Session II: Return to Hand
July 18 – July 25, 2026
From earth to expression. A week where you arrive consuming and leave creating. You arrive scrolling. You leave holding something you made. Touch material. Move your body. Be outside. Share everyday moments. Alone or with someone you care about.
You don't need to be an artist or "creative." Curiosity. Willingness to play. Hands a little dirty. Not a silent week. Not therapy. Plenty of conversation, laughter, shared time.
Creativity doesn't only happen when you sit down to make art. It shows up when there's space. When attention loosens. When time isn't packed. This is what making space means. No goal to produce. No expectation to improve. No pressure to explain what you're making or why. Process over results. Curiosity over skill. Here over performance.
First summer the Lodge opens for shared creative living. Making things at the beginning of a place's story, when the atmosphere is still forming, rhythms still being found. This week: bring that into the Lodge. Making, conversation, shared presence. The space gets shaped by it.
This week lands differently if you've just come from Session I. The body is already quieter. The hands are more ready. If you're considering both, the week between is yours entirely. We can share some thoughts on how to wander well in Hokkaido.
Nothing defined in advance. The place and the group guide.
Denise and Yuki hold this week together.
Yuki is our neighbor. She has lived in Tomamu for twenty years, raises her two daughters here, and is as close to this land as anyone we know. Trained as a glass artist, she works across many mediums: always with an eye for material, process, and what nature offers up. She teaches in the area and brings a depth of local knowledge that no visiting artist could replicate.
Denise is a certified yoga teacher and artist: colorful, expressive, multi-medium. She leads movement sessions rooted in physical, meditative yoga, grounding rather than performative. As an artist herself she's not just holding the container this week, she's in it.
Together they bring craft knowledge, creative energy, and twenty-plus years of life in this particular corner of Hokkaido.
The focus is process, play, and experimentation. A return to making with your hands. Nature walks in the surrounding area, where materials will be gathered for the week's making.
Guidance is there when it helps. Not instruction for its own sake. The group finds its own rhythm.
Japanese traditions and rural Hokkaido life are woven into the week, not performed.
Days have structure. They bend.
Activities are invitations, not requirements:
guided art sessions
gentle movement, stretching, or yoga (optional)
time outside every day
a light to moderate hike
a visit to a natural hot spring (onsen)
shared meals and simple daily rituals
Plans shift with weather, materials, group.
Time alone. Time together. Both welcome.
A typical day: Morning: gentle movement or outside, then shared breakfast. The day unfolds: art sessions, walks, nature, rest. Evenings: cooking, talking, making together.
Phones: we recommend off the whole time. We don't take them. You choose.
One contact email and lodge number. You or someone at home can reach us if needed.
Less distraction. More of what's in front of you: nature, movement, meals, each other.
Specific needs? We'll work with you.
Yuki leads the art and making. Focus: process, play, experimentation. Nature walks in the area feed into what we make, gathering supplies and paying attention to the land.
We explore materials and techniques. Curiosity. Hands on. A return to making with your hands.
Materials: natural dyeing, clay, glass, or other tactile mediums. Depends on conditions and group.
No experience needed. No expectations around outcome.
Group size: 8 people
Open to individuals, couples, siblings, or friends
Small. Ease, intimacy, flexibility. Join what you want. Skip what you don't.
Single or double rooms
Shared bathrooms
A simple, home-like house setting
Comfortable. Unpretentious. Rest, quiet, shared living.
Tomamu, Hokkaido, Japan
Forests. A calm base. Outside, slow, away from everyday distractions.
All meals are provided.
Local where possible. Prepared with care. Nourishing, simple. Time around the table.
Dietary needs: tell us in advance.
Group airport pick-up is available from New Chitose Airport
There is also a direct train line to Tomamu Station
Additional travel details will be shared ahead of arrival.
Saturday – Saturday
July 18 – July 25, 2026
Arrival: Saturday, July 18 (afternoon)
Departure: Saturday, July 25 (morning)
We know committing to a week away is a real decision. Here's everything you need.
Price: ¥270,000
Early Bird: ¥240,000 (until May 1)
Pricing - tax is included
Payment: A non-refundable deposit of ¥75,000 is required to secure your spot.
The remaining balance is due 6 weeks before this week begins.
Cancellation & Transfer: Because this is a small Analog Week with limited spots: The deposit is non-refundable. Cancellations are possible up to 2 months before this week begins. You may transfer your spot to someone else (with approval). If your spot is filled from a waitlist, the remaining balance (excluding the deposit) will be refunded.
What is included in the price: 7 nights accommodation, All meals, Daily movement / body-based practices, Guided activities & outings, Shared transport for group activities
Not Included: Flights, Travel insurance
Is This Week Right for You?
A good fit if you're open to:
a week without your phone
making without needing a result
sharing space with eight others
curiosity leading instead of plans
If that lands, we'd love to hear from you.
Inquiries
Questions or to reserve:
inside@dontknowlodge.com
A short note: who you are, what's drawing you here.
Booking is now open.
Book your spot. We'll confirm and get back to you with all other details.