Digital Nomad Retreat in Nachikatsuura

On November 22–23, a digital nomad retreat was held in Nachikatsuura, a coastal town in Wakayama Prefecture.

The retreat was organized by OTERA STAY and took place at Daitaiji Temple, a Zen temple surrounded by mountains and forest. Participants joined from different countries and backgrounds, staying together at or near the temple during the program.

Arrival and First Day

Participants arrived in Nachikatsuura by train and gathered near the station before moving on together. After lunch, the group visited Nachi Taisha, one of the most important spiritual sites in the region.

Participants walked through the shrine grounds, observed the surroundings, and spent time taking in the atmosphere before heading to the temple.

In the late afternoon, everyone arrived at Daitaiji Temple and checked in. After settling in, participants were shown around the temple grounds and gathered in the main hall.

Evening Program at the Temple

The evening program followed a clear agenda.

It began with an opening session and short welcome messages, followed by self-introductions. Speakers then shared perspectives on Nachikatsuura, the region, and the idea of hosting digital nomads in rural Japan.

One of the main sessions was a talk and Q&A with Tomi Nishiyama, the chief priest of Daitaiji Temple.

In his talk, he shared:

・The temple’s history

・The values behind temple life and culture

・How traditional temple culture can connect with modern digital nomad lifestyles

・His long-term vision for a future where nomads and the local community can grow together

The session helped participants understand the temple not only as a place to stay, but as a place with active and living culture.

After the talks, everyone shared dinner at the temple and spent the rest of the evening in relaxed, casual conversation.

Morning Practice and Local Visits

The next morning began with zazen (seated meditation) in the temple hall. For many participants, this was their first experience of meditation in a traditional temple setting.

After breakfast, a Buddhism session was held at the temple. This session took place before the group headed out for the next visit and focused on Buddhist ideas and practice in a practical, accessible way.

Later that day, participants visited Houkouji, an abandoned property located near Daitaiji Temple.

During the visit, the group learned about:

・The challenges of maintaining unused buildings

・The cost and effort required for renovation

・The realities of preservation work in rural Japan

The property is currently being considered for renovation, and PlanetDAO is exploring ways to raise funds to support this effort.

This visit gave participants a realistic look at local conditions — not only the beauty of the area, but also the work, cost, and long-term commitment required to preserve places like this.

Closing the Retreat

The retreat ended with a shared lunch and a short closing session back at the temple. Some participants chose to extend their stays in the area, spending additional time at the temple or nearby accommodations.