20 Nov 2026
22 Nov 2026
japan x dot bloom
trekking, creating & onsen bathing x Dot Bloom
This November, we’re heading into the Japanese mountains with our friends at Dot Bloom for a three-day adventure away from the city.
We’ll start our journey at ist Aokinodaira Field, where we’ll gather for a creative natural dyeing workshop before heading deeper into the mountains towards Honzawa Onsen, one of Japan’s highest open-air natural hot springs at 2,150m.
Along the way, we’ll hike through the autumn landscapes of Yatsugatake, spend the night in a traditional mountain hut, soak in the natural hot springs, and continue our journey towards Tengu-dake the following morning.
This weekend is about bringing together the things we love most: moving through nature, creating with our hands, sharing good food, and meeting people who are curious about the world around them.
activities
trekking in the Japanese mountains
We’ll spend two days hiking through the mountains of Yatsugatake, moving from ISt Aokinodaira Field towards Honzawa Onsen before continuing towards Tengu-dake on our second day.
The route will take us through forested mountain landscapes, alpine terrain, and beautiful autumn scenery, with a night spent in a mountain hut along the way.
natural dyeing and Honzawa Onsen
We’ll begin the weekend with a creative natural dyeing workshop inspired by the surrounding landscape, hosted together with Dot Bloom.
After a full day in the mountains, we’ll arrive at Honzawa Onsen, where we’ll have the chance to soak in one of Japan’s highest open-air natural hot springs at 2,150m before spending the night in the mountain hut.
accomodation
ist Aokinodaira Field cabins
ist Aokinodaira Field will be our starting point and the place where we gather for our creative workshop before heading into the mountains.
Surrounded by forest and alpine landscapes, it’s the perfect place to slow down, connect with nature, and begin our journey together.
Honzawa Onsen mountain hut
On our second night, we’ll stay in a mountain hut near Honzawa Onsen, surrounded by the mountains of Yatsugatake.
The accommodation will be simple and shared, giving us the chance to experience a more traditional side of mountain life in Japan.
food
All meals are included throughout the experience, from dinner on Friday to lunch on Sunday (except for Saturday lunch that will be packed).
We’ll enjoy warm, nourishing meals during our time in the mountains, with food shared together as part of the experience.
this adventure is for you if
This experience is for you if you:
- Love spending time outdoors and exploring new places
- Enjoy hiking and are comfortable being active for several hours
- Love creating with your hands and trying new creative practices
- Enjoy meeting new people and sharing meaningful experiences
difficulty level of the experience
Trekking: Medium
The routes will involve several hours of hiking through mountain terrain on two consecutive days. A good level of fitness and previous hiking experience is recommended.
Activities
Guided trekking through the Japanese mountains
Natural dyeing creative workshop with Dot Bloom
Visit and entrance to Honzawa Onsen
Accommodation
2 nights in mountain accommodation
Shared rooms / hut accommodation
Food
2 breakfasts
2 dinners
2 lunch
Transport
Transfer from Nobeyama Station to ISt Cabins
Transfer from the end of the route back to Matsubarako station
Transportation throughout the retreat
Other
Welcome pack
Hosted by Maneba Collective & Dot Bloom
Photography and content throughout the experience
