FAQ

Below you can find answers to frequently asked questions.

CLASS TIMES & SCHEDULES

Do I need to arrive early for class?

Unless otherwise specified, please assume that classes start promptly at the designated times. If you are attending for the first time, please arrive 30 minutes early so you have time to fill out a registration form, get changed and settle in ready for the class.

What time should I arrive for class?

Classes start at the designated time. If you’re late, you could disturb others. If you can’t make it in time, it’s best to skip the class. Leave early and be there at least 20 minutes before the class starts to change into your yoga wear and find a space for your yoga mat. If it’s your first yoga class, you’ll need 10 more minutes to meet the instructor and fill out a registration form.

I attend classes weekly at a community hall. Why is there no class this week?

Community halls are usually closed one day of every week and one Sunday per month.

CLASS RESERVATIONS & REGISTRATION

Can I come and just watch a class?

When someone observes a class in progress, it is distracting to both the students and the teacher. Most teachers prefer that you try a class and participate directly rather than just watch. However, if you really just want to watch, please contact the teacher and ask their permission.

Do I need to register before class?

First timers are usually required to fill out a registration form with their personal contact details, emergency contact details, and sign a liability waiver before participating in class.

How do I cancel my reservation for an event?

After registering to attend an event, you should receive a confirmation email. In this email will be a link to cancel your attendance should you need to. If you lost this email, please contact us and tell us which event you wish to cancel. In the case of an event’s reservations being taken by a yoga studio or event organizer directly, please contact the relevant party.

I registered for a class/event, but didn’t receive any confirmation email?

You may have input your email address incorrectly. If that is the case, if you were able to see the confirmation message on the website, then your reservation will still be counted and your space saved.

Please check to see that our email hasn’t got caught in your SPAM filter. Have a look in your SPAM folder and if you see our email, please add the address to your “safe” list to ensure that you receive further emails from us.

You sent me an email, but I didn’t receive it?

Please email info@helloyoga.com if you would like to confirm your reservation.

CLOTHES & GEAR

What clothes are appropriate for a yoga class?

Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. You probably want to wear a t-shirt or top that is a little bit form-fitting, since in many yoga poses, your head comes below your hips and your shirt can slide down. Any exercise pants or shorts will do, although it’s best not to have super slick Lycra-type pants since this may cause you to slip in some poses. You will become warm during practice, but you may want to cover up during the final relaxation pose in winter time. Please do not wear belts (constricts breathing), shoes (yoga is done barefoot), jewelry (may get broken, lost or interfere with your focus) or socks (you may slip in standing poses). Many sports goods stores, department stores and online retailers sell yoga wear.

What do people wear for yoga in Japan?

There’s no need to spend a lot of money on expensive designer label yoga wear. Just wear anything that will allow you to move freely and that you don’t mind sweating in. A standard t-shirt and shorts will usually suffice. Note that if your t-shirt is too loose, it may slip down when doing inverted poses. If your shorts are too short or loose, they may reveal your underwear in some poses.

The photos of past classes will give you an idea of what people are wearing to class. When in doubt, visit the sportswear section of a department store and ask for the shop assistant’s advice, or go to a bookstore and look for a Japanese yoga magazine for ideas.

Japanese are generally conservative with yoga wear. Hence, kindly refrain from wearing overly revealing clothes. Gentlemen, please wear a top of some kind and make sure your shorts adequately cover your underwear and private parts. Ladies, you would look very out of place doing yoga wearing a bikini in Japan, unless you’re on the beach.

What should I bring to yoga class?

Please bring a bottle of water, a small towel, and clean yoga wear.

Yoga mats are usually available for either purchase or rent if the venue is a yoga studio or fitness club. For public venues such as community halls or parks, please bring your own yoga mat.

Please do not bring any food into the class room as the odor may bother other students.

What sort of deodorant should I use for yoga class?

We do a lot of deep breathing in yoga. So, try not to use fragrances of any kind, as it can be very distracting or even make some people feel ill. Please wear a non-scented deodorant (look for the following kanji on the label: 無香料 = mukouryou = fragrance-free).

