Registration is open for our Spring Retreat!
Dairyuji Zen Mindfulness Retreat
Friday, May 23rd - Sunday, May 25th
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 to support your overall well-being.
At the retreat, you will:
* 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 about Zen Buddhism and two two types of meditation including zazen and mindfulness.
* Practice forest bathing and create an art mandala.
* Visit an onsen and enjoy Namahage taiko drum performance
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RETREAT SCHEDULE
Friday, May 23rd
Arrival: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Welcome: 7:00pm
Dinner: 7:30pm
Mindfulness Meditation: 8:30pm
Sleep: 10:00pm ~
*
Saturday, May 24th
Wake up bell: 6:00am
Morning Zazen: 6:30am
Breakfast: 8:00am
Tour of temple: 9:30am
Forest Bathing: 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, May 25th
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 all of the activities, but are also welcome to opt out of any, if preferred. There is a mixture of activites and down time when you can relax or explore the temple grounds.
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ACCOMMODATIONS
Rooms
All sleeping arrangements are in traditional Japanese tatami rooms with futon sleeping mats.
There is one full shower and bath for shared use. Shampoo, conditioner and body soap are available, as well as other amenities such as bath towels, hair dryer and face wash.
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. There are three single rooms and two double rooms.
If you want to share a double room with your travel companion, please reserve two spots for the double room when paying together. If paying separately, please reserve one spot each and then notifiy us of the other participant you wish to share the double room with either via Peatix message or email (dairyuji.oga@gmail.com).
Dairyuji is a community temple. 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
Two dinners, one lunch and two breakfasts are included.
Meals are made with seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and markets. We offer vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Please choose your preference by submitting questionnaire during checkout. Breakfast will be a western style buffet, lunch and dinner will be rice or noodle based Japanese cuisine. Coffee, tea and snacks are available at your leisure.
*** Please note: Unfortunately, we may not be able to acccommodate 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.
We believe the journey to Dairyuji is part of the retreat experience. As you travel further into the countryside, allow yourself to slow down and align with your body's rhythm.
If travelling from Tokyo, we reccomend taking the Komachi Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo station to Akita station (4 hours). From Akita station, take the Oga line to Oga station (1 hour) where you can walk (8 minutes) or we can pick you up! You can also fly into Akita airport, take bus to Akita station and Oga line to Oga station. If arriving by car there are plenty of parking spots available.
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PRICE
All inclusive price (per person) is ¥98,000.
Price includes all accommodations, meals and activities. Travel expenses are not included.
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HOSTS
Keno and Gretchen Miura are honord to be your hosts for 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 90's. She obtained her mindfulness meditation teaching certificate in 2021 and runs an online grief support community. Gretchen graduated from Akita International University with a Masters degree 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, and activities such as the taiko performance. We encourage you to engage with our community!
Since Dairyuji is a family run temple, you may notice that our children and parents will also be around during the weekend.
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OTHER
Language
The primary language used for the retreat will be English. Japanese is also spoken.
Retreat Information & contact
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 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 a "beginner's mind" is considered the ideal mindset for meditation.
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will be given if a cancellation is requested three weeks prior to the retreat, by May 2nd. We cannot offer a refund after May 2nd. Transfering ticket is acceptable.
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READ ABOUT THE RETREAT IN CNTRAVELLER.
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