Zen Mindfulness Retreat
May 22nd ~ 24th, 2026
Enjoy a weekend to reconnect with yourself through mindfulness, rest and exploration.
Featured here in Condé Nast Traveller.
If you're curious about life in a working Zen Buddhist temple or are looking for ways to rebalance, we think you'll enjoy our retreat.
Structured with just the right amount of meditation, activities and free time to relax and explore the surroundings, this mindfulness retreat offers you something to bring back into your daily life.
—————
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind there are few.”
Retreat Schedule
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
by 7:00pm
Arrival & Welcome
–
7:30PM
Dinner
–
8:30PM
Opening Activity
&
Nighttime Meditation
–
10:00PM
Lights Out
6:30am
Morning Zazen Meditation
–
8:00am
Breakfast
–
9:30AM
Tour of Temple
—
10:00Am
Garden Meditation
–
12:00PM
Lunch
–
3:00pm
Mandala Workshop
–
6:00pm
Dinner
–
7:00pm
Onsen & Namahage Daiko
–
10:00pm
Lights Out
6:30am
Morning Zazen Meditation
–
8:00am
Breakfast
–
10:00am
Dharma Talk
–
11:00aM
Goodbyes
Meals & ACCOMMODATIONS
Five meals will be served, including two dinners, two breakfasts and one lunch. We set up a Western style buffet breakfast with breads, homemade scones, yogurt and granola, fruit tea and coffee and juices. Lunch and Dinner will be catered by a local Japanese restaurants using seasonally available ingredients. Snacks, water, tea and coffee are always available in tea room.
There are three types of rooms to choose from including double room with futons, single room with futon and single room with bed. There is a shared private bathroom for showering; separate toilets and powder rooms. Fresh towels, and toiletries such as bath soap, shampoo and conditioner, hair dryer etc. will be provided. Meditation cushions and yoga mats will be provided. Once you are registered, we will send more information on travel, weather, packing suggestions, meals and activities.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION / PLEASE READ
The price of ¥98,000 is all inclusive of accommodation, amenities, meals and activities.
Payment is required to confirm your spot on the retreat. The maximum number of participants is eight.
You can sign up via link to Peatix.
Six Unique Choices for Rooms
YOUR HOSTS
Keno and Gretchen Miura
Hi! We are your hosts for your Retreat at Dairyuji!
Keno is the 38th head priest at Dairyuji after his father and grandfather. He studied Buddhism at Komazawa University and trained for an additional 3 years at Eiheiji Temple. Afterwards, he backpacked around the world for several years before returning to Oga to work at Dairyuji. He teaches goeka chanting, plays taiko drums and recently begun motor cross racing as a hobby.
Gretchen grew up in America and first became curious about Buddhism in college. She is a certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and Grief Educator. She obtained a Masters Degree in Global Communications from Akita International University. She enjoys her weekly sauna and living a slow life in rural Japan.
We invite participants to reconnect with themselves, slow down and discover the natural rhythms of a Zen temple. We hope to create meaningful connections and a more compassionate world together.
We are looking forward to spending this special weekend together!
Directions
Traveling BY TRAIN
From Tokyo, take the Akita Komachi shinkansen bullet train to Akita Station (4 hrs). From Akita Station, take JR Oga Line to its final destination, Oga Station. (55 mins). Dairyuji is approximately a 10 minutes walk from Oga station.
Traveling by Plane
From Tokyo Haneda Airport, fly into Akita Airport (1 hr.). Take Akita Limousine Bus to Akita Station. (30 mins). From Akita Station take JR Oga Line to its final destination, Oga Station. (55 mins).
Traveling by Car
Follow google map directions to Dairyuji. Plenty of parking spots are available.