( Log Out / If you can make this place and these people, a part of your stay in Japan, do it. We hope you’ll come and stay with us. This is more expensive than a hotel stay, but you may find it worth the experience for one or two nights. Prior to continuing on, over and over people with an interest in Enlightenment, Buddhism, and Zen, and what it might be like staying or studying in a Zen monastery for any length of time seek out and read "Doing Hard Time In A Zen Monastery." It is fairly meditation intensive, and you are also allowed time to explore Kyoto in the afternoon if you would like. Stay in comfortable & convenient accommodations in a Zen temple. The Gozan, the five temples of the Rinzai school in Kamakura, were built in the thirteenth century when the city was the capital of Japan. This zen monastery was built in a forested gulch, just a short walk from Muir beach, outside of San Francisco. A unique homestay experience offering a kind and gentle introduction to Zen meditation and the Zen Buddhist lifestyle awaits you in the peaceful village of Hiji, only 10 minutes away from the famous tourist center and hot spring capital of Japan, the city of Beppu. The only Zen monastery in Japan I know of that is comparatively easy for Westerners to join is Antai-ji. It was a great pleasure to stay 10 days at Shoganji with Jiho and Pierre. Prices do not include 8% sales tax and Kyoto City hotel tax (200 yen per person per night). Japanese cooking lessons, Japanese calligraphy, Zen study and koan, green tea ceremony, hiking, swimming, “onsen” hot spring bathing visits, yoga, gardening, participation in Buddhist festivals, participation in local cultural events, regional sightseeing, and shopping excursions are just a few of the regular activities offered at the retreat. Tahoma-san Sōgen-ji Zen Monastery is a traditional Rinzai Zen Training Zen Monastery in North America. #Hair Drier: The newest Dyson hair drier. Pierre Black, Zen Retreat online coordinator. So what is described in this book is spiritual practice as authentic as it can be. To add even more value to your experience, you will find the few guests who may also be on this soulful journey with you, are so interesting, delightful, and multi-faceted, making for fascinating conversations and moments you never expected from such an adventure. It will be 10%. One hidden gem that could be part of a trip to Kanazawa is the Shingon temple of Natadera, in Ishikawa Prefecture. Foreign applicants who would like to stay at Eiheiji need to make the reservation at least one month prior to your arrival. We absolutely loved our experience at the zen temple. Hogen and Chozen Bays, an American couple who have both been rigorously practicing Zen for over 40 years, founded Great Vow Zen Monastery in 2002. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. I’m Pierre Black, Zen Retreat’s Online Coordinator. Sesshin get harder to sit through. 616-8035 JAPAN In many ways, it felt like being part of a “little family” (doing meditation & yoga together, then cooking or helping around, plus some activities on afternoons/days depending on the number of people), and it is something I really want to thank them for. To come and practise at the monastery at any time of the year, different possibilities are available to you. It was magical and fun. Meditation, Monks, and Mountain Zen: What It’s Like to Stay at a Traditional Buddhist Temple in Japan. If you would like more detailed, personalized live assistance toward planning your trip, meditation coaching, or additional preparation for your time at Zen Retreat, we can arrange a live video session together. And if he doesn’t, his 94 year old mother will. I can’t wait to come back a third time. Antaiji is a Zen monastery that commits itself to the practice of zazen and the study of the Buddha’s teaching, while cultivating the fields around the temple, cutting grass and trees and doing construction work to keep the community self-sufficient. I had a wonderful stay at Shoganji with Jiho and Pierre. The beach is 5 mins away. I won’t get…Read more. In the warmest months from May to September, the beach is perfect for swimming. This past June I’ve stayed at the Fumonken temple in Kyoto, near the Kinkakuji bus stop. Imagine waking up to the sound of trees rustling in the wind and birds singing to the sunrise. Prior to continuing on, over and over people with an interest in Enlightenment, Buddhism, and Zen, and what it might be like staying or studying in a Zen monastery for any length of time seek out and read "Doing Hard Time In A Zen Monastery." Hosan teaches and believes in the Nishi Health System. This is one of the most significant monasteries in Japanese history. Travelling in Japan can be challenging, especially if its your first time. . Zen Mountain Monastery and Zen Center of New York City. These guys are providing not just a room but an incredible, and unforgettable experience. Skip to content. what a precious opportunity to learn more about Japan and its beautiful culture, including the fantastics onsens! Currently headed by Rinzai Zen monk, Jiho Kongo, Shōganji opened it’s doors to the public in 2004 in order to allow foreigners to experience authentic Zen temple life in rural Japan. If you have any questions, just send us a message, and we’ll get back to you. If you would like to visit a temple in Japan, here is a list of temples that have Zazen practices, and have people that can speak English. The Empty Mirror: Experiences in a Japanese Zen Monastery Available at Amazon.com. We offer the most authentic Samurai warrior experience in Japan. There is a store in the village filled with all kinds of oddities. Shōganji Zen Retreat is an over 600-year-old Zen Buddhist temple site of historical significance in the region. I’m sure this temple will be one of the most awesome places on Airbnb! I…Read more. Be sure to take a walk into the orange tree grove, and explore the wooded paths behind the pond. Let's stay at Japanese temples and shrines! Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Oh, and the cool outings of course…. The schedule at the monastery is efficient and well organized, which allows the practitioner to abandon his or herself completely to the rhythm of the temple. The ritual and routine of meditation, cooking, and temple service draw you right into an authentic experience that you play a hand in creating. Here you will find the most important questions and answers about templestay, the Zen Academy and Zen temples. Jiho was an amazing host and made us feel very welcome. I had a really great time at Shoganji. 3 to 5 days zen retreat near Nagano in Japan ... Dorothee was given the Buddhist name Eshin by her teacher and attended Zen practice at a monastery in Minokamo in neighboring Gifu Prefecture for about five years. He treated us like family and was really kind with his time, cooking delicious, healthy food, taking us on daily trips to the local onsen and even driving us to see some of the magical local sights. However, standing in a line of tourists waiting to take a photo of the Golden Temple… She built her own Zen retreat center in 2004 “I was looking for a place where I could make use of what I learned,” she said. The temple site itself and some of its artefacts are more than 600 years old, and have been held by the Kongo family for more than 100 years. Because it’s not enough to read books, articles, watch videos, to understand you have to go to the source and experiment in person. Together, these hosts provide the most Japanese experience one could hope for. We leave our shoes at the entrance and go to our room wearing our Japanese indoor slippers. However long you are planning to stay – add a few days, you’ll want them. Jiho was an amazing host and a very inspiring person and was very welcoming and accommodating to myself and the other guests. The shogunates or leaders of Japan have made it a priority to update and rebuild Buddhist temples since the Momoyama period. Jiho-san and Pierre a wonderful and very generous hosts. The temple is a special place to practice meditation and yoga and get a feel for temple life. From the first email until the last goodbye, Pierre made me feel so welcome. The peaceful location is ideal for long mountain hikes, endless beach-combing, or simply enjoying a slower pace of life. The morning ceremony is a great way to clear the mind every morning though it’s probably an idea to have some meditation experience before arriving as it’s zen meditation (ie not guided). Surrounded by beautiful nature, many hot springs are also close by. Yes, it will be different. The region also features numerous onsen hot springs, with the highest concentration of natural hot springs in all of Japan in nearby Beppu. The food is absolutely delicious, and you should definitely go to the bath house. Temple lodgings vary in quality from old and somewhat dilapidated, to modern and luxurious, but no matter how old or new, the warm wooden buildings make a welcome change from the concrete drabness of most Japanese architecture. The neighbourhood was very quaint and quiet, with a beautiful view of the waterfront. There is no breakfast at the Zen temple. Staying with them feels like being part of the family. Without cell service, I won’t be able to have any digital interactions for the next two weeks. Eihei-ji Temple in Fukui Prefecture is the head temple of the Soto school, one of the Zen schools in Japan. Most of these lodgings are around popular pilgrimage areas like Kyoto, Mt. Surrounded by beautiful bamboo forest and only a 5-minute walk from the beach, this idyllic location is the perfect setting to meditate, study Zen, or just experience traditional Japanese village life. Phone: +81 75 -462-5488 (international) Jiho’s Zen Retreat has been a great experience for three days, deserving more time in my next visit. It is a way of life, rich in spirit and culture. See you soon Hosan. The beautiful Daihonzan Kofukusan Kencho-ji Temple is considered one of the "Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura," and is one of the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan. To come and practise at the monastery at any time of the year, different possibilities are available to you. Temple stays offer you a different travel experience. It is always possible to spend a few days at the monastery to begin or to deepen Zen Buddhist practice. Experience zazen meditation (if you like) and help with repair work, gardening (mostly weeding) and general … Zazen is practiced solely for the purpose of zazen. This exclusive stay within the Zen temple of Shinnyo-ji, known for its exquisite Japanese garden and its red maple leaves during autumn, brings the heart and soul of Japanese culture to guests. The Monastery relies heavily on year-long residents to staff the various work positions, so you will be asked to take on some very real responsibilities essential to running the Monastery and its programs, including working independently and supervising others. It is located deep in the mountains, near the northwest coast of Japan, not far from Fukui City. Thank you Pierre for managing the listing on Hosan’s behalf. Check-in: 15:30-18:30 (We are not able to accept any late check-in guests. If yes, book this listing. Or not. #30 Best Value of 33 Temple Lodging in Japan Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. They both studied with Taizan Maezumi Roshi and later with Shodo Harada Roshi who are both are both Japanese Zen teachers. Fukui Prefecture’s Eihei-ji Temple stands as one of Japan’s two head temples of Soto Zen … Thank you Jiho (and your dear