FAQ

General

Is Marie joining the retreat?

Marie will join for 1-2 key experiences during each plan (Ise or Kanazawa). She will not attend the retreat in full; having said that, both Marie and Takumi will be working hard behind the scenes to make sure this retreat is bespoke, unforgettable, and uniquely KonMari!

 

What is included in the cost?

Please see the bottom of the summary page for a full list of what is included in the cost of registration.


What is the agenda for this event?

Please visit this page for an agenda for both the full week and the weekend seminar.

 

Can I bring my spouse, kids, etc?

Anyone can attend the Ise Plan! Spouses and children will need to pay and register separately.

 

Only certified KonMari Consultants can attend the Kanazawa plan.

 

I’m a Consultant-in-Training. Can I sign up?

You are welcome to sign up for the Ise Plan!

 

If you are sure you'll be certified by the time the retreat starts, you can also sign up for the Kanazawa Plan, which is open only to certified KonMari Consultants. 

 

Can I pay in installments?

We are excited to offer partial payments as a payment option at checkout! Pay as little as $500 USD up front to reserve your spot in the retreat, then pay the remaining installments by the dates listed below.

 

To pay in full, complete the following steps:

  • Click “Register Now”  and complete your registration up to the payment page. 
  • Select your preferred payment method (credit card or PayPal).
  • Select “Full Payment.”
  • Enter your payment information and click “Submit.”
  • Congratulations! You have reserved your spot in the retreat.

 

To pay in installments, follow these steps:

  • Click “Register Now”  and complete your registration up to the payment page. 
  • Select your preferred payment method (credit card or PayPal).
  • Select “Partial Payment.”
  • Enter the amount you would like to pay right away (minimum amount due is as low as $500 USD). 
  • Enter your payment information and click “Submit.”
  • To pay the remaining balance for your admission:
  • Click “Already registered?” underneath the “Register Now” button. 
  • Enter your email and confirmation number.
  • Click “Submit Payment” on your confirmation page. 
    • Remit the full remaining payment amount or pay an additional installment using the same steps as above.

 

You may receive a reminder email one week prior to your payment due date. However, it is ultimately up to you to log in and remit your payment in full. Failure to pay in full by the registration deadline (March 30, 2026) will be considered a cancellation. Any installment payments made prior to cancellation are subject to the following cancellation and refund policy, considered effective from the first date of payment.

 

PAYMENT INSTALLMENT SCHEDULE

  • Upon registering: $500 USD
  • By November 30, 2025: 25% of total amount due
  • By January 31, 2026: 50% of total amount due
  • By February 28, 2026: 75% of total amount due
  • By March 30, 2026: Payment is due in full

 

You may receive a reminder email one week prior to your payment installment dates. However, it is ultimately up to you to log in and remit your payment in full. Failure to pay in full by the deadline (March 30, 2026) will be considered a cancellation. Any installment payments made prior to cancellation are subject to the following cancellation and refund policy, considered effective from the first date of payment.

 

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

  • Cancellations within seven days of purchase will receive a full refund.
  • Cancellations made after seven days of purchase AND before January 30, 2026 will incur a 25% return processing fee.
  • Any cancellations made after seven days of purchase AND from February 1 - February 27, 2026 will incur a 50% return processing fee.
  • Any cancellations made after seven days of purchase AND from February 28, 2026 - March 29, 2026 will incur a 75% return processing fee.
  • Any cancellations made after March 30, 2026 cannot be refunded.

 

Transfer Policy 

We do not allow payment transfers for the retreat.

 

To initiate the cancellation or refund process, please email us at kcevent@konmari.com.

 

What is the schedule for partial payments?

Upon registering: $500 USD

  • By November 30, 2025: 25% of total amount due
  • By January 31, 2026: 50% of total amount due
  • By February 28, 2026: 75% of total amount due
  • By March 30, 2026: Payment is due in full


 

Can I attend BOTH plans?

Yes, you can attend both for one combined rate! The plans are designed to be continuous and will provide an unforgettable and cumulative experience if you take part in both.

 

Note: you must be a certified KonMari Consultant to attend the Kanazawa Plan.

 

Will I need to pray at the shrines?

Group activities at shrines will be meditative in nature, rather than religious in nature. You can always opt out if you’re not comfortable. 

 

Am I required to stay in a hotel room with another participant?

Prices are based on double occupancy. You can choose a roommate for the duration of the trip, or if you prefer, we can place you with another participant at random. 

 

You’ll be able to pay a single-supplement fee if you prefer to stay in a room by yourself. 

 

Will you help me book a flight? 

You’ll be responsible for your own flight and initial transportation from the airport to the hotel. If you prefer to work with a travel consultant, feel free to reach out to our preferred travel company, Kintetsu International Express, and they will be happy to arrange your flight for a service fee of $40 (payable directly to Kintetsu International Express). Reach out to Tiffani at tiffani.razo@kintetsu.com for assistance. Be sure to mention you're traveling to Japan for the KonMari Japan Retreat!

 

 

Participants

How much cash should I bring with me on the trip?

You will only need cash for incidentals like snacks, souvenirs, or any times you might want to do something on your own.

 

Having said that, Japan is a "cash" society so especially in places like Ise-shima, Shirakawa-go or even Kanazawa, you may want to have some cash on hand as shops, temples etc. may not be equipped to take payment by credit card.

 

You may also need to pay cash for your transportation to the hotel on your first day and from the hotel on your last day. Depending on your preferred method of travel, this can cost anywhere from 3,000 yen (bus or train) to 30,000 yen (taxi) per trip.

