Settle your mind in the midst of nature with "Zen meditation (Zazen) in the Bamboo Grove"

Zen meditation in the bamboo grove, where you can relax your mind while feeling the sounds of the wind, birdsong, and the murmuring of the stream.

The workings of nature will remind you of how to feel peaceful.

The chief priest will instruct you according to your circumstances, so whether you are new to Zen meditation or experienced, you have no need to worry.

There are three meditation sites at Shoureki-ji Temple: the bamboo grove, the main hall, and under a large tree.
Please be sure to try meditation in each of the different environments.

3 p.m. Check-in

Enjoy a relaxing time in a historic temple that you can rent out to yourself, limited to one group for one day. The chief priest of the temple will act as your own personal guide, listening to your wishes and suggesting ways to spend your time during your stay.

4 p.m. Indoor Zen Meditation

In addition to the bamboo grove, there are several other places where you can do Zen meditation at Shoureki-ji Temple. One of these is Zen meditation in front of the main hall, where you can enjoy the view of the Yura River, mountains, and the bell tower whilst doing it. Here, you can master breathing techniques and the mindset during Zen meditation.

7 p.m. Dinner

A “Kuromine Shamo Full Course” will be served in a spacious Japanese-style room with a view of the beautiful garden. On the way to the restaurant, the chief priest who is the chef will come to show you the rare ingredients and cooking methods.

9 p.m. Star Gazing

How would you feel about star gazing while sitting on the porch?
From Shoreki-ji Temple, you can see the starry sky as though you were in a planetarium. The main hall and courtyard lit up by lights are also very beautiful, so please enjoy them with a drink after dinner.

11 p.m. Going to Bed

Take a nice rest to calm your mind in a Japanese style room, which has tranquility that only a temple can offer.

ー　The Following Day　ー

6 a.m. Zen Meditation in the Bamboo Forest

You will wake up early and do Zen meditation in the bamboo grove in the morning. Take in a lot of fresh, slightly chