Architecture Retreat
A journey into traditional building materials, techniques and design philosophies.
FEBRUARY 12 - 16, 2026
This retreat is more than an architecture tour. It’s a rare, hands-on adventure that invites you to study and play with the craft, philosophy, and history of Japanese design. Architecture and design in Japan are rooted in harmonizing physical and mental wellbeing. Through a series of fun workshops and creative discussions, we explore how playing with shadow and light is fundamental to creating spaces that ground us.
Each day, this small, select group will journey to hidden corners of Kyoto, blending immersive tours with hands-on learning to uncover the cultural and historical context behind Japan’s unique approach to design. Walk away with practical skills, deep inspiration, and memories that reconnect you with the creativity within you.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Earthen Wall Workshop: Learn from a master Sakan how takekomai is structured and tsuchikabe is crafted and applied.
- Architectural Destinations: Tour with Shigenori Uoya, Maana Homes’ architect, through his inspirations and design approach.
- Traditional Carpenter Visit: Discover the tools, materials, and techniques of Japanese wood joinery.
- Inside a Gion Tea House: Experience the aesthetics and traditions of a historic tea house.
- Garden Design: Explore garden types, design principles, and key variables shaping Japanese landscapes.
To book or join the waitlist, simply drop us a note at
experiences@maanahomes.com
Package includes:
- 4 nights accommodation at Maana Homes
- Daily lunch, welcome & farewell dinner
- Takekomai & Tsuchikabe Workshop at a Sakan’s studio
- Tours around Kyoto with Maana Home’s architect
- Tea Service at Gion Chaya
- Wood joinery Workshop with at Sukiyadaiku’s studio
- Welcome Gift Package
- Transportation from meeting points
Early Bird
5500 USD + tax
Apply by November 30, 2025
Standard Rate
6000 USD + tax
Apply by December 31, 2025
Discounted rates available for groups of 2 or more. Please email us at experiences@maanahomes.com for pricing.
*We’ll be inviting participants from the waitlist first, for both this year’s and next year’s retreats. If you’re interested in joining, be sure to inquire to secure your spot on the waitlist.
One day on the Architecture Retreat
9:30 AM
Stroll through an old post-town
Learn about ‘shukuba’ - post towns located along the road that connected Kyoto, the old capital, with Tokyo, the new capital. These small towns provided all the urban delights - food, wine, entertainment, and of course accommodations too - as they made the long journey during the Edo Period. We will visit the longest stretch of the road that still remains relatively close to how it would have appeared 500 years ago, and peek inside an old hotel that has retained its original architectural features.
11:00 AM
Lunch at Seki
Enjoy a hearty lunch prepared with local seasonal ingredients. As you enjoy the rich flavors of the region, engage in a thoughtful discussion about the possibilities of reimagining a historic post-town. Reflect on how these once-vital hubs of food, lodging, and culture can be thoughtfully revitalized for modern times while preserving their unique legacy.
12:30 PM
Conversations with a Sakan
Spend time with a skilled sakan and gain unique insights into their work and their vital role in Japan’s construction heritage. Hear firsthand stories of their craft, the challenges of preserving these time-honored techniques, and the deep connection between natural materials and Japanese architecture. This is an opportunity to understand the philosophy and passion behind their artistry, and share ideas on how these knowledge can continue to find relevance in the modern world.
1:30 PM
Takekomai and Tsuchikabe Workshop
Learn the essential technique of takekomai, the bamboo and hemp lath binding that forms the structural base for traditional Japanese walls. Begin by weaving bamboo and hemp to create this sturdy foundation, then apply layers of raw earth to construct the tsuchikabe. This hands-on, immersive experience reveals how natural, locally sourced materials create textures and shadows that define the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture.
6:00 PM
Evenings at Maana Homes
As the sun sets, return to your home away from home in Kyoto—a private, peaceful retreat. Run a warm bath to melt away the day's adventures, brew a soothing cup of tea, and settle into a cozy corner. Pause, reflect, and journal on the day's events and learnings, savoring the moments of discovery and prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.
Our why
Traditional concepts of architecture in Japan hold fountains of wisdom on living in harmony with nature and ourselves. By sharing this knowledge, we hope to inspire a global dialogue on how these timeless principles can be reimagined and applied in the modern world.
Details
Price
5500 USD + tax. Early bird rate until end of November, 2025.
6000 USD + tax. Standard rate until end of December, 2025.
Deposit & Cancellation Policy
A non-refundable deposit of 800 USD is required to secure your spot.
Cancellations made within 30 days of the retreat are non-refundable.
Food Allergies
Please include any food allergies or intolerances in the application form.
Contact Us
experiences@maanahomes.com
In collaboration with
Kyoto Research Institute
Kyoto Research Institute was founded under the direction of Momoko Nakamura. Momoko’s interest stems from 20 years of communicating and educating on cookery culture and the food system, informed by anthropological field research across the Japanese archipelago. The Institute’s research now extends beyond food, expanding into both textile and home, with the growing understanding that each pillar of Japanese living originates from a single terroir.
