Awakening 2026 - Japan
Awakening 2026 Japan - with Ustadh Mohammed Isaaq
1-8 October 2026 | 7 nights
Join us on a carefully curated journey to Japan — a land renowned for balance, discipline and intentional living — where ancient wisdom meets modern life. This retreat is centred around Vitality Refined, a transformative programme taught by Ustadh Mohammed Isaaq, rooted in Fitra-based principles and the Graeco-Arab (Ṭibb) framework for cultivating holistic wellbeing.
Designed as an immersive learning experience, the retreat explores the six essential lifestyle factors (al-Asbāb al-Sitta al-Ḍarūriyya) — timeless foundations for physical, emotional and spiritual vitality. Rather than approaching wellbeing as abstract theory, participants will live these principles through daily rhythms, reflective study sessions and embodied experiences across Japan’s nature and cultural spaces.
This journey invites participants to re-establish a sound relationship with themselves; restoring harmony between inner life and outward living.
Itinerary Highlights: A Journey of Embodied Learning
Tokyo: Rhythm, Environment and Mental Balance
Our journey begins in Tokyo, a city defined by movement, order, and precision. Here, participants will begin observing how environment and mental stimulation affect inner states. Amid the intensity of urban life, guided sessions will explore mental activity and rest, helping participants recognise the effects of overstimulation and the importance of intentional pauses.
A visit to Tokyo Camii anchors the retreat spiritually, offering space for Jumuʿah prayer, reflection, and communal grounding. Experiencing the contrast between the vast human flow of Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the historic calm of Asakusa allows participants to reflect on balance, presence, and how one navigates modern environments without losing inner equilibrium. Also includes Senso-ji and Nakamise Street as well as a visit to the Samurai museum.
Fujikawaguchiko & Mount Fuji: Air, Nature and Stillness
Moving away from the city, we journey to Fujikawaguchiko, nestled beneath the iconic Mount Fuji. This natural setting provides the ideal backdrop to explore seasons and air, recognising how fresh air, open space, and natural beauty regulate the nervous system and restore clarity.
The visit to Chureito Pagoda invites perspective and humility, while a cooking and cultural workshop offers a practical lens into food and drink — highlighting simplicity, moderation, and intentional nourishment. A study session in this tranquil environment deepens understanding of how nature supports vitality, followed by prayer at the Fujikawaguchiko Mosque, reinforcing balance between body, soul, and environment.
Kyoto: Discipline, Moderation, and Inner Refinement
In Kyoto, the retreat turns toward refinement and intentional living. Known for its deep respect for tradition and discipline, Kyoto offers a living classroom for physical activity and rest as well as mental stillness.
Participants will take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and kimono experience, where every movement is deliberate and measured. This becomes a powerful reflection on moderation, posture, breath, and the relationship between outer action and inner state.
Walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and along the Katsura River, participants will experience gentle movement paired with contemplation — embodying balance rather than excess. Study sessions here focus on cultivating sustainable rhythms of effort and rest.
Osaka: Expression, Community, and Integration
Our final days in Osaka emphasise integration and balance. Known for its warmth and expressiveness, Osaka provides a contrast to Kyoto’s restraint, allowing reflection on emotional regulation, retention and elimination, and the importance of healthy expression and release.
A visit to Osaka Castle invites reflection on strength, impermanence, and resilience, followed by prayer in congregation — reinforcing community as a pillar of wellbeing. Time in lively areas such as Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi offers a lens into how vitality expresses itself socially, while our farewell dinner brings the group together to reflect on insights gained and habits to carry forward.
A free half day allows participants to listen to their bodies and needs — whether through rest, exploration or solitude — practicing the principles of sleep, wakefulness and self-regulation before departure.
*Please note that the itinerary is subject to change in case of unforeseen closures or cancellations, weather conditions, or any conditions that are out of our control.
What is included:
- Study sessions with Ustadh Mohammed Isaaq throughout the week
- Contemporary deluxe accommodation:
Tokyo 3 nights: Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo 4*
Kyoto 2 nights: Keio Prelia Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo 4*
Kyoto area 1 night: Yuzanso traditional Ryokan 4*
Osaka 1 night: Hotel Keihan Yodoyabashi 4*
- Half-Board – breakfast and lunch for the full 7 days, and 1x farewell dinner
- All ground transport including bus and high speed bullet train
- Experienced English speaking Muslim tour guide
- Entry to monuments and other sites in the itinerary
- Traditional Japanese cooking workshop
- Visit to Samurai Museum
- Japanese Tea Ceremony and Kimono experience
What is not included:
- Flights
- Travel/health insurance
- Visa expenses
- Tips
Additional details:
- All rooms will be separated by gender, except where double rooms have been requested for couples
- If you are booking a couples room please select 2 spaces at the time of booking
- You will need to book a flight arriving into Haneda (HND) airport in Tokyo and departing from Kansai International (KIX) airport in Osaka. Suggested flight schedules will be shared with you (UK flight suggestions provided only - guests from other countries will need to research own flights)
- All attendees will be invited to scheduled Zoom meetings before travel, where full itineraries and further details will be provided
- This trip will involve a considerable amount of walking therefore possibly not suitable for those with limited mobility issues. We will be expected to walk around 10,000-15,000 steps per day.
- Please ensure you read the Terms & Conditions on the registration form at the time of booking your space/s.