Where should I change my clothes?

Some venues will have separate changing rooms for men and women. However, it is common in Tokyo for there to be no changing rooms due to lack of space. If this is the case, and students of both genders are present, please change in the restrooms or changing rooms, and not in the practice room.

MEN

Are there men in the class? If so, how many students are men?

Unless specified as women-only, men are most welcome to attend.

Is there anything men should be aware of?

Please take a shower within two hours before class, make sure your clothes are clean and use fragrance-free deodorant, which can be found in any drug store in Tokyo (look for the following kanji on the label: 無香料 = mukouryou = fragrance-free).
Please avoid overly obvious wandering eyes.
Please keep everything platonic and respectful.
Please wear decent-length shorts that adequately cover your private parts and underwear.
Please wear a top of some kind.
Mature acceptance of your limitations, gentle persistence and patient endurance over the long-term are the keys to success with yoga.

DURING CLASS

Can I chew gum during class?

Don’t chew gum during class because you might choke.

Can I do yoga wearing socks?

Yoga poses are usually done barefoot on a rubber yoga mat so you don’t slip. For this reason, most yoga instructors will ask you to remove your socks even in winter.

Is it ok to leave class early?

Please only attend if you have time to participate in the entire class. Because leaving early disturbs the whole class, it’s best to skip the class if you don’t have time to complete it in full. Of course, if you feel unwell or experience pain during a class, you must inform the instructor and discontinue practice immediately.

Is it ok to step outside to take a call or check my email during class?

Please turn off your mobile phone before entering the room. Even leaving your phone on manner mode (silent / vibration), can still be distracting for people in class. Walking through the class to step outside and talking loudly outside the class venue is definitely a distraction to everyone. Please wait until the class is finished and you are outside the venue before switching on your phone again.

Is it ok to take a break during class?

Listen to your body and take it easy. Rest whenever you feel tired, and drink plenty of water whenever you feel thirsty. Don’t bother waiting for the instructor to tell you.

Is it ok to talk during class?

Please refrain from talking, unless you have an emergency. Save your questions for after class.

Is there heating or air-conditioning during yoga classes?

Unless specified otherwise, yoga classes are practiced in a typical room temperature. During summer, one may put on the air-conditioning or open the windows. During the winter, one may put on the heating. Some styles of yoga are very dynamic, generate a lot of heat within the body and you can expect to sweat – especially in summer time. Other types of yoga are quite passive and require the room to be heated during winter. At the end of most yoga classes is a relaxation sequence where you will cool down, so in winter you may like to bring a blanket. When in doubt, please contact the organizer of the class or event you are interested in.

Will the teacher touch me during class?

It is common practice in yoga classes for instructors to make hands-on adjustments to students’ postures. If you do not want to be touched, please inform the instructor before class. There is no need to explain why.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Are there any safety precautions for yoga?

1. No matter what your age or physical condition, yoga benefits you. However, certain yoga practices may be unsuitable if you are sick, injured, have a particular health condition, or are of a certain age.

2. Yoga is not a substitute for medical treatment or psychological care. You must consult your doctor and come to class only if he/she approves.

3. Pregnant women, children, and seniors have different needs than adults. They should only take classes from instructors trained in teaching their particular age group or people with their condition.

Can I attend a class if I am sick or injured?

Each yoga posture affects different areas of the body in different ways. To prescribe specific yoga poses as a form of therapy requires a very high level of specialized training. Most yoga instructors are not qualified to offer such instruction. If you are sick or injured, please consult your doctor and stay home until you are well again.

Can I eat or drink before class?

Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. We recommend that you don’t eat for at least three hours prior to class. However, if you have low blood sugar, you can eat a banana or drink a fruit juice up to 30 minutes before class. Come hydrated and bring a bottle of water with you.

Can I smoke before or after class?

Yoga is for the purpose of building and maintaining health. As everybody knows, smoking has been proven to cause lung cancer and many other health problems. It’s understandable that you may have great difficulty quitting smoking, but if you hang around outside a yoga studio smoking and other students see you, you are damaging the image of the studio. Please have consideration and do not smoke anywhere near the building where the yoga studio is located.

