Yoga Gives Back presents

TOKYO Autumn Charity Yoga Retreat & Kokoro no Uta Concert

Connecting Light, Opening Futures
Saturday, September 26, 2026
9:00 AM–8:00 PM
Zōjōji Temple, Shiba Park, Tokyo

This day begins in the quiet atmosphere of Zōjōji Temple, inviting each participant to recognize the small light within.

Through breath, that light is warmed. Through movement, it begins to flow. Through learning, it grows. Through practices that restore balance, it becomes steady—and ultimately transforms into a shared light passed from one person to another.

Yoga Gives Back believes that a small action can become a powerful force in supporting someone else’s future. The practices we share today are also a light of prayer and action reaching women and children in India.

Program Schedule

9:00 AM
Venue opening and registration
A full day of yoga, wisdom, sacred space, music, and connection.
9:00–9:15
Doors Open & Registration
Time to check in, change, and prepare before the retreat begins.
9:15–9:25
Welcome & Introduction
Opening
Hosted by Yoga Gives Back
Meet the participating teachers, learn about Yoga Gives Back’s work, and receive an introduction to the day’s journey.
9:25–10:15
Meditation & Breathwork: “Discovering the Light Within”
Meditation
Teachers: Go Sato and Mayumi Fujita
Rest into the quiet rhythm of the breath and become aware of the small light gently glowing within. By stepping away from the outside world and returning to your center, the day’s journey of light begins in stillness.
10:15-11:15
Conditioning Yoga: “Preparing the Vessel for Light”
Yoga
Teachers: Naomi Akanuma and Kiyomi Takahashi
For light to rest steadily within us, the body—the vessel that holds it—must remain open and resilient. Through alignment, release, and supportive strength, we prepare a grounded foundation to receive the light.
11:30–12:30
Flow Yoga: “Light Begins to Move”
Flow Yoga
Teachers: Michiko Minegishi, Lauren Peterson, and Chama
As breath and movement become one, the inner light begins to flow through the body. Feel it warm, expand, and circulate as you reconnect with your own natural rhythm.
12:30-12:55
Lunch & Sponsor Recognition
Break
Enjoy your bento lunch and take time to rest as we recognize the generous sponsors supporting this event.
13:00–13:50
Ayurveda Conversation: “Wisdom for Nurturing the Light”
Ayurveda
Teacher: Machiko Nishikawa | Facilitator: Makiko Iwata
A conversation bringing together the wisdom of Ayurveda passed down through generations in India and the lived experience of a teacher deeply rooted in yoga. Learn practical ways to understand your essential nature, restore balance, and nurture your inner light through everyday choices.
14:00-15:30
Relay Class: “Light Connects and Becomes Strength”
Relay Class
All Teachers, with Live Music by Daphne Tse
The retreat’s culminating yoga experience, woven together as each teacher passes the baton to the next. Individual lights are shared, layered, and expanded in a symbolic celebration of connection and collective strength.
15:35-16:05
Closing Reflections & Transition
Closing
Hear reflections and messages from the participating teachers, look back on the special experience shared throughout the retreat, and prepare for the temple tour.
16:10-17:00
Closing Reflections & Transition
Temple Experience
Guided by the Zōjōji Temple Visitor Services Team
Founded 600 years ago, Zōjōji is one of the seven major temples of Jōdo Buddhism and is known as the ancestral temple of the Tokugawa family. This rare guided experience visits areas normally closed to the public and temple buildings throughout the grounds while introducing Zōjōji’s remarkable history.
17:00-18:00
Break
Intermission
Rest before the evening concert. Snacks are also planned for purchase.
18:00-18:30
Concert Re-entry Begins
Guests will be welcomed back into the venue for the evening music program.
18:30–20:00
Kokoro no Uta Concert
Concert
Featuring Daphne Tse & Friends
An evening of music, voice, prayer, and connection with Daphne Tse & Friends. Through heart-opening melodies and chanting, you are welcome to listen quietly or add your own voice as we reconnect with the light within.
The Journey of the Day
Morning: Discover the Light Within
Restore balance in body and mind through meditation, breathwork, conditioning, and flow yoga.
Afternoon: Nurture and Share the Light
Deepen learning and practice through the wisdom of Ayurveda and a collaborative relay class.
Evening: Move into Prayer and Music
After an exclusive Zōjōji Temple experience, conclude the day with the Kokoro no Uta Concert.
Teachers & Artists
Michiko Minegishi
Yoga
Chama
Yoga
Go Sato
Yoga
Mayumi Fujita
Yoga
Naomi Akanuma
Yoga
Lauren Peterson
Yoga | Los Angeles
Kiyomi Takahashi
Yoga | Los Angeles
Machiko Nishikawa
Ayurveda
Daphne Tse
Concert Artist | Thailand
Program content, times, and participating teachers or artists are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.