LEADING-WITH-BALANCE
A WELLNESS-BASED LEADERSHIP RETREAT IN IZU, JAPAN
October 19-21, 2026
Leadership Retreat to Japan
Manthan is a reference to the ‘Churning of the Ocean’ story found in India’s great tradition of mythology.
We ‘churn’ the ocean of the mind through meditation, mindfulness, breathing and other techniques to find clarity, purpose and strength - the backbone of a happy and fulfilling life.
Smash the Paradigm
Through churning, we shift from:
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constant distraction to consistent Focus
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running around to finding Stillness
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quantity to Quality
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production & presenteeism to Purpose & Presence
presented by MANTHAN Wellness In collaboration with H Squared
Reconnect. Reflect. Lead with Greater Clarity.
Step away from the demands of daily leadership and immerse yourself in a transformative retreat designed to strengthen both your leadership capacity and personal well-being.
Set amidst the serene beauty of Japan's Izu Peninsula, this exclusive executive retreat combines cross-cultural leadership development, wellness practices, mindfulness, cultural immersion in rural Japan and meaningful peer dialogue to help leaders cultivate greater resilience, insight, and effectiveness.
Just 65 minutes from central Tokyo by bullet train and taxi, Izu Nagaoka offers the perfect setting for renewal, reflection, and growth.
A unique offering
Join Maneesh Kalra, Founder of MANTHAN Wellness, for a deeply authentic exploration of Japan. Drawing on more than two decades of business experience across Asia and leading corporate wellness programs, adventure-based offsites, and transformational retreats throughout Japan, Maneesh offers participants a rare opportunity to experience the country beyond the typical tourist path—through its culture, traditions, landscapes, and wisdom.
Complementing this experience are Steph and Mana, the dynamic founders of H Squared, whose expertise in cross-cultural business, team development, and organizational effectiveness brings another dimension to the retreat.
→ Scroll down for retreat details and to meet your guides.
Japan awaits you
Your Japan experience need not end in Izu Nagaoka.
We have thoughtfully curated a range of optional pre and post-retreat activities - opportunities to experience Japan's vibrant cities, sacred traditions, culinary treasures, and hidden natural wonders - creating a journey as enriching as it is memorable.
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Oct. 16-17 - Bright Lights, Big City: Exploring Tokyo
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Oct. 18 - Adventures in Izu: Jogasaki Kaigan (Coastline) study hike or trail run
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Oct. 19-21 - The Main Event: Leadership Retreat in Izu Nagaoka
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Oct. 22~ The UNESCO Hidden Gem: Yakushima Island Adventure
→ Inquire on pre and post-retreat experiences via submitting request below or via email here.
Where You Will Stay:
The Japanese 'Ryokan' Inn Experience
A Unique Getaway on the Izu Peninsula
Just a short journey from Tokyo, the Izu Peninsula offers a refreshing escape into one of Japan's most captivating regions. Renowned for its dramatic coastline, rolling hills, and abundant natural beauty, Izu has long been cherished as a place of rest, reflection, and renewal.
The peninsula is also home to countless traditional Japanese onsen (hot springs), whose mineral-rich waters have attracted visitors seeking wellness and rejuvenation for centuries.
→ Izu "Jogasaki Kaigan" Coastline (above)
Timeless Japanese Hospitality
Your retreat experience unfolds at the elegant Ishinoya Ryokan in Izu Nagaoka, a destination where timeless Japanese hospitality meets refined tranquility. With a history spanning more than fifty years, the ryokan (inn) has carefully preserved its original Sukiya-zukuri architecture—a traditional style celebrated for its understated beauty, craftsmanship, and harmony with nature.
Nestled around a meticulously designed Japanese garden featuring rare stones gathered from across Japan, the intimate collection of just 22 guest rooms offers an atmosphere of serenity and exclusivity. In addition to the ryokan's indoor and open-air communal baths, each guest room features its own distinctive private bath, creating a deeply personal sanctuary for relaxation, reflection, and renewal throughout your stay.
→ The Layout (above)
→ Hot Springs: Private hinoki bath (left)
What You Will Do:
Leadership Training & Wellness Activities
Conscious Leadership Development:
Explore a practical and human-centered approach to leadership that integrates both global and Asian perspectives. Through guided learning, self-reflection, and interactive exercises, participants will strengthen their ability to lead with clarity, resilience, emotional intelligence, and purpose in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Key Concepts: self-awareness, meta-awareness, empathy, perspective, peak performance, "beginner's mind", "the way"
Science of Wellness: Optimizing the Leader Within
Modern science is revealing what many ancient traditions have long understood: our daily habits can profoundly influence our health, resilience, and performance. In this engaging session, participants will explore the latest research on how mindfulness, breathwork, movement, sleep, and social connection can positively reshape the brain, reduce inflammation, and even influence gene expression.
