San-jo Shrine: The Heart of Ochiai Village

Located in the center of historic Ochiai Village, the ancient San-jo Shrine is a tranquil oasis surrounded by towering cedar trees. Renowned for its collection of thatched roof farmhouses, winding footpaths and terraced farm plots, in 2005 Ochiai Village was distinguished by the national government as a special historic preservation district. The shrine itself is dated to the late-Edo era.

Private lessons here are held in the broad grassy field next to the shrine which is otherwise used for shrine festivals and other events. To reach this spot one needs to walk along the old Ochiai footpaths, and can be accessed from every direction. This beautiful outdoor yoga spot is large enough for groups of 12 or more, but is equally nice for one-on-one lessons.

The view from the San-jo Shrine yoga area is wonderful, looking down into the Iya Valley and out towards Mt. Miune and Mt. Tenguzuka. Classes here are particularly special during the early morning time when the fog settles into the valley below, or during the late afternoon as the sun begins to set. Please ask about what time would be best, and you'll be advised on when based on the time of year and weather. (*note: in summer, it may be a bit too sunny/warm in the middle of the day for yoga, though the lesson could be held in a clearing within the tall shady trees just next to the shrine. Its also quite pretty, but again, please contact for details.)
It is also possible to stay in Ochiai Village in one of the several restored thatched roof farmhouses with the Tougenkyo-Iya cooperative. For information about reserving your own classic home for the night, please check their website at http://www.tougenkyo-iya.jp/index_en.html
Ochiai Village is located by car about 5-10 minutes from Kyojo, and 10-15 minutes from Ryugugake Cottages. The shrine area is in appoximately the center of the village, about 3 or 4 minutes walking from Nakochi cottage.
Cost for a 75minute yoga lesson with after class relaxation and tea (approximately 2 hours total time) is 7000yen for two people, and 2000yen for each additional person. Space for large groups possible.
*Please Note: If the weather is bad then the lesson can be held inside the Nakochi cottage or elsewhere. Please understand the limitations of Nakochi before booking.
Other Iya Yoga Experiences:
-The Yama Shala: A Hidden Mountain Farmhouse
-Nakochi: The Traditional Ochiai Village Cottage
-Tenguzuka-san: The High Mountain Excursion
It is also possible to stay in Ochiai Village in one of the several restored thatched roof farmhouses with the Tougenkyo-Iya cooperative. For information about reserving your own classic home for the night, please check their website at http://www.tougenkyo-iya.jp/index_en.html
Ochiai Village is located by car about 5-10 minutes from Kyojo, and 10-15 minutes from Ryugugake Cottages. The shrine area is in appoximately the center of the village, about 3 or 4 minutes walking from Nakochi cottage.
Cost for a 75minute yoga lesson with after class relaxation and tea (approximately 2 hours total time) is 7000yen for two people, and 2000yen for each additional person. Space for large groups possible.
*Please Note: If the weather is bad then the lesson can be held inside the Nakochi cottage or elsewhere. Please understand the limitations of Nakochi before booking.
Other Iya Yoga Experiences:
-The Yama Shala: A Hidden Mountain Farmhouse
-Nakochi: The Traditional Ochiai Village Cottage
-Tenguzuka-san: The High Mountain Excursion