General Information:
A 5 day Zen sesshin (Zen retreat) in Gifu prefecture followed by sightseeing and cultural activities in the spiritual heartland of Japan.
Dates: May 9 - May 21, 2027.
Sesshin dates: May 9 - May 15 (Nakatsugawa, Gifu)
Sightseeing and Cultural Activities (Nara and Kyoto): May 16 -21
For more information see the Zenways Japan Trip Page
To Register/Questions: Email us directly at bluecliffzen@gmail.com. We'll send you an information packet and registration form.
What’s included:
- Travel in Japan
- Costs associated with the sesshin
- Accommodations
- Entrance to museums, temples, and cultural experiences
What’s not included:
- Flights
- Meals, food and drink after the sesshin (a variety of options are available)
- Souvenirs
Cost:
The cost is 3000 $US or 2215 GBP, which covers accommodation, most travel within Japan, and the cost of the retreat including meals. This excludes airfare to get to Japan. We will need a deposit of $350 when you book. Please get in touch now to register your interest.
2027 Itinerary:
Day 0: Arrive at the retreat center in Nakatsugawa, Japan. This can be either Sunday, May 9 (recommended) or Monday, May 10.
Day 1-5 (Monday night, May 10 - Saturday afternoon, May 15): Zen Sesshin (Retreat).
Day 5 afternoon: Precepts Ceremony and practice at a Zen Yoga Dojo in Nagoya.
Day 6 (Sunday, May 16): Nara sightseeing.
Day 7 (Monday, May 17): Kyoto sightseeing including the Philosopher's Path, the Silver Pavilion, Nanzenji Temple, followed by a "shojin ryori" dinner (temple style meal)
Day 8: (Tuesday, May 18) travel to Ikoma Mountain, visiting Hozanji Temple, waterfall practice (taki-gyo)
Day 9 (Wednesday, May 19): Time around Nara. Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Shrine, Nara Park
Day 10: (Thursday, May 20) a Japanese tea ceremony, buying souvenirs, group sayonara dinner
Day 11 (Friday, May 21): Departure or travel to Kumano Kodo for an optional pilgrimage
FAQs:
1. What type of accommodations?: Accommodation at the retreat centre will be simple shared rooms. Men and women will sleep separately. The rooms have traditional-style futons on the floor instead of beds. Accommodation at the guesthouse will be shared as well.
2. What cultural activities?: traditional Japanese meals, visiting/engaging at shrines and temples, taking part in a tea ceremony. Traditional waterfall practice at a mountain shrine.
3. Which airport to fly into?: Fly into Osaka Kansai International Airport. The retreat centre is a couple of hours from there.
4. Do I have to do everything or can I do my own thing if I want to?: Yes, you can choose to take a day or two (or more!) off. We have a full schedule but always a few people who choose to lie low or explore on their own. You can craft the trip to meet your needs.
5. For the sesshin - can I sit on a chair? Or is it all on the floor?: We'll have plenty of chairs available, in addition to meditation cushions and blankets. You can also bring a favorite meditation item if needed.
6. What type of food? Can you cater for special diets?: Simple vegetarian food catered to special diets. We have a lovely Japanese cook for the sesshin. The sightseeing portion of the trip will entail eating at different places. People generally find that they have plenty of options. During our group meals the restaurants cater to special diets as well.
7. What's the weather likely to be like?: May is the start of the summer in Japan. Typically 60s to mid 70s F (20-24° C) with overnight being lower, though not significantly
.
8. How will we be getting from a to b?: We'll be using public transport most of the time. You'll be looked after (shepherded around :)). Mostly trains, buses, taxi cabs for the long distances. Walking around town.
9. Are there any free/rest days?: see question 4. Each day we have something scheduled though you're welcome to be on your own. Nara and Kyoto are very accessible cities.
10. Maximum size of group: typically 10-15 people.
11. Is a visa required?: for most European countries and the US a visa is not required.
12. How much walking will we be doing?: a decent amount. Though there are plenty of opportunities for breaks or taxi rides. Moderate walking ability is plenty. If you have any injuries please let us know, we'll find a way to make it comfortable and accessible for you.
