About this Retreat
Corey Martin is a Yale-trained family physician driven to change the delivery of healthcare and improve the mental and physical health of our communities. He is a founder of
Innovations in Resilience and the
Bounce Back Project, a practicing private group physician, Bush Fellow, and a consultant to many healthcare and educational organizations in their response to clinician burnout. Driven to do this work by the loss of two colleagues and friends, Corey strives to create an environment of opportunity in which all of us can do the deep, heartfelt work of changing the way we show up and interact in each other’s lives.
One of the ways he does this is by facilitating resilience retreats across the United States and throughout the world. He is both a Certified Daring Way Facilitator and Center for Courage & Renewal Facilitator and facilitates workshops based on the work of Brené Brown and Parker Palmer. In his free time, he enjoys working on his farm which he has recently turned into an event center. He lives in Maple Lake, MN with his three daughters. He is a recovering perfectionist and an aspiring “good enoughist”.
Christy is a communication specialist with years of experience in organizational development, training and facilitation, and conflict management. Her life's work has been spent helping people to bring the best of who they are to what they do every day. For the past ten years, her primary tool for helping others has been professional coaching. She supports her clients as they identify and create their desired outcomes. Along with expert listening skills, she brings openness, acceptance, and curiosity to her client engagements. Christy is certified in a number of methods, including Coaching with The Empowerment Dynamic (TED), Growth Edge Coaching, Navigating Polarities, and Inner Team Dialogue (ITD). She has a Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Oklahoma and a Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from the Straus Institute at Pepperdine University School of Law. In addition to her work in corporate settings, Christy retired as a Professor Emeritus from the University of Central Oklahoma. She and her husband, Don, live in Oklahoma with a wonderful group of “yours” and “mine” who have become “ours” children and grandchildren.
Don is a Professor Emeritus and scholar with over 25 years expertise in the field of human enterprise development. His goal is to help others learn to thrive despite personal or career crisis or burnout. Don has experienced a lot of loss during his life and brings a special awareness to others experiencing grief of all kinds. He is a partner in re/MIND LLC, an organization designed to help others find personal meaning, integration, navigation, and development, and co-host of the podcast The Fifth Season and substack Rewriting the Rules of Aging with weekly programming for growing people experiencing the second half of their life. He is also an adventurer having served a career in the military, traveling to over 50 countries, and being certified as an underwater rescue diver. These days his activities are more limited to cycling and hiking.
He is the Merrick Award winner for teaching excellence and holds two master’s degrees in Human Relations and Theology, and a doctorate in Education. Don lives in Edmond, OK with his wife Christy, and is the proud father or “Poppy” to 6 others. He is all about finding peace for himself and others.
Details of this retreat
Kyoto, Japan Retreat: Ancient Wisdom for a Wholehearted Life
May 9-15, 2027
25+ CME/CEUs Available
“Discover Something New in the Ancient Heart of Japan”
Join us for an incredible retreat in Japan’s historic center, Kyoto, a place travel writer Paul Theroux calls, “the most elegant city I have ever seen and the most art-conscious. There is nothing quite like it anywhere in the world.” Here you will find peace in the quiet temples, lush forests and endless beauty where you can truly integrate your thoughts, body, and spirit.
Our incredible journey begins in the epicenter of old Kyoto, known for its Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, ancient castles, amazing markets, and hidden mountain trails. Once you have arrived and settled into your hotel, take some time to explore one of the temples or shrines nearby or take an elevator up the Kyoto tower to get an excellent view of the city below. That evening, we’ll come together for warm introductions and kick off our first educational session, setting the tone for a transformative experience.
Every day at our retreat is designed to inspire, starting with a hearty breakfast followed by engaging sessions led by expert facilitators. Drawing from the Center for Courage & Renewal and Brené Brown’s The Daring Way™ programs, these interactive workshops will help you explore new choices and practices that encourage authentic and wholehearted living. You’ll discover how to tackle burnout while building resilience, reminding you that you’re capable of so much more than you think!
On our first full day, we’ll enter the grounds of the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and climb to the top of the sacred mountain, a 5K journey. You will pass through the main temple area and begin your ascent walking under 10,000 beautiful, red torii gates on your climb to the summit. Along the way there are rest stops and vistas revealing why this mountain is considered sacred.
Each day’s hike will serve as a moment to reflect, process our educational sessions, and immerse yourself in the unbelievable beauty of the Japanese countryside in its spring glory. With plenty of time to appreciate the rare elegance of Japanese gardens, forests, and architecture, you’ll discover that new thoughts and ideas arise from within you. Midweek, take a well-deserved break from hiking to explore some of hidden Kyoto away from the bustling tourist crowds. Try ohashi (chopsticks), observe Buddhist and Shinto rituals, or find a place to meditate beneath your own Bodhi tree.
You’ve always said you want to travel the world! Reserve your spot today and embark on a journey that promises inspiration, adventure, and lasting memories. Let Kyoto be a canvas for the bold strokes of your dreams.