Can I bring my child to a class?

Children can benefit from yoga in many ways. However, most yoga classes aimed at adults will be too long, boring, slow and serious for children. Usually, children prefer a shorter class which is fast-paced, fun and involves games. Some studios offer special classes for kids for this reason.

HelloYoga.com specializes in yoga classes taught in English. If your child cannot understand much English, they may have trouble following the class. If they really want to try yoga, it may be better to take them to several classes in Japanese first.

If you do decide to take your child to a class designed for adults, please first contact the studio or instructor directly to check if this is ok. If you do bring your child, the studio will likely require you to sign a liability waiver form which acknowledges that you understand the risks associated with yoga and take 100% responsibility for any to take care injuries or problems that may arise. In addition, the teacher and studio will not take responsibility if your child breaks or loses their things.

HelloYoga.com has a very limited coverage of kids yoga. You may find kids yoga classes in Japanese through these websites:

Can teenagers attend yoga classes?

Teens under 18 must be accompanied by their parent (or legal guardian) for at least the first class to meet the instructor and give their written permission for the teen to attend yoga class.

I have a back problem/injury. Can I do yoga? Will yoga help me?

Because the nature of every injury is different and your overall condition must be taken into account, you should first consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. In any case, regardless of your condition, yoga should be therapeutic, so be very gentle and take great care with your yoga practice. Stop if you feel pain and consult your doctor if in doubt.

I have an injury/illness, but feel well enough to practice. Can I still attend class?

If you have any kind of injury or medical condition, please only come if your doctor gives you permission. If your doctor says it’s ok to do yoga, be sure to inform the instructor before class.

Is it ok to do yoga after drinking alcohol?

Wait for 4 hours after having a single standard alcoholic drink before practicing yoga. Drink plenty of water after the alcoholic drink to rehydrate and flush out the alcohol. Never attempt yoga when even slightly intoxicated because you may feel ill or injure yourself.

What is the best drink to bring for yoga?

During the class, if you feel thirsty, drink only water. Fruit juices, teas and sports drinks can make you feel ill and are not absorbed as quickly. Caffeinated beverages dehydrate you. Alcohol will dehydrate you, inhibit your balance and possibly make you feel ill.

YOGA MATS

Do I really need a yoga mat? Can I just use a towel or practice directly on the floor instead?

A yoga mat is designed to cushion your joints and spine during practice of yoga poses, provide a hygienic barrier between you and the floor, and prevent you from slipping. Therefore, if yoga mats are not available at the class or event you wish to attend, please bring your own.

I don’t have a yoga mat. Can I buy or rent a yoga mat?

This depends on the venue. When the venue is a fully equipped yoga studio or fitness club, there are usually yoga mats available for purchase or rental. Yoga mat rental is free in some venues and is charged in others (average 300 yen). When the venue is a community hall, a retreat center, or other such general-purpose facility, you will probably need to bring your own yoga mat. When in doubt, please contact the class or event organizer directly.

Is an exercise mat ok, or must I use a yoga mat?

Exercise mats and yoga mats are designed for different purposes. A yoga mat provides you with the best experience for yoga.

My yoga mat gets slippery when I sweat.

If you find your mat gets slippery when you sweat, I recommend getting a YogiToes Skidless mat cover, which is available from retailers that carry yoga gear including Amazon.co.jp, Ebay, Tokyu Hands and Rakuten.

Where can I get a yoga mat? How much do they cost?

Most shops that carry sports goods will stock yoga mats. The cheapest ones are just 1,500 yen and available from Donki, but they won’t last so long if you practice regularly. You can buy a variety of mats from any retailer that stocks sports or exercise goods. You can also order a yoga mat from online retailers such as Amazon.co.jp.

THE HELLOYOGA.COM WEBSITE

How can I find English-speaking yoga teachers in other parts of Japan, outside of Tokyo?

