April 24 – May 6, 2026 | Sanda & Osaka, Japan
Do you feel the pull to reconnect with the earth?
To live in rhythm with the forest, to craft with your hands, and learn the old ways in a place where the modern world disappears?
This is more than a course — it’s a deep and immersive experience into bushcraft, traditional knowledge, and your own wild self.
Led by Thijmen Apswoude, Tessa Kauw, and Lee, this full 6-day program is surrounded by the option to land slowly in the forest beforehand — and, for those who wish, a vibrant 3-day cultural adventure in the heart of Osaka.
April 29 – May 5, 2026 | Sanda, Hyogo
A full 7-day journey, with 6 days of in-depth skills, wilderness living and nature connection — and 1 restorative day of cultural immersion and hot springs. Each morning begins with inner practice. Each evening ends by the fire.
Each day opens in silence, led by Tessa Kauw, guiding you through:
Knife Skills & Natural Cordage
Sharpening, carving, safety and awareness. You’ll harvest and twist natural fibres into strong, usable cordage — the foundation of everything to come.
Primitive Traps
Learn to create and set traditional traps using natural materials — including snares and scissor traps. Gain insight into animal movement and respectful harvesting.
Fire by Friction & Outdoor Cooking
Hand drill and bow drill. You’ll craft your own set, read the land, and learn how to work with fire as a living ally. In the evening: a Japanese forest BBQ around the flames.
Rest Day | Traditional Village & Onsen Visit
We slow down. Together, we visit a beautiful mountain village filled with traditional artisans and timeless atmosphere. Then, we soak in a Japanese onsen — a natural hot spring bath — to relax, reset, and absorb.
Primitive Basketry & Wild Plant Knowledge
Start the day with a plant walk, then craft your own pine needle basket using coiling techniques. Learn about edible, medicinal, and useful plants around the Sanda forest.
Waraji Sandal Weaving
Step into ancestral skill: craft your own pair of waraji (traditional straw sandals) using natural fibres — grounding, beautiful and entirely functional.
Bark Containers & Integration
Using hinoki bark (Japanese cypress), we’ll craft traditional forest containers. We end the program with reflection, sharing, and closing ritual by the fire.
Every morning, and sometimes in the evening, Tessa offers grounding and centering practices to help integrate what we learn:
This supports not only your body, but also your emotional and intuitive relationship with the land.
Want to arrive slowly? We offer two optional days before the course officially begins. Use this time to set up your shelter, get used to your tools, connect with the forest and the group.
What’s included:
You can also choose to rest, breathe, and simply be.
Want to ease into the experience with a playful, cultural deep dive?
Join Thijmen and Tessa in Osaka before heading into the forest.
Includes:
This tour is designed to help you land fully — in the country, the culture, and the moment.
The course takes place entirely outdoors, in a quiet cedar forest on the edge of the village of Sanda. Simple, peaceful, and alive — this land becomes both teacher and home.
This course is for anyone ready to:
No previous experience needed — just an open heart, healthy curiosity, and willingness to step out of your comfort zone.
Participants already confirmed from:
England, Belgium, China, Japan & the Netherlands
This is a rare chance to study bushcraft and reconnect with yourself in Japan’s ancient forests.
You’ll walk away with skills, memories, and a shift that stays with you.
📩 Apply now at www.livingbynature.nl or send us a message.
“Bushcraft is like a book with difficult words.
Once you understand the words, you’ll understand the story.”
– Thijmen Apswoude
10% aanbetaling als plek reservering (110,-)
Let op April vol !! boeken voor oktober mogelijk
€110,00
12 op voorraad
April is Vol!!!
April 24–26 (optional) – Osaka City Tour
April 27–28 (optional) – Forest Landing Days
April 29 – May 5 – 6-Day Bushcraft Program
May 6 – Departure day (or stay one final night in the forest)
During the 6-Day Bushcraft Program (April 29 – May 5):
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the course
Full instruction and guidance by Thijmen Apswoude, Tessa Kauw, and Lee Issit
Daily yoga, qigong, breathwork, meditation, and morning silence (led by Tessa)
All bushcraft lessons and natural materials (knife work, fire by friction, trap-making, basketry, traditional sandals, bark containers, etc.)
A cultural rest day: visit to a traditional Japanese village and a local onsen (hot spring bath)
Evening campfires, group reflection, and space to slow down
Nature connection practices: wild plant use, animal signs, tracking, bird language, and more
A small, international learning group with personal attention
Optional Forest Landing Days (April 27–28):
Guidance in setting up your own shelter/camp
Firesteel and knife skills introduction or refresher
Camp safety, forest hygiene, routines, and Q&A
Time to arrive, slow down, and connect with the land
Optional Osaka City Tour (April 24–26):
2 nights in a hotel (shared accommodation)
All lunches and dinners included (excluding drinks)
Airport pick-up on arrival
Guided city exploration: morning market, temples, fish market, anime street, traditional knife shops
Karaoke night, bike tour, and transport orientation
Entry to a traditional onsen in the city
Your flights or travel to and from Japan
Transport to the forest location (Sanda)
Travel insurance or health coverage
Personal camping gear (bring your own: tarp, sleeping bag, mat, etc.)
Breakfasts during the Osaka City Tour
Alcoholic or extra drinks during the Osaka Tour meals
Optional purchases during the cultural rest day (snacks, souvenirs, crafts, etc.)