Discover the science behind sustainable well-being and gain practical insights into how these evidence-based practices can enhance focus, decision-making, emotional intelligence, and leadership effectiveness in today's demanding world.
Key Concepts: neuroplasticity, gene expression, cultivating physical & mental resilience
Body & Breathwork for Grounding & Renewal
Experience simple yet powerful movement and breathwork techniques designed to calm the nervous system, improve focus, and restore balance. Drawing from both Eastern and contemporary wellness traditions, these practices help participants reconnect with their bodies, cultivate presence, and access a greater sense of stability and well-being.
Key Concepts: "roots, rebound & release"; mind-body connection; 'Sama', undoing patterns, 'Vairagya'
A Journey Through Traditional Japanese Cuisine
Experience the art of mindful eating through carefully selected Japanese cuisine that celebrates simplicity, seasonality, balance, and craftsmanship. This immersive culinary experience invites participants to slow down, engage their senses, and discover how presence, gratitude, and intentionality can transform a simple meal into a powerful wellness practice.
Key Concepts: 'Wabi-sabi', presence, 'Sanga', gratitude
Nature Immersion & Walking Meditation
Experience the restorative power of nature through guided mindful walking and walking meditation in the beautiful landscapes of the Izu Peninsula. These reflective practices encourage participants to slow down, sharpen awareness, reduce mental clutter, and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings—creating space for fresh perspectives and deeper insight.
Key Concepts: presence, absorption, 'Dhyana', monkey mind, 'Nirodhah', the reality we choose, the paths we take
Cross-Cultural Leadership Dialogue & Team Building
Engage in facilitated conversations and collaborative activities that explore the opportunities and challenges of leading across cultures. Participants will gain valuable insights into Japanese and international management styles while strengthening communication, trust-building, and relationship skills that are essential for leading diverse teams and organizations.
Key Concepts: 'Ichigo-ichie', 'Go-en', 'Nemawashi', Kaizen, Wa, Omotenashi, play
What Else You Need to Know
who should attend
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Executives & Senior Managers
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Emerging Leaders
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Entrepreneurs & Business Owners
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Professionals Leading Teams Across Cultures
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Anyone Seeking Greater Balance, Clarity, and Leadership Effectiveness
WHAT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH
1. Elevated Cross-Cultural Leadership Mastery
--Develop a nuanced understanding of both Japanese and global leadership philosophies - equipping you to lead more effectively across cultures, markets, and diverse teams.
2. Increased Self-Awareness & Clarity Through Mind-Body Reset
--Gain a better understanding of your own, individual patterns and predilections that stand in the way of your peak performance.
3. Actionable Tools for People-Centric Leadership
--Gain practical frameworks to better navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, resolve conflicts, and build high-performing, aligned teams.
4. Deep Renewal Through Nature & Mindfulness
-- Experience a unique, cross-cultural approach to wellness - integrating nature, reflection, and intentional practices to enhance focus & creativity, sustainably manage stress, avoid burnout and invite peak performance.
5. A Trusted Global Network of Leaders
--Build meaningful, lasting relationships with accomplished leaders- creating a powerful peer network for ongoing collaboration and insight.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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2 nights exclusive accommodations with private Japanese hot spring in every room
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All meals: exquisite seasonal, traditional Japanese cuisine
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Communal hot springs including ro-ten-buro (open-air) hot springs
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All facilitation and activities shown above
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Tips on trip preparation and what to do in Japan
getting there
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Bullet train from Tokyo or Shinagawa station to Mishima (45-50min)
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Taxi from Mishima station to Ishinoya Nagaoka Ryokan (~20min)
→ Interested in traveling with us from Tokyo? Let us know and we can make the arrangements.
RETREAT FEES
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Early-bird (book by June 30, 2026)*
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double-occupancy starting @ $2250~
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single-occupancy starting @ $2550~
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premium rooms with special private Hinoki or stone baths starting @ $2750~
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From July 1, 2026
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double-occupancy starting @ $2550~
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single-occupancy starting @ $2850~
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premium rooms with special private Hinoki or stone baths starting @ $3000~
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*Rooms are extremely limited and subject to availability. Please book early.
*Taxes not included
how to reserve a spot
→ Click on the button below to send us your request to join. Our team will promptly respond with room availability, details on activity options and more.