HelloYoga.com is about yoga taught in English in Tokyo. We may occasionally list events such as retreats or workshops held within easy reach of Tokyo, but our focus is on serving Tokyo’s English-speaking yoga community. To find yoga classes in other parts of Japan, you may try the following websites, however, they are all in Japanese language and English-speaking yoga teachers are rare outside of Tokyo.

Alternatively, try Google searching for yoga classes in your area. The information is likely to be all in Japanese.

Where is your yoga studio?

HelloYoga.com is not a yoga studio, but rather, it is a website giving information from various yoga teachers and studios across Tokyo that offer yoga classes, workshops, courses, events and retreats in English.

I’d like to contribute an article to HelloYoga.com

HelloYoga.com is a website serving Tokyo’s English-speaking yoga community. If you would like to submit an article which is specifically relevant to people in Tokyo, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us via info@helloyoga.com.

How can we advertise on HelloYoga.com?

We prefer to avoid traditional advertising such as banner ads, which most people either find annoying or ignore. Instead, we ask that you supply us with content such as an article or event notice. If it’s of specific interest to Tokyo’s English-speaking yoga community, we’d love to feature it and will do so 100% free of charge!

We only ask that you provide a Japanese translation of the text. It is our policy that all content on our site must be available in both English and Japanese languages. If you don’t have a Japanese person to translate for you, we recommend MyGengo, which is a fast, cheap and reliable service.

Please note, however, that we reserve the right to refuse content if we deem it is off topic or not in the best interests of our community. We do not feature content affiliated with religious organizations, multi-level marketing businesses or any organizations or individuals that we judge as having a significant amount of negative publicity surrounding them. Therefore, you may wish to submit a draft of your content first for us to check before investing in translation.

To start, please send a draft of any content you would like to feature to info@helloyoga.com.

Are work exchanges available? I’d like to do work for a yoga studio in exchange for free classes. Can you help me find a work exchange?

Most yoga studios in Tokyo are open to a work exchange arrangement on a case-by-case basis. If you are a qualified yoga teacher, many studios will allow you to attend other teachers’ classes either for free or at a large discount.

If you are not a qualified yoga teacher, there are still many tasks you could help a studio with. A yoga studio is a business and therefore has lots of administrative tasks in order to run. Foreign visitors need to be aware, however, that any work which involves dealing with studio customers, computer use or paperwork may require a certain level of Japanese language ability. However, if you have other skills that may be attractive to the studio owner such as IT, website design/development, graphic design or video production, then you may be able to come to a great win-win arrangement.

HelloYoga.com is not a yoga studio – we just maintain this website. However, you could contact the ones listed in our directory of yoga studios in Tokyo.
Also, you could try posting a note in the “Yoga in Tokyo” Facebook Group that you are looking for a work exchange.

FOR TEACHERS & STUDIOS

How much does it cost to advertise on HelloYoga.com?

We feature the following types of content free of charge:

Please email info@helloyoga.com for further details.

How do I post my profile on HelloYoga.com?

HelloYoga.com features profiles of yoga instructors that teach yoga in English in Tokyo. If you would like to have your profile featured, please email info@helloyoga.com with the following:

Text description in both English and Japanese including:
- Your yoga education, qualifications, experience and background
- The type(s) of yoga you teach
- Your teaching style or approach
At least one photo of minimum 600-pixels width that clearly shows your face
Links to any social media profiles you have (Facebook, Flickr, LinkedIn, Mixi, Twitter, etc.)
Your website or blog address (if any)

If you’re not sure what to write or what kind of pictures to use, we suggest spending some time browsing through the profiles in the HelloYoga.com Teacher Directory to get ideas.

How do I post my studio’s profile on HelloYoga.com?

HelloYoga.com features yoga studios in the greater Tokyo area that offer instruction in English from more than one instructor in a commercial space. We do not feature single-instructor studios, home studios or studios without a permanent place of business, however, instructors are welcome to feature details of such studios in their individual instructor profile. If you would like to have your studio’s profile featured, please email info@helloyoga.com with the following:

A text description of your studio in both English and Japanese. Please note that we use a consistent format for all of our studio listings. Please kindly check our existing listings and copy their format.
Your studio’s logo.
At least one photo of minimum 600-pixels width that clearly shows your studio interior.
Links to any social media profiles your studio has (Facebook Fan Page, Flickr, LinkedIn Group, Mixi Community, Twitter, etc.)

