ZEN
MINDFULNESS
RETREAT
November 2026 retreat is fully booked.
We host a limited number of private 1-2 night retreats for intimate groups of 5~8 guests. Please inquire HERE for private or business group retreats.
Enjoy a weekend to reconnect with yourself through mindfulness, rest and exploration.
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind there are few.”
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY
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Please arrive between 5pm and 7pm on Friday evening to settle in for the weekend. Take you time unwinding after your travels and relax in your room with a cup of green tea.
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Get to know one another while enjoying a local Akita seasonal meal.
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Gather in the `Rakusutei` to learn about Zen, meditation and the flow of the weekend.
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Practice mindfulness meditation overlooking the lit up zen garden.
SATURDAY
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SUNDAY
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.
Six Unique Choices for Rooms
Please choose from the following room options during registration.
YOUR HOSTS
Hi! We are Keno and Gretchen Miura, 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!
PRIVATE GROUP RETREAT
We host a limited number of curated 1 or 2-night retreats for intimate groups of 5 to 8 guests.
Your group will enjoy exclusive use of dedicated temple spaces for Zen mindfulness, wellbeing, and cultural immersion in rural Japan, with a completely private itinerary tailored to your business team or personal group.
Fill in form below:
Directions
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.
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).
CAR
Follow google map directions to Dairyuji. Plenty of parking spots are available.