Zen Mindfulness Retreat, October 25th -October 27th, 2024
Zen Mindfulness Retreat, October 25th -October 27th, 2024

Zen Mindfulness Retreat Dairyuji 

Friday, October 25th - Sunday, October 27th 

Register here

Rest and rejuvenate during a weekend away in northern, rural Japan at a traditional Zen temple. Reconnect with yourself and tap into a deeper sense of time that moves slowly and intentionally. Return more grounded and equipped with skills that you can integrate into your daily life to support your well-being. 

* Sleep at a Zen temple with a rich history, beautiful gardens and stunning views. 

* Eat seasonal, locally sourced food and enjoy good company in a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.

* Learn two two types of meditation including zazen and mindfulness.

* Practice yoga, learn about basic zen dharma and create an art mandala. 

RETREAT SCHEDULE

Friday, October 25th 

Arrival: 5:00pm - 7:00pm 

Dinner: 7:30pm 

Welcome & Introduction: 9:00pm

Mindfulness meditation: 9:30pm 

Sleep: 10:00pm ~ 

Saturday, October 26th 

Wake up bell: 6:00am

Morning Zazen: 6:30am

Breakfast: 8:00am

Tour of temple: 9:30am

Yoga: 10:30am

Lunch: 12:00pm

Free time 

Mandala Activity: 3:00pm 

Dinner: 6:00 pm

Onsen: 7:00pm

Watch taiko performance: 8:30pm 

Sleep: 10:00pm ~

Sunday, October 27th 

Wake up bell: 6:00am

Morning Zazen: 6:30

Breakfast: 8:00am 

Dharma Talk: 10:00am

Closing & Goodbyes: 11:00am 

(The schedule is subject to change. We prioritize rest and flexibility over a strict schedule. You are invited to take part in any and all activities, but are also welcome to opt out, if preferred. There is a mixture of activities and down time when you can relax, read a book, chat with new friends or explore the temple grounds.)

Accommodations

All sleeping arrangements are in tatami rooms with futon sleeping mats. You will be placed in either a single and double room. If you are participating with a partner, family member or friend, please let us know if you would like to share a room. 

There is one full shower and bath for shared use. Shampoo, conditioner and body soap are available, as well as basic amenities such as bath towels, hair dryer and hygiene products. 

There is another bathroom with 4 toilets and three sinks. We will also visit an onsen for those who would like to enjoy Japanese bathing culture on Saturday night. 

There are 7 spots available for this retreat.

*** Please note: Dairyuji is a community temple and not a hotel. We do our best to accommodate everyone's needs, but the real magic is staying someplace unique! We hope you love it and feel comfortable here! 

Meals 

Meals are made with seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and markets. We offer vegetarian and non-vegetarian options for dinner and lunch. Please choose your preference during checkout. Breakfast will be a vegetarian, western style buffet. There will be coffee, tea and snacks available at your leisure. 

There will be two dinners, one lunch and two breakfasts included. 

*** Please note: Unfortunately, we may not be able to accommodate your needs if you have a serious food allergy. We have a kitchen with a  refrigerator that you are welcome to use if you want to bring your own food. We appreciate your understanding in this matter. 

Location & Getting Here

Dairyuji is located on the Oga Peninsula in Akita prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan, the northern part of the main ishland Honshu. 

We believe the journey to Dairyuji is part of the retreat experience. As you travel more and more into the countryside, allow yourself to slow down and align with your body's rhythm. 

Dairyuji may look far away, but it is quite easy to get here! 

Take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo station to Akita station (4 hours). From Akita station, take the Oga line to Oga station (1 hour) where we will pick you up! From there, it is just a few minutes away by car. 

Once you are registered for retreat, we will send you a recommended travel itinerary. 

Price

All inclusive price is ¥78,000

Price includes all accommodations, meals and activities. Travel expenses are not included. 

Your Hosts

Hello, we are Keno and Gretchen Miura. We are honored to be your hosts for the weekend. 

Keno grew up at Dairyuji and is the 38th head priest, following in his father`s and grandfather's footsteps. He studied Buddhism at Komazawa University and trained as a monk for three years at Eiheiji temple. He traveled around the world for a couple of years before returning to work full time at Dairyuji. He brings his love of music and adventure into his work, always keeping an open heart and an open mind. 

Gretchen first came to Japan as an English teacher in the late 90s when she met Keno. She studied under the teachers Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach and obtained her mindfulness meditation teaching certificate in 2021. She is also a grief educator and runs an online grief support community. Gretchen graduated from Akita International University with a Masters in Intercultural Communications where she focused on well-being in communal settings. She loves creating gathering spaces where people feel a sense of belonging and connection.

We collaborate with local businesses for catering meals, yoga and activities such as the taiko performance. We encourage you to engage with our community! 

Since Dairyuji is a family run temple, you will notice that our children and parents will also be around during the weekend. 

Language

The primary language used for the retreat will be English. Japanese is also spoken!

Retreat Information

Once you are registered, we will be in touch with more detailed information regarding travel, weather, packing suggestions, meals and activities. You can also contact us directly at dairyuji.oga@gmail.com

Meditation and Yoga Levels

This retreat is geared towards beginners, however those looking to deepen their meditation practice will also find it useful. 

Meditation is a personal, inner experience. There is no need to compare yourself to others, in fact the beginner's mind is considered the ideal mindset for meditation. 

Our yoga class will focus on our breath and posture, rather than challenging poses. Our goal is support everyone's overall well-being. 

Cancellation Policy 

A full refund will be given if the cancellation is requested two weeks prior to the retreat, by October 11th. We cannot offer a refund after October 11th. 

Stay up to date with us here:

Instagram

Website

Read More
Gretchen Miura