and listen to “being Present in Nature”, a Dhrama talk by the monk. After lunch, unwind with a tea meditation with mountain -grown oolong. Conclude your day with a candlelit chanting or noble silence.

Bid farewell to Taroko Mountain and embark on a silent train journey from Alishan to Taitung, taking in the changing scenery with quiet awareness. As the sun begins to set, find stillness on the soft white sand, meditating by the sea as the day gently fades into twilight.

Rise with the sun and begin your day with a walking meditation along the tranquil beach, each step grounded in presence and attuned to the rhythm of the waves. Let the sound of the ocean guide your breath in mindful awareness.

Return to the retreat for a nourishing breakfast, followed by a Dharma talk titled Letting Go Like Water, inviting reflection on the nature of release and flow.

In the stillness of the afternoon, meet with the monk for a personal reflection session—an intimate space for quiet conversation, spiritual insight, or simply sharing silence in mindful presence.

As the day draws to a close, sit in meditation at the ocean’s edge, where the setting sun melts into the horizon and the sea mirrors your breath. When night falls, light a lantern and release it into the sky—each flickering flame a silent wish carried into the darkness.

Meditate at sunrise in front the ocean. After breakfast, transfer to Taipei for flight to Naha, Okinawa to visit Village of Longevity, Ogimi

A scenic drive along Okinawa’s coast brings you to Ogimi Village, known as the “Village of Longevity.” This remarkable community offers a rare opportunity to learn from centenarians about the lifestyle, diet, and daily habits that contribute to their long, healthy lives. Visit a local community center where elders gather for social activities before enjoying a home-style Okinawan lunch with a local family, who will share their life stories over traditional dishes such as miso soup, sweet potatoes, and shikuwasa juice—a tart citrus fruit believed to have anti-cancer properties.

In the afternoon, meet a centenarian who has devoted her life to preserving traditional textile techniques while staying active and socially engaged. Hear about her daily routines and the sense of purpose she finds in her work. Conclude your visit with a stop at the Longevity Monument and sacred ancient trees before returning to your homestay for some well-deserved relaxation. In the evening, savor a “longevity meal” at a local restaurant, thoughtfully prepared with ingredients known to promote a long, healthy life.

Rise early with your host family to observe their daily routine. Many elders begin the day with prayers at the family altar, followed by gardening—a practice that serves as both physical activity and a form of meditation. After a wholesome breakfast, join them in tending to plants such as sweet potatoes, okra, or shikuwasa trees. Help prepare lunch and share a meal with your hosts, focusing on their mindful eating philosophy, including hara hachi bu (eating until 80% full). Engage in conversations about their food choices and preparation methods, followed by relaxed chats over tea or sake, embracing the spirit of Ichariba chode—“Once we meet, we are like family.”

In the afternoon, venture into the lush Yanbaru Forest for a mindful walk along quiet trails and hidden waterfalls—perfect for forest bathing and peaceful reflection. Conclude the day with a soothing soak in a herbal onsen at your hotel, followed by a healthy local dinner.

Begin your day with a walking meditation along the tranquil beach. Enjoy a nourishing breakfast featuring fermented foods and soothing Okinawan herbal teas before joining a hands-on workshop—choose between exploring the island’s fermentation culture or crafting a nutrient-rich mozuku seaweed soup. In the afternoon, participate in a tea meditation where every gesture, from cleansing the teaware to whisking the matcha, is carried out with graceful precision and deep intention. This immersive tea ceremony invites you to slow down, savor seasonal sweets, and experience the quiet harmony of one of Japan’s most revered cultural traditions. Unwind with some time on the beach, followed by a seaside dinner accompanied by a beautiful sunset view.

Awaken your body and mind with the rhythm of the ocean through a gentle Tai Chi session. Today, visit Sefa Utaki—Okinawa’s sacred UNESCO World Heritage site and a spiritual epicenter that shaped the culture and beliefs of the Ryukyu Kingdom. This is an immersive encounter with sacred geography, ancient rituals, and the living spirit of Okinawa. Walk through tranquil groves where prayer stones rest beneath ancient trees—silent markers of devotion in a timeless forest. In the afternoon, stop by a local market before returning to your hotel for leisure time at your own pace.