How do I post details of my yoga classes/events on HelloYoga.com?

HelloYoga.com provides free login accounts to allow event organizers and hosts to directly post details of any kind of class, workshop, course or event that would be of interest to Tokyo’s English-speaking yoga community. To obtain a login account, please email info@helloyoga.com with information about who you are, the organization you represent (if any) and the kind of event(s) you would like to feature.

Can I post information on yoga events or courses outside of Tokyo? Can I post information on non yoga-specific events?

HelloYoga.com is open to featuring information on any events that would be of interest to Tokyo’s English-speaking yoga community.

Are the lists of studios, teachers and events on HelloYoga.com exclusive?

HelloYoga.com is open to featuring any teacher or studio in or around Tokyo that is offering English-language yoga instruction here. However, we reserve the right to refuse content if we deem it is off topic or not in the best interests of our community. We do not feature content affiliated with religious organizations, multi-level marketing businesses or any organizations or individuals that we judge as having a significant amount of negative publicity surrounding them.

Can I reproduce your content on my website/blog?

You are most welcome to reproduce any content from HelloYoga.com on your website or blog as long as there is a link to HelloYoga.com and HelloYoga.com is quoted as the source. For more details, please see the HelloYoga.com Terms of Use.

I’d like to visit Japan to teach yoga. Can you organize everything for me?

We currently do not organize Japan visits for teachers from abroad, however, we do offer you 100% free marketing. We’d love to feature notices of any workshops or events you hold whilst visiting Japan. And, we’d love to do an interview in anticipation of your visit to help build interest from prospective students before you arrive. Please contact us via info@helloyoga.com.

If you do not have anyone to help organize your visit to Japan, you could try contacting one of the studios listed in our studio directory. Alternatively, post a note on Facebook in the “Yoga in Tokyo” group or the HelloYoga.com page that you are looking for someone to help you organize your trip to Japan.

People

Interview: Reiko Ota, Instructor at Black Swan Yoga of Austin, Texas

I was able to meet Reiko while she was making a short return trip to Tokyo, and I took the opportunity to ask about her lifestyle in Texas, about the studio where she teaches, the Cherry Blossom Retreat ’12 event that Black Swan Yoga is planning in Japan and many other topics.

Teacher Tips

Interpreting for Yoga Workshops and Teacher Training Courses

One evening in the latter half of April, thanks to one of my yoga instructors, I set out for Tokyo Midtown with the inventor of Yogic Arts, Duncan Wong. He teaches a moon viewing yoga class through park yoga, so I went along as his interpreter. Despite being warm during the day though mainly cloudy, when the sun went down the wind gained strength, and it became cold. When we arrived at the meeting place in this environment, everyone was already there warming up on mats on the lawn.

Yoga Lifestyle

How to get escape the emotional roller coaster by keeping calm. (Part 1)

As we all know, it isn’t easy to keep our emotions and feelings under control and treating good / bad and every situation the same by accepting it in one state of mind. It requires lots of practice to gain Mind Control.

Take Action

Vegans Get Vocal in Japan: Anti-Fur Demonstration in Tokyo

The Animal Rights Center (ARC) organizes an annual anti-fur march in Autumn, a time when many shops in Tokyo are stocking fur products on store shelves. This year’s was held on on October 23, 2011. Around 300 participants marched with banners and placards in hand through major commercial centers, Shibuya and Omotesando.

Event Reports

HelloYoga.com Party #04

On November 12, 2011 HelloYoga.com and Be Yoga Japan collaborated to produce an informal, simple and fun gathering for Tokyo’s yoga community, called the “Bare Foot Yoga Party”. Everybody enjoyed trying many new and fun experiences for the mind, body and soul in one night! 50% of entry ticket proceeds will be donated to the Tyler Foundation, a charity which supports children with cancer in Japan and their families.

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