Join Our Yoga and Culture Retreat in Kyoto, Japan

We want you to be informed so we have put together a list of questions you might have. If you have more questions not answered in any of the dropdown menus or below, please feel free to connect direct via email hello@alignedflowmovement.com

Can I join if I have never done yoga?
Definitely! This retreat experience is open to everyone and our style of teaching is very inclusive and accessible.

Should I bring a yoga mat?
If you'd like to attend the scheduled yoga class you will need a yoga mat.

How can I book the additional excursions?
Once you have reserved your room, you will receive a welcome message and link to your welcome page site. As we get closer to arrival dates, we will be organizing the additional tours and opening up the booking reservation portals.

Should I get travel insurance?
We highly recommend that people travel with insurance. Please see the drop down menu 'Travel insurance' for more informations and companies you can purchase insurance from.

When do I have to pay my balance by?
Your full balance is due 45 days before the arrival date of March 274, 2024.

Is it safe to travel solo?
Yes. We travel solo all the time. As with anywhere, be aware of your personal items and surroundings.

Should I bring checked luggage or carry-on?
We suggest travelling with a carry-on. This makes flight transfers and getting around much easier. There are great packing containers you can order via Amazon that compress your items, etc. Check out this link for our most recommend travel buys:
https://a.co/aLpjOF1

Visa entry
As a general rule, a “short-term single entry visa” is required to enter Japan for a stay of up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, etc.
More info: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/visaonline.html
Receive eVisa online: https://www.evisa.mofa.go.jp/index

Currency
The Japanese currency is the yen (円, en). Bills come in 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen (very rare), 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen denominations. Coins come in 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen and 500 yen denominations. Foreign currencies are not accepted for payments in Japan, except perhaps at major international airports.

1. Cash

   Cash is still a very popular payment method, especially for small amounts. Big bills are readily used and accepted in Japan; you are unlikely to be frowned upon for using a 10,000 yen bill to pay even for low-cost items, although smaller denominations are appreciated for payments made in taxis, smaller shops, temples and shrines. The likelihood that credit cards are accepted decreases in small cities and towns, and thus it is advisable to keep cash at hand when visiting rural areas.

   Cash is often the only way to pay for small entrance fees at tourist sights, smaller restaurants and small shops. Many lockers also require coins. Most buses and trams accept payment by IC cards these days; if you pay by cash, note that bills above 1,000 yen may not be accepted and that drivers may not carry enough change. Vending machines typically accept 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen coins and 1,000 yen bills. Newer machines typically also accept 5,000 and 10,000 yen bills.

2. Credit/debit cards

   Credit and debit cards are now widely accepted, especially in big cities. Most hotels accept payment by credit cards, as do most department stores, mid to high end restaurants, outlet malls and large retail shops. In addition, many train stations, convenience stores, supermarkets, chain restaurants and boutiques also accept them.

3. IC cards (more information)

   IC cards, such as Suica and Icoca, are stored-value cards which can be recharged. Primarily a tool for convenient payment of train and bus fares, IC cards now double as a means of payment at large numbers of shops and restaurants, most convenience stores, many chain restaurants, numerous vending machines and coin lockers.

We recommend to book travel insurance. This is to cover unforeseen emergencies and cancellations that might come up. There are many options for insurance and listed below are some suggestions for insurance providers that now offer COVID incident coverage.

SafetyWing

Staysure is a great travel insurance for UK travelers who need some type of covid coverage.

https://redpointtravelprotection.com/

To reserve your spot and room, a non-refundable 600usd deposit or full payment must be made at time of booking.

PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Bank transfer via your bank
Wise.com
Direct deposit - USA & Canada
Venmo - USA
Zelle - USA
Credit Card
PayPal

*All CC and PayPal payments are subject to a 6% processing fee

Upon registration, information will be sent for your payment choice if you do not choose CC or PayPal.

Payment policies:
1. Your spot and room will be reserved with a non-refundable deposit of $600usd or payment-in-full. Please read our cancellation and booking policies so you are fully informed.

2. Balance of your retreat experience is due 45 days 

3. If you require alternative payment dates or a scheduled payment plan, please feel free to get in touch with regards

CANCELLATION POLICY

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS
Reservations are initiated on receipt of either a full payment or non-refundable deposit of US$600 per client.
If a reservation is made within 45 days of the trip departure the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of confirmation.
All reservations are automatically canceled if all payments are not received by the due date, with full loss of trip deposit, unless otherwise organized with yoru retreat hosts.

RESERVATION AMENDMENTS
All reservation amendments will be subject to changes in cost of the original itinerary and will be subject to the same cancellation penalties described below.

CANCELLATION AND PENALTIES
All cancellations must be made in writing, signed by the client, and sent to hello@thealignedelements.com.  All trips are subject to the following, per person cancellation charges based on the number of days before trip departure that we receive your written cancellation request.

• More than 60 days from scheduled start date: full refund minus non-refundable deposit and processing fee of 100usd
• From 60 to 45 days: 50% refund of the total costs minus non-refundable deposit
• Less than 45 days: No refund of trip cost
• No refunds for unused tours or services during your trip

REFUNDS
All refunds will be processed within 30 days after we receive your letter of cancellation and are calculated as of the day we receive your written request. In the unlikely event that the trip itself is canceled prior to commencement of the trip due to circumstances beyond our control, and you are unable to schedule for another time, all moneys are refundable with the exception of your personal trip expenses (e.g. non-refundable "advance purchase" tour tickets, deposit). There is no refund for any unused portions of a trip once it has commenced.

INSURANCE
Basic travel insurance that includes medical benefits is advised for each passenger. A comprehensive travel insurance policy including trip cancellation and interruption, baggage, accident, emergency assistance and medical assistance is advised due to the uncertain nature of travel. Please see the tab "travel insurance" for recommended travel insurance companies.

RESCUE AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
In the unlikely event of rescue and medical assistance being needed, the participant shall be liable for the entire cost thereof, unless covered by insurance.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
By forwarding the trip deposit or full payment, the client certifies that he/she does not knowingly have any physical or other condition of disability that would create a risk for himself/herself or other trip participants. Any required vaccinations must be recorded by the client's health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate which the client must carry in his/her possession during the trip.