Making Space
July 18 – July 25, 2026
Making Space is an invitation to slow down, make things with your hands, and reconnect with your creative side, without phones, without pressure, and without needing to be "good" at anything.
It's a playful, expressive week of exploring materials, moving your body, spending time outside, and sharing everyday moments, whether you come on your own or with someone you care about.
You don't need to be an artist or identify as "creative."
You just need curiosity, openness, and a willingness to play, experiment, and get your hands a little dirty.
What This Retreat Is About
Creativity isn't something that only happens when you sit down to make art.
It's something that shows up when there's space, when attention loosens, when time isn't packed, and when nothing needs to be optimized.
Making Space is about creating those conditions.
There is no goal to produce finished work, no expectation to improve, and no pressure to explain what you're making or why.
The emphasis is on:
- process over results
- curiosity over skill
- presence over performance
An Opening
This retreat takes place during the first summer that Wakaranai Lodge opens itself to shared creative living.
There's something special about making things at the beginning of a place's story, when the atmosphere is still forming, and the rhythms of daily life are being discovered together.
Part of this week is about bringing that creative energy into the Lodge for the first time, allowing the space to be shaped through making, conversation, and shared presence.
Nothing needs to be defined in advance.
We let the place and the group guide the process.
The structure of the days is intentional but flexible.
Activities are offered as invitations, not requirements, and may include:
- guided art sessions
- gentle movement, stretching, or yoga (optional)
- spending time outside every day
- a light to moderate hike
- a visit to a natural hot spring (onsen)
- shared meals and simple daily rituals
Plans may shift depending on weather, materials, and the energy of the group.
Some time is spent together.
Some time is spent alone.
Both are equally welcome.
Art sessions are guided by a local art teacher and are focused on process, play, and experimentation.
Together, we explore different materials and techniques in an open, accessible way, encouraging curiosity, hands-on exploration, and a return to a more intuitive relationship with making.
Materials may include, depending on conditions and group energy:
- natural dyeing
- clay
- glass
- or other tactile, hands-on mediums
No prior experience is needed.
There are no expectations around outcome.
Group size: 8 people
Open to individuals, couples, siblings, or friends
The small group size allows for ease, intimacy, and flexibility.
Some activities happen alone, some together, and some in small groups, without pressure to participate in everything.
- Single or double rooms
- Shared bathrooms
- A simple, home-like house setting
The accommodation is comfortable and unpretentious, supporting rest, quiet, and shared living.
Tomamu, Hokkaido, Japan
Set in a rural landscape of forests, the Lodge provides a calm base for being outside, slowing down, and stepping away from everyday distractions.
All meals are provided.
Food is sourced locally where possible and prepared with care, emphasizing nourishment, simplicity, and shared time around the table.
Please contact us in advance with any dietary needs.
- 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)
¥270,000
Early Bird: ¥240,000 (limited spots)
Payment
A non-refundable deposit of ¥75,000 is required to secure your spot.
The remaining balance is due 6 weeks before the retreat.
Cancellation & Transfer
Because this is a small retreat with limited spots:
- The deposit is non-refundable
- Cancellations are possible up to 2 months before the retreat
- 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
Not Included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
Booking will open on April 1st.
Save your place and we'll notify you when bookings open.
Is This Retreat Right for You?
Making Space is a good fit if you're open to:
- stepping away from your phone for a week
- exploring creativity without needing results
- sharing space with a small group
- letting curiosity lead instead of plans
If that resonates, we'd love to hear from you.
Inquiries
To ask questions or reserve a place, please contact:
Include a short note about who you are and what's drawing you to the retreat.