Whether you’re visiting Japan or living here long-term, joining a yoga class can be a beautiful way to connect with your body and the local culture. But if it's your first time taking a class in Japan, you might be wondering: What should I wear? Are tattoos OK? Will the class be in English?

At Nami Yoga Studio in Kyoto and Tokyo, we welcome students from all over the world. And while we’re an open and friendly space, it helps to understand some of the unspoken cultural etiquette around yoga in Japan—so you can relax and enjoy your class with confidence.

Here’s what you need to know before rolling out your mat:

Breaking the Stereotype and Discovering the Benefits of Yoga for Men For years, yoga in Japan has often been associated with women—soft movements, wellness culture, and peaceful music. But that image is rapidly changing. Across Tokyo and Kyoto, more and more men are stepping onto the mat and discovering that yoga is not only for flexibility and relaxation, but also for strength, focus, and long-term physical health. At Nami Yoga Studio, we welcome all genders, all bodies, and all backgrounds. Whether you’re a beginner or an athlete, whether you wear a business suit or have tattoos (yes, tattoos are totally OK!), you’ll find a class where you can grow—physically and mentally.

Are you searching for a yoga studio that fits seamlessly into your daily routine? Whether you live in Kyoto or Tokyo—or you're just starting your yoga journey—location and accessibility can make all the difference. At Nami Yoga Studio, we believe that the best yoga experience begins with a space that’s not only welcoming, but easy to get to. That’s why we’ve chosen convenient, central locations in both Kyoto and Tokyo—close to major stations, business areas, and beloved neighborhoods like Gion and Shibuya.

Let’s explore what makes our locations ideal for your practice, and why so many students keep coming back.

Why It’s Never Too Late to Begin

Have you ever thought, “I’d love to try yoga, but I’m not young anymore,” or “I don’t have the strength or flexibility to start now”?
You’re not alone—but the truth is, yoga is for every age and every body.

At Nami Yoga Studio, we have students who began their yoga journey in their 70s and have continued practicing for over 12 years.
In this article, we’ll explore why starting yoga in your 50s and beyond is not only possible but also beneficial—and how you can begin safely and comfortably.

— Gentle, effective stretches to ease stress and support your body, anytime, anywhere —

If you're curious about yoga but hesitant to jump straight into a studio, don’t worry — many beginner-friendly yoga poses can be practiced right in your living room. Here are 5 simple yet powerful poses to help you get started, even if you're feeling stiff or short on time. These poses are calming, accessible, and perfect for beginners.

Yoga comes in many styles—each with its own rhythm, intention, and benefits. Whether you’re drawn to a meditative slow flow or a powerful, sweat-inducing sequence, understanding the origins and characteristics of each yoga style can help you find the right fit.

At Nami Yoga Studio in Kyoto and Tokyo, we offer a variety of classes to suit different bodies, levels, and goals. Here's an overview of the most well-known traditional and modern yoga styles, followed by what we offer at our studios.

Feeling tension in your shoulders, back, or eyes after long hours at your desk? You're not alone.
For busy women balancing work and wellness, just a few minutes of yoga or stretching during the day can make a big difference in how you feel—both physically and mentally.

In this post, Nami Yoga Studio, a bilingual yoga studio with locations in Kyoto and Tokyo, shares simple office-friendly yoga and stretch practices. These easy movements are ideal for improving posture, reducing stiffness, and refreshing your mind between meetings.

In recent years, yoga retreats have surged in popularity around the world—from the mountains of Bali and beaches of Sri Lanka to the temples of Kyoto and countryside hideaways in Japan. But what exactly makes yoga retreats so appealing? And more importantly, what can they offer you?

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily life or simply want to dive deeper into your practice, a yoga retreat could be the reset your body and mind have been longing for.

Choosing the right yoga mat can significantly improve your practice—whether you're a beginner or a seasoned yogi. At Nami Yoga Studio in Kyoto and Tokyo, our students often ask us: "Which yoga mat is best for me?" The answer depends on your body, practice style, and personal preferences.

Here's a comparison of popular mats, including where to buy them in Japan.

At Nami Yoga Studio, we often meet students curious about the differences between Pilates and yoga. While both practices are popular for improving physical health and mental balance, they each offer unique approaches and benefits. Whether you're an expat, a traveler, or a local resident looking to explore wellness practices in Japan, this guide will help you understand what sets Pilates and yoga apart—and how to choose the right fit for your lifestyle.

Travel is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. Long flights, unfamiliar environments, and packed itineraries can take a toll on your body and mind. Here are some ways to stay grounded and centered while you're on the move, inspired by the calm rhythms of Kyoto and Tokyo.

Kyoto is famous for its stunning temples and traditional tea houses—but there’s so much more to explore, especially if you're looking for wellness activities in Kyoto that help you relax and recharge. Here are 5 mindful and rejuvenating experiences that will leave you feeling centered, grounded, and deeply connected to Kyoto’s peaceful energy.

If you're an English speaker in Kyoto or Tokyo looking for a yoga class, you might have noticed it’s not always easy to find a welcoming space with clear instruction. That’s where Nami Yoga Studio comes in—a peaceful, bilingual yoga studio with locations in both cities, offering classes in both English and Japanese.

There are many ways to look at the coronavirus pandemic: it’s changing our lifestyles, our financial situations, and our social lives. New practices and terminology like social distancing, teleworking, and self-quarantining have become increasingly commonplace.

Last Sunday, we hosted a Clothes Swapping Party at Nami Yoga Studio! It was a huge success to say the least.

As a studio, we started being a bit more conscious about the environment and sustainability around the end of last year. We switched from paper towels to cloth towels to wipe down the mats. We introduced a water server at our studio to eliminate one time use of pet bottle waste. These actions heightened the awareness in both the students and the teachers. We were tremendously awed by the amount of waste we reduced in the course of a few months, and it was very visible!

Last month, September 2019, we hosted our first Yoga Retreat ever. Our main goal was for the students to incorporate yoga into their lifestyle on a more regular basis. And by “yoga” I don’t just mean the asanas, but all aspects of “yoga” including breathing, meditation, and philosophy.