If you have additional questions about this trip, please contact Corey Martin at Corey@BounceTravels.com
$3899 Shared / $4899 Single
25+ CME/CEUs Available
TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE
6:30 – 7:30 AM | Morning Breakfast & Quiet ArrivalBegin your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast—steamed rice, grilled fish, miso soup, pickled vegetables, and green tea OR a hearty Western option if your body is still negotiating with the time zone. Ease into the morning slowly, noticing the quiet precision of Kyoto as the city awakens.
7:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Soulful Sessions for Courage and ClarityGather for thoughtful, grounded conversations inspired by the work of Brené Brown, Parker Palmer, and the Courage & Renewal approach. Through guided reflection, journaling, and meaningful dialogue, we’ll explore resilience, authenticity, boundaries, and the patterns that shape how we live and lead. These sessions are practical, honest, and designed to help you actually do something different, not just think about it.
11:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Daily Exploration & Cultural ImmersionStep out into Kyoto and experience the depth of its history and beauty. Walk beneath thousands of torii gates at Fushimi Inari, wander through the Arashiyama bamboo forest, sit in stillness at a Zen rock garden, explore ancient temples like Kiyomizu-dera, or lose yourself in the lantern-lined streets of Gion. These are intentionally planned group experiences designed to help you engage deeply with the culture, the setting, and your own reflections along the way.
5:00 – 6:30 PM | Pause, Reflect, RestoreReturn to the hotel or a nearby quiet space to rest and reset. Journal about the day, take a walk, or sit with a cup of tea and let the experiences settle. This is where a lot of the real work happens and when things start to click.
6:30 – 8:30 PM | Shared Meal, Shared StoriesGather for dinner at local Kyoto restaurants, enjoying everything from sushi and ramen to seasonal kaiseki meals. These dinners are as much a part of the retreat as the sessions with time to connect, laugh, process, and deepen relationships. Good food, good conversation, and the kind of moments that tend to stick with you long after the trip ends.
*Subject to change depending on weather, group needs, and spontaneous moments of magic during the retreat.
DAILY KYOTO ITINERARY
Walk. Reflect. Grow. Each day brings new landscapes, new insights, and new connections—with nature, others, and yourself.
Day 1: Sunday, May 9 — Arrival in Kyoto
Arrive in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural and spiritual heart, where ancient temples, quiet gardens, and modern life exist side by side. Depending on arrival time, you’re welcome to explore the surrounding area. Visit a nearby shrine, grab a coffee, or simply take in the rhythm of the city.
You can check into the Hotel Mercure, our home for the next 6 days, at 3pm. We’ll gather at 4pm for our opening educational session, setting the tone for the week ahead. Through introductions and shared intention, we’ll begin creating a space grounded in honesty, reflection, and meaningful connection.
Day 2: Monday, May 10 — Fushimi Inari & Sushi Making
Our morning session focuses on awareness—beginning to notice the patterns, stories, and habits that quietly shape how we live and relate. From there, we step directly into one of Kyoto’s most iconic and sacred spaces: Fushimi Inari Taisha. We’ll walk together beneath thousands of red torii gates as the path winds up the mountain. The steady climb creates space for reflection, conversation, or quiet—whatever you need. Along the way, small shrines, overlooks, and rest stops remind us this isn’t just a hike—it’s a practice in staying present. Later, we’ll return to the city for a hands-on sushi-making experience, grounding the day in something tactile, creative, and shared.
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Tuesday, May 11 — Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Monkey Park
This morning’s session centers on perspective—how we see ourselves, our work, and the stories we carry. From there, we head to Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most beautiful and immersive areas. We’ll walk through the bamboo forest, where towering green stalks filter light and sound into something almost surreal. From there, we’ll explore nearby temples and make our way to the Monkey Park, where a short climb rewards us with sweeping views of Kyoto. The day blends movement, beauty, and just enough effort to shake loose whatever’s been stuck.
Included: Breakfast
Day 4: Wednesday, May 12 — Golden Pavilion, Rock Garden & Nijo Castle
Today’s session invites us into deeper work—looking at perfectionism, control, and the ways we try to manage uncertainty. Then we step into some of Kyoto’s most refined and contemplative spaces. We’ll visit Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion), a striking temple set against water and carefully designed landscape. From there, we move to Ryoan-ji, home to Japan’s most famous Zen rock garden—a place that has been quietly frustrating and enlightening people for centuries. We’ll also explore Nijo Castle, once home to powerful shoguns, where history, architecture, and subtle design reveal how power and presence were once communicated without saying a word. The day ends with a special evening dinner experience connected to Kyoto’s traditional arts and culture.
Included: Breakfast
Day 5: Thursday, May 13 — Kiyomizu-dera, Gion & Old Kyoto
This morning we shift toward integration—how to take what we’re learning and actually apply it to our lives. Then we head into one of Kyoto’s most iconic areas. We’ll visit Kiyomizu-dera, a stunning temple perched above the city, offering expansive views and a sense of scale that’s hard to ignore. From there, we’ll walk through the historic streets leading into Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. This part of the city invites a slower pace—wandering narrow lanes, noticing details, and letting the experience unfold without rushing to the next thing.
