Japan Zen Adventure and Retreat

A 5-day Zen sesshin (Zen retreat) in Nara prefecture, the spiritual heartland of Japan, followed by sightseeing and cultural activities around Japan, led by Zen masters Daizan Skinner and Shinkai Kane.

For over a decade, Zen masters Daizan and Shinkai—both Japanese speakers and former residents of the country—have been leading groups of Zen students on transformative journeys to explore Japan’s rich spiritual heritage.

This year’s adventure is divided into two distinct yet complementary parts:

Part 1: Zen Retreat on the Sacred Mountain of Ikoma-san

Our journey begins with a sesshin, an intensive Zen retreat on Ikoma-san, a forested holy mountain studded with ancient temples, shrines, and sacred waterfalls. The group will stay just above the renowned Hōzanji Monastery in a peaceful meditation center, accessible only by foot or cable car through breathtaking natural surroundings. The accommodations are simple yet clean and comfortable, ensuring an atmosphere of deep retreat and contemplation. Meals, prepared in the traditional temple style, will be nourishing, mostly organic, and crafted by master chef and mountain practitioner (yamabushi) Kenichi Haruki.

The retreat opens with a ceremony at Hōzanji Temple and concludes with an optional takigyo (waterfall meditation) at Iwatani no Taki, a traditional practice of purification and renewal.

Part 2: Exploring the Spiritual Culture of Japan

After the retreat, we will travel to the tranquil ancient capital, Nara, home to a profound and beautiful Buddhist culture. Our accommodation will be in a traditional dwelling once inhabited by Kōbō Daishi (774–835), Japan’s most renowned Buddhist master, in Nara’s oldest district.

We begin with a visit to the last temple visited by the great haiku poet and traveler Matsuo Bashō (1644–1694), where he composed one of his final poems. Here, poet Shunju Anzai will introduce us to the meditative art of haiku. We will also have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Way of Tea, experiencing the refined Zen aesthetics of tea master Kayoko Satou

Our journey continues to Kyoto, where we will explore some of Japan’s most renowned Zen monasteries, walk the serene Philosopher’s Path, and savor traditional Zen cuisine.

Finally, in recognition of the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings, we will travel to Hiroshima, where we have arranged a rare and profound meeting with one of the few remaining survivors, who will share their firsthand experience of this pivotal moment in history.

Past participants have described the Japan Zen Adventure as life-changing, and we anticipate this year’s journey will be just as transformative. Relative newcomers to practice have done well, as well as experienced practitioners.

What’s included:

• Travel in Japan
• All costs associated with the sesshin
• Accomodations
• Entrance to museums and temples
• Traditional Zen cuisine in Kyoto

What’s not included

• Flights
• Meals, food and drink after the sesshin (a variety of options are available)
• Souvenirs

Cost

The cost will be GBP£2150 / USD$2745, which covers accommodation, most travel within Japan, and the full cost of the retreat including meals while at the retreat centre (excluding airfares to get there). We will need a deposit of $350 when you book. Please get in touch now to register your interest.

To Register/Questions

Email us directly at bluecliffzen@gmail.com. We’ll send you an information packet and registration form.

Spaces are limited so please plan in advance.

To find out more about our Sesshins, click here.

FAQs:

1. What type of accommodations will we be staying in?: 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 will we be doing?: 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 high 70s and low 80s F (25-27°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. What’s the 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.