 

As a general guideline be prepared to bring around 5,000 yen per day of your trip for incidentals, plus additional yen as indicated above for your transport to/from the airport, plus any additional budget you want to bring for souvenirs.

 

Where can I exchange my local currency for yen?

You can opt to exchange your currency at home, but may find a better exchange rate if you exchange your currency  when you arrive at the airport in Japan.

You may be able to use your bank card to take out money at select ATMs in Japan (such as those at 7-Eleven convenience stores), and you might be able to exchange money at the hotel.

 

Getting to your Hotel

Additional information on how to get to your hotel on arrival day will be provided as the date approaches.

 

What should I pack?

Please plan to bring no more than:

  • One checked bag 
  • One overnight bag (carry-on).
  • One personal item

We recommend bringing the following:

  • Comfortable, close-toed shoes, preferably that you can slip on and off
  • Socks, because you will take your shoes off to visit certain temples and restaurants (it's okay if you aren't wearing socks! But it might make it more comfortable for you).
  • A small handkerchief. Some restrooms in Japan will not have anything to dry your hands with, because most people carry a small handkerchief with them.
  • Sunscreen, as we may be outside for a couple of hours at a time
  • Cash (see above guidelines)
  • An adapter, if needed
  • A notebook/journal and a pencil or pen that sparks joy.

 

Do I need a visa to enter Japan?

Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to enter Japan. Though we'll be learning a lot together, since you're not being paid to work in Japan, this is not considered a business trip and you will be traveling as a tourist.

 

For more information and to determine if you need an e-visa to go to Japan, visit https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html#section2.

 

(Note: citizens of USA, Malaysia, Australia, Netherlands, Canada, Singapore or Slovenia do not need to apply for a visa to come on this trip).

 

Attire

Plan to bring clothing that's comfortable and well-suited for walking.

We recommend wearing close-toed shoes – you may be asked to take them off in certain locations such as temples, restaurants or Japanese-style inns.

 

Keep in mind that you'll have your picture taken with Marie. Many Consultants use these photos for years to come on their website and/or social media – please plan accordingly!

 

Will there be a guide with us on this trip?

We will have a guide or will be joined by local experts for the duration of our trip.

 

What is the schedule like?

Most days will begin around 7:30-8:00am for breakfast (May 24 is an exception; we are departing extra early on this very special day!) and will finish around 8:00pm or later, after dinner.

 

You'll have some free time to explore or recharge on your own at some points during this experience; having said that, we'll be together for the majority of the trip.

 

Will I have a chance to shop for souvenirs?

Yes! We'll give you some tips on best times for shopping as the event date appraches.

 

Do I need any proof of vaccinations to enter Japan?

No, proof of COVID-19 vaccination was a requirement in previous years but this requirement has since been lifted.

 

Can I bring medication with me to Japan?

Please visit here for more information, if you are planning on bringing prescription medication with you to Japan:

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html

 

No individual travelers can import/export medicines including the following substances, even if they are prescribed medicines in your country;

  • Heroin
  • Opium powder
  • Methamphetamine and Amphetamine
  • Methaqualone
  • Cannabis

 

What is the weather like?

We are coming to Japan in a great season – moderate weather, before the "rainy season."

The weather will be moderately warm – high 70's and low 80's Fahrenheit (26-28 degrees Celsius). There may be some rain on our trip.

We recommend bringing layers in case you get warm or cold. Wear comfortable clothing and bring an extra change of clothes, especially socks, in case you prefer to change them.

 

How much walking is involved on the trip?

There will be a moderate amount of walking, though nothing too strenuous such as hiking up a trail or mountain.

 

We will walk for up to 30 minutes at a time, sometimes with a slight incline. If you have any concerns, let us know and we will be happy to address this with you!

 

Can I take photographs and share them on social media?

YES! We encourage you to take lots of photos and feel free to share them on social media. The only exception is during the weekend seminar itself, where photography of any course materials or presentations (including Marie's speeches) is not allowed.

Should Marie give any speeches or talks at any time, we kindly ask that you refrain from taking video. By staying present in the moment, you're also helping Marie to stay fully present with you, too!

 

Who should I reach out to in an emergency?

In case of emergency, reach out to Tiffany. She has provided her phone number in a separate email.

 

Is there anything else I should know?

Book signing

Bring a copy of your favorite book if you'd like Marie to sign!

 

Onsen etiquette

Both trips include a stay in a traditional Japanese-style hotel (ryokan).

There is a hot spring bath (onsen) at this hotel; you will have time to go for a soak if you prefer – the best time to do so will be in the evening.

 

Visit here for a great blog on onsen etiquette!

 

General etiquette rules

  • In Japan, particularly at temples and shrines, we recommend wearing clothing that covers your shoulders.
  • You may be asked to take your shoes off before entering a temple or at certain restaurants (particularly those with tatami mats) – for comfort and convenience we recommend wearing shoes with socks or stockings just in case!
  • When you enter your hotel room, it's common to take off your shoes – especially at the ryokan in Ise-shima.
  • No need to tip on services in Japan! A simple arigato (thank you) will do the trick.

 

Gifts (Omiyage)

  • There's no need to bring any special gifts for anyone and it will not be expected of you. You also do not need to tip or present any gifts to any of the guides, priests, etc on this trip.

 

Wifi

  • Wifi will not be available for most of the trip – please plan accordingly!

 

Water

  • The water in Japan is potable unless otherwise noted.
  • You'll also be provided bottled water for most of our group trips we take on a bus. You may want to have some cash on hand in case you would like to get more water from a vending machine when we are visiting various sites (they're everywhere! even at temples) – but more or less you'll be covered!

Questions? Email us at kcevent@konmari.com.