Mother) for three days of awakening! Simplicity, authenticity, and quiet beauty best describe Shōganji. Post by JMGinPDX » Wed Jun 12, 2019 5:06 pm. Welcome to “Zen Retreat – Buddhist Temple, Oita”. Shōganji Zen Retreat is an over 600-year-old Zen Buddhist temple site of historical significance in the region. It offers zazen sessions to visitors on Friday and Saturday evening. The Hakujukan hotel of Eiheiji Temple presents where guests can enjoy pleasant facilities and services like a Japanese inn, while also partake in like authentic Buddhist vegetarian cuisine or sitting Zen as a monastery, for a true Zen experience. In addition to meeting Jiho and Pierre, I met other incredible people visiting and will remain friends for years to come. Soto Zen-Net; Keifuku Bus Eihei-ji Liner Time Table (English/Japanese) It’s time to experience Zen practice for 2 days and 1 night. It is about the experience of the author, a westerner, in a Japanese Zen monastery in the late 50's. Ninna-ji Temple: Stay at the monastery - See 1,248 traveler reviews, 1,810 candid photos, and great deals for Kyoto, Japan, at Tripadvisor. A Japanese temple stay seemed pretty magical, and Mt. Pierre is so friendly, relaxed and open-minded rational guy and monk Hosan is the funnest monk you’ll ever see: he drinks beer and jokes around. For example, it is possible to share the daily life of the monks and nuns , with a precise schedule, including several Zen meditation sessions - zazen , meals in silence, ceremonies, etc. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Did you feel your chest expand while reading any of the above? From waking up and meditating, to having peaceful afternoons just reading while it rained. If you’re looking for somewhere to “get away from it all” then this is your place. Wow – what a stay! This is the place to be if you want an inner and outer journey and truly immersive Japanese experience. If you think you’ll have problems with it, it’s best not to join a Japanese monastery. From picking me up at the station, to incredible meals, daily yoga classes, and an outing to an onsen town – this was an airbnb experience like no other. Not only does a stay at the Zen Temple allow one to learn the gift of “BE-ing in the present moment,” but it also provides a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, history, and religion. A Brief History of Great Vow Zen Monastery. Guests are strongly encouraged to get involved in on- and off-site activity planning, meals, etc. Shoganji is not a hotel or hostel. The food is beyond words and you’ll learn quite a bit about Japanese cooking. Do not let the distance keep from coming – I took the train and that was half the adventure. The temple itself allows for one to relax, think and immerse yourself in Japanese Zen culture. This is a truly unique cultural experience – morning meditation, bountiful communal meals, morning work in the garden, trips to local onsens, and much more. One where you genuinely live the lifew of a monk and not touristy. Wow, thanks for the awesome reply. The schedule at the monastery is efficient and well organized, which allows the practitioner to abandon his or herself completely to the rhythm of the temple. This place is a home away from home for those who seek it. It has only one full-time monk (Jiho Kongo). ENGLISH: Zen meditation. Hogen and Chozen Bays, an American couple who have both been rigorously practicing Zen for over 40 years, founded Great Vow Zen Monastery in 2002. It offers zazen sessions to visitors on Friday and Saturday evening. This place is perfect for a serious getaway, a reflective time with a monk, and an immersion in Japanese culture. For example, it is possible to share the daily life of the monks and nuns , with a precise schedule, including several Zen meditation sessions - zazen , meals in silence, ceremonies, etc. Each room is private and equipped with its own shower room, toilet, heater and air conditioner. When I’m at Zen Retreat, I teach yoga, cook, and help facilitate the Shōganji Zen Retreat experience for guests. I had a really wonderful time at Jiho and Pierre’s place! Koya looked like a small town in the middle of a Zen garden. Hosan will provide a place for you to sit on the tatami mat. lovely mother are to follow. ), Check-out: 11:00 No curfew (After check-in, you can go in and out of the temple as you like. We practice Zen without additions or modifications. In addition to trying Zazen and “Shakyo” (sutra copying) for a short period of time, Eihei-ji Temple also has lengthier Zen practice programs that involve staying for a night or more. What a one of a kind off the beaten path experience we were so lucky to have! This modest little temple is located in the tiny village of Ojuki, part of the Saganoseki village cluster, only 30 minutes from Oita city. However, as Eiheiji is a traditional Soto Zen training monastery, possibilities for overnight stays and retreats are very limited. Finer company or a more welcoming environment cannot be found. This past June I’ve stayed at the Fumonken temple in Kyoto, near the Kinkakuji bus stop. Thanks to Pierre & Yo for adding this listing and managing the account for Hosan. Word of advice though, bring mosquito repellant as they really enjoy you at night. It is fairly meditation intensive, and you are also allowed time to explore Kyoto in the afternoon if you would like. Tom van Dijk trained at the Japanese Zen Monastery SogenJi between 2009 and 2014. I stayed for a brief two nights, catching up with Hosan, his delightful mom, and two other Airbnb guests who were also there. I am very grateful for my time here and am happy to recommend it to any and all who are looking for a unique and fulfilling travel experience. Home ; Full Schedule; Contact; Tokubetsu japan 2-Day Samurai Experience near osaka.