TAIKO RETREAT: GODAI FAQ
Answers to your questions on Taiko Retreat: Godai
What does the retreat include?
• Four full days of taiko instruction and guided practice with taiko artist Carrie Alita Carter • Lodging at a rustic retreat-style guesthouse in the mountains • All meals (23 total, from dinner on October 11 through breakfast on October 19) • Taiko equipment rental • Privately guided hike on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route, from Hossinmon-oji to Hongu, with a local guide • Privately guided visit to Nachi Grand Shrine with a local guide • Lodging at a seaside hot spring resort in Katsuura • All group transportation during the retreat (does not include transportation to the starting point or return travel afterward) • Luggage transportation throughout the trip
How difficult is the hike? What if I don’t think I can finish it?
We’re not able to offer alternate transportation or programming during the hiking days, so participants should plan to complete each day’s walk as part of the group. A moderate level of fitness is required. That said, the pace will be gentle, with plenty of breaks and support along the way. If you’re unsure, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Day 1: ~5 miles with an elevation gain of 600 feet, but mostly downhill with an elevation loss of 1500 feet. Additionally, there will be 158 stairs to reach Hongu Taisha. Anticipated Hike Time: 4 hours Day 2: A less-traditional hike where we walk the grounds of Nachi Taisha. There are 473 stone steps to reach the main shrine and then we’ll enjoy a walk around the park. Anticipated Hike Time: 2 hours Day 3: An optional short and steep hike to Kamikura Jinja Anticipated Hike Time: 30 minutes You’ll only need to carry a day pack — your main luggage will be transferred for you each day.
Is Taiko Retreat: Godai a good place to start if I’ve never played taiko before?
Taiko Retreat: Godai is designed for participants who already have some experience with taiko drumming. While we welcome a diversity of backgrounds, it’s important that attendees come with a foundation in taiko so they can fully engage with the retreat’s deeper themes and practices. This retreat goes beyond basic technique or beginner lessons — it’s an immersive journey into the essence of taiko as a form of expression, energy, and connection. We explore abstract concepts like the relationship between body, breath, and earth; the flow of energy through movement; and the ancient, elemental forces that taiko can help us tap into. You’ll be invited to step out of the usual “taiko box” — beyond just rhythm and performance — and to connect deeply with the power of the drum as a bridge between human spirit and the natural world. If you are someone who is comfortable with exploration, open to expanding your understanding of taiko beyond surface-level playing, and excited to experience the profound connection between music, nature, and community, this retreat will offer a powerful, transformative experience. If you’re new to taiko but passionate about joining, I recommend building some basic skills beforehand or joining a beginner-friendly group to get familiar with the instrument and rhythms. This will help you get the most from Godai’s more advanced, holistic approach.
What if I want to hike other sections of the Kumano Kodo that are not included in Taiko Retreat: Godai? Can Kumano Adventures help me to make plans?
Absolutely. While the retreat is a shared group experience, we’d be happy to help you plan something more personal before or after it ends. If you’re dreaming of hiking additional sections of the Kumano Kodo—perhaps a quiet coastal route with ocean views or a more remote mountain pass—we can create a custom extension tailored to your pace and interests. We also work with local artisans and cultural practitioners to offer immersive one-on-one experiences, such as tea ceremony, Japanese calligraphy, straw weaving, traditional cooking, or even private time with a local monk. If you’re looking to unwind after your hike, we can also arrange extra nights at our favorite hot springs, soothing massage treatments, and time to slow down and truly absorb the spirit of Kumano. Let us know what kind of journey you’re looking for—we’d love to help you bring it to life.
I have food restrictions. Will you be able to accommodate my dietary needs?
Unfortunately, we’re not able to accommodate dietary restrictions on this retreat. A typical Japanese meal consists of several small dishes featuring a variety of vegetables, meats, and seafood—with a particular emphasis on seafood. As a result, Japanese cuisine is generally not well-suited to celiac, vegetarian, or other restrictive diets. We recommend this experience only for guests who feel comfortable eating a wide range of traditional Japanese foods.
Where will we sleep?
For the first five nights, you’ll stay in a quiet, mountainside guesthouse surrounded by forest and river—an ideal setting for reflection, creativity, and connection with nature. Accommodations are simple and rustic, with shared rooms and facilities, in keeping with the retreat-style atmosphere. After the taiko workshops, we will hike the Kumano Kodo, and for those next three nights we’ll stay at a seaside hot spring resort. This way, you can rest your weary legs in ocean-view baths and enjoy traditional Japanese hospitality before leaving the countryside. Rooms here will be based on double occupancy. Single occupancy may be possible for an additional fee, but availability is limited and not guaranteed. At both accommodations, guests will sleep on traditional Japanese futons—thick padded mattresses laid directly on tatami, which are woven straw mats covering the floor. Most of our guests are surprised at just how comfortable this setup is, often reporting deeper, more restful sleep than expected. At the hot spring resort, Western-style beds may be available by request for an additional fee, though these are limited and not guaranteed. If you have specific needs or concerns, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help you understand what to expect and explore any possible options.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes, we require all guests to carry travel insurance. It will be the only way for you to get a full refund should you need to cancel. In addition to medical travel insurance, you should choose a plan that covers trip cancellation in case illness or injury prevents you from going on the trip. We recommend that you purchase it as soon as possible after booking—coverage for pre-existing conditions is only included if bought within two weeks of signing up for the trip. The minimum insurance requirement is US$200,000 in coverage for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. However, we recommend that you look for a provider that offers a "Cancel For Any Reason" policy. Ultimately, you are responsible for choosing a policy that fits your needs. If you're not sure where to start, NerdWallet offers reputable third-party reviews of many insurance providers.
What is the cancellation policy?
• 30% Initial Deposit: The initial deposit will be forfeited in all cases, except for cancellations made within 48 hours of purchase. • April 24 – June 16, 2026: Cancellation incurs a fee of 50% of the total trip price. • After June 16, 2026: No refunds will be issued; all payments are non-refundable. No exceptions will be made to this policy for any reason, including personal emergencies.
How much do I pay, and when?
• Deposit (due at registration): 30% of total fee (non-refundable after 48 hours) • Final Payment (due June 15, 2026): Remaining 70% of fee If the final payment is not received by June 15, 2026, your reservation may be cancelled and all payments forfeited.
I read something about massage and reiki? Do these cost extra?
Carrie is a certified reiki practitioner and uses elements of reiki during parts of the taiko workshops. If you would like to book a private reiki or massage session during your free time, we have limited spots available for an additional cost. In addition, we will facilitate the booking of local massage practitioners who will offer on-site sessions. We will make more information available as the trip nears.