- Early bird pricing: twin/double room £2895 per person | single occupancy room £3695 per person
- Standard pricing: twin/double room £3195 per person | single occupancy room £3995 per person)
- We offer the option to pay in instalments to make things more manageable. Payments must be made in three agreed instalments. The person booking is responsible for ensuring each instalment is paid on time. Please note that failure to meet the payment deadlines may result in your booking being released and the space offered to someone else, as places are limited and cannot be held without completed payments. Please see three-part instalment plan for the twin occupancy below:
- A non-refundable deposit of £500 must be paid within 48 hours of booking. Payment details will be sent out to you with the booking confirmation page. Please note your space is not guaranteed/confirmed until payment has been made
- The second instalment payment of £700 is due on the 13 March 2026.
- The third instalment payment of £847.50 is due to on the 13 June 2026.
- The final instalment payment of £847.50 is due on the 25 July 2026.
(Single occupancy instalment plan available on request)
- Early bird price runs up until 21st April 2026
PLEASE NOTE YOUR BOOKING WILL BE HELD FOR 48 HOURS TO ALLOW TIME FOR PAYMENT TO BE MADE. AFTER THIS TIME IT WILL BE RELEASED IF PAYMENT HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED.
Cancellation policy:
- If you cancel your space more than 90 days before the retreat start date you will be refunded 100% of the total fee paid - minus the deposit
- 60-89 days before the retreat start date: 90% of the total fee paid - minus the deposit
- 30-59 days before the retreat start date: 75% of the total fee paid - minus the deposit
- 15-29 days before the retreat start date: 50% of the total fee paid - minus the deposit
- 8-14 days before the retreat start date: 25% of the total fee paid - minus the deposit
- Up to 7 days before the retreat start date: there will be no refund
IF FOR ANY REASON THE RETREAT IS CANCELLED BY THE LANTERN INITIATIVE A FULL REFUND WILL BE PROCESSED FOR ALL FUNDS PAID.
Testimonials from our past retreats:
'Absolutely lovely group of people working behind the scenes. Easily approachable and went above and beyond. Jazakallah khair and May Allah enable you to do many more retreats like this Ameen! - Sameera, South Africa
'I would re-live every second of this retreat! From the meticulous planning to the incredible places I visited, the Lantern Initiative blew me away. I am not looking forward to travelling without them! The itinerary was very thorough and professionally executed. All I had to do was show up! I felt safe and well looked after. I was given the opportunity to visit hidden gems and meet some remarkable people; an opportunity I would not have had had I traveled on my own. The experience was so spiritually enriching and I have returned from this incredible journey with my heart filled to the brim with the love of God.'
- Marwa, Manchester
'I joined this retreat because I felt like I needed it, but I didn’t even know just how much I needed it until it was over. I came feeling like my wells were empty and a part of me was lying dormant at the bottom. Every day spent in suhbah replenished me in ways I can’t even begin to describe. From the serenity of the nature, to the overwhelming presence of those that came before us, there was only a deepening of love and connection with Allah. When the last day of the retreat came, my wells were overflowing and I was no longer dormant at the bottom but rather floating upon it. Awakening is the theme that was chosen for this and awakening is exactly what happened.'
- N.H, USA
'love TLI. I absolutely trust the organisers to plan and deliver well-thought out, quality experiences that work to align the mind body and soul. I always recommend them to anyone I meet as they are truly khidmah-oriented. You are never on your own when travelling with TLI. There are so many experiences, people, conversations, lessons...numerous things I otherwise would not have experienced if not for TLI. I can also say hand on heart for anyone looking for self-development or wanting to further align with Allah, I walk away from every TLI event with a lesson and part of me changed for the better. Alhumdulillah' - Naseera, Leicester
'I had a truly unforgettable experience and am incredibly grateful to the Lantern Initiative for creating such a warm, welcoming space for people from all over the world to connect. Every aspect of the trip was deeply enriching—from the meaningful lessons to the thoughtfully guided tours, each moment allowed us to fully absorb the beauty and purpose of the journey. The sense of community was heartwarming; everyone seemed to share the same intention—to learn, grow, pray, explore, and connect with like-minded souls. I’m so glad I attended and would absolutely love to join the next trip, inshallah.' - Zohal, California
'This entire retreat was amazing in every way. The Lantern Initiative always think every little thing through and ensure the best hospitality. They did so at the woodlands retreat which is why I booked on for Spain. The locations, the learning, the teachers, the company - everything was perfect. I went for a spiritual reset and that is exactly what I got. We bonded, we cried, we belly laughed, we cried some more - by the end of the retreat we all left as a family and I think it was beautiful and I could not have asked for a better group to have travelled with Alhamdulillah. Thank you to the Lantern Initiative and Muhammed Isaac for all their hard work.’
- Sumiya, Bradford
'There was a sense of barakah (blessing) in every part of the journey. I felt held, safe, and spiritually nourished. It reminded me that the path to Allah is always open, and sometimes all it takes is a step outside our normal lives to remember that. I’m leaving this retreat with a calmer heart, a clearer mind, and a renewed sense of purpose in my faith. I’m deeply grateful to the organizers and teachers who made this possible. Lots of love and Duas.' (Norin, Australia)
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About Ustadh Mohammed Isaaq:
Mohammed Isaaq is the founder and instructor of the Knowing Yourself programmes, and a graduate of the Islamic Psychology Diploma at Cambridge Muslim College. He is a self-development specialist and a teacher.
Mohammed was born and raised in Birmingham, UK. Following his postgraduate studies in education, he has had the privilege of pursuing his studies under various teachers in the UK and abroad, including Morocco, Jordan and Yemen. Upon his return to the UK in 2017, he has been teaching Islamic medicine, theology and Arabic alongside other community projects and has now delivered his self development and behavioural psychology programmes in over 40 countries to a worldwide audience of over 30,000 participants! Find out more about Ustadh Mohammed Isaaq here
Location
Japan