Included: Breakfast
Day 6: Friday, May 14 — Mount Hiei, Imperial Palace & Temple Dinner
Our final full day focuses on meaning and direction—what you’re taking from this experience and how you want to move forward. We’ll travel to Mount Hiei, a sacred mountain that has been a center of Buddhist practice for centuries. The quieter, less-traveled setting creates space to reflect on the week as a whole. Depending on timing, we’ll also explore the Imperial Palace grounds or a local temple market, before gathering for a closing dinner experience in a temple setting—simple, intentional, and a fitting way to mark the end of the retreat.
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Saturday, May 15 — Departure or Nara overnight add on
After breakfast, our formal retreat comes to a close. You may depart Kyoto or choose to stay for an optional Nara add on
Meals: Breakfast included
Optional Days 7 & 8: Overnight Add-On: Nara
Just outside the ancient capital of Kyoto lies Nara, one of Japan’s most enchanting and peaceful destinations. On this optional day trip, we’ll wander through historic temples and gardens, stand in awe before the Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji, and stroll among the famous free-roaming deer of Nara Park. We’ll also take time to slow down and restore at a traditional Japanese onsen, soaking in the calm rhythm and beauty that make Nara feel worlds away from the pace of modern life. Along the way, expect hidden shrines, quiet pathways, incredible food, and the kind of moments that stay with you long after the journey ends.
$249 shared room/$349 single room
Included: One night hotel stay, guided visits, and time for reflection.
Not Included: Train ticket to Nara, admission to onsen, museums or other attractions you may want to see.
TRAVEL SUPPORT
This retreat is not an endurance challenge; it’s an invitation to slow down, explore, and reconnect. While there will be opportunities for hiking, much of our time will be spent in meaningful educational sessions, experiences, cultural exploration, and shared moments of reflection. This is a shared group experience with a set itinerary. There will be built-in flexibility and options to step back when needed, but we’re not able to customize individual plans throughout the retreat. Part of the work is learning to navigate that balance, honoring your needs to listen to your body, your energy, and the quieter voice within while staying engaged with the group.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Expert bilingual guides
Daily educational and reflective sessions on over 25 CME/CEU topics on resilience, burnout prevention, and authentic living
6 nights at the charming Mercure Hotel in Kyoto
Daily breakfasts
Sushi making experience
Dinner the final night
Transportation during the retreat
A pre-retreat Zoom session to help you prepare for the experience
A post-retreat Zoom session to help you integrate new insights
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Ground transport to and from the retreat (e.g., car/train to Kyoto)
Daily lunches and dinners
Gratuities for guides
Travel insurance (Click here for a quote)
$50 learner plus membership to claim CME/CEUs
CANCELLATION DETAILS
Cancellations prior to January 10, 2027 are subject to a $500 cancellation fee.
Non-refundable on or after January 10, 2027.
A minimum of 12 participants are necessary or the retreat will be cancelled. This decision will be made at least 90 days before international retreats and 60 days before domestic retreat start dates.
If Bounce Travels cancels the retreat, you’ll receive a full refund of your registration fee or you may apply your balance plus $200 toward another Bounce Travels retreat through the end of the following year.
PLEASE NOTE
This itinerary may change slightly due to accommodation availability, rain, festivals and spontaneous side trips. This is not an endurance race, nor a competition. Please be respectful of all the different paces and walks of life that come together on this group trip.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
To claim CME/CEU credits, participants are required to purchase a $50 annual Learner+ membership. This one-time registration provides unlimited access for one year to claim credits through reflective activities—both from this retreat and other eligible experiences. Learner+ is an accredited activity portal designed for busy healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician associates, pharmacists, social workers, athletic trainers, case managers, dietitians, chaplains, and more. It allows you to capture reflections at the point of learning or care and convert them into continuing education credits. Reflections based on session content may be eligible for up to 30+ AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ per session. Learn more about CME/CEU eligibility for your specialty here.
🌊 WADE IN EXPERIENCE
You’ve started exploring your inner life—maybe through a book, a podcast, therapy, or a few reflective conversations—and now you’re ready for more. This experience offers grounding tools, mindset shifts, and meaningful dialogue to support your next steps. It’s a great fit for those looking to reconnect with themselves and gain momentum in their growth journey
💧 Retreat Depth
Who It’s For
What to Expect
💦 Dip Your Toes
Brand new to personal growth or retreat spaces
Gentle, welcoming, and low-pressure. A perfect introduction to self-reflection, connection, and emotional wellbeing—without overwhelm.
🌊 Wade In
You’ve started exploring inner work or want to revisit the basics
Reflective practices, mindset shifts, and tools for resilience. Ideal for folks ready to grow, but not quite ready to cannonball.
🌊🌊 Swim Out
You’ve done some personal work and are ready to go further
More depth, more vulnerability, and more challenge. You’ll explore identity, relationships, and what’s getting in your way.
🌊🌊🌊 Go Deep
You’re experienced in inner work and craving transformation
Brave spaces, soulful inquiry, and a strong container for people navigating transitions, reinvention, or purpose. Designed for the seasoned soul.
Verified
