THH X SHISHI—IWA HOUSE WORKSHOP IN KARUIZAWA, JAPAN – HIDDEN LANDSCAPES: UNCOVERING WHAT FLOWERS WITHIN

KARUIZAWA, NAGANO, JAPAN, 7—10 DECEMBER 2025

A botanical workshop exploring what flowers when we stop performing.

Set in the quiet forests of Karuizawa, Hidden Landscapes is a three-night / four-day retreat exploring the intrapersonal through the interpersonal, using plants and flowers not as decoration, but as tools for self-inquiry, embodied presence, and honest connection.

Designed by This Humid House and hosted at the acclaimed Shishi-Iwa House—with architecture by Pritzker Prize-winning masters Shigeru Ban and Ryue Nishizawa—this is not a retreat about floristry. It is a space to slow down, suspend design, and attend to what is usually unseen. This retreat goes beyond aesthetics, the focus is on the process rather and less the product, on deeper engagement, reflection and discovery. It’s a space for exploration, experimentation and embracing the unexpected shifts that happen along the way.

Participants will move through a progression of exercises, beginning individually and then gradually working in small to large groups. From touch sensitisation to silent collaborative making, each exercise is crafted to explore the nuances of comfort, resistance, and relational dynamics—anchored in the belief that discomfort is often a prerequisite for growth, clarity, and transformation.

Throughout, participants are invited to cultivate an appetite for presence—to listen with the body, respond with care, and remain open to what emerges.

The experience is supported by thoughtful hospitality: seasonal fine cuisine, nature walks, local sake and wine tastings, traditional wellness experience such as onsen, shiatsu massage and tea ceremony. Every gesture is part of the larger container—one that nourishes reflection as much as restoration.

Sessions are conducted in English. No prior floral experience is required. 
Only the willingness to show up—with care, curiosity, and courage.

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Workshop Details
Dates: 7–10 December 2025
Venue: Shishi-Iwa House

Schedule:
Sunday, 7 December — Check-in from noon onwards, optional art & architecture tour, welcome dinner
Monday, 8 December — Breakfast, introductions, nature walk, making, lunch, optional onsen, dinner, optional sake tasting

Tuesday, 9 December — Meditation, lunch, making, wellness treatments, celebration dinner, optional craft gin tasting
Wednesday, 10 December — Optional tea ceremony, breakfast, additional recreational activities, check-out at noon

Fees Include:
– Accommodation, local transport, all meals, workshop fees, botanical materials, equipment rentals, onsen, shiatsu massage, wine and sake tastings, nature walks, hiking guides, and all other activities under the SSH Program
– Participants can extend another day for sightseeing at a discount of 15% normal room rate

Fees Do Not Include:
– Airfare and personal expenses

Details
– JPY550,000 (USD3,750) per person (based on double occupancy)
– JPY650,000 (USD4,450) per person (based on single occupancy)
– Sessions must be attended by the same person, and cannot be transferred to others
– Once purchased, no refunds will be given

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To Register
Please email inquiry@shishiiwahouse.com to make your reservation. The Shishi-Iwa team will respond with a payment link to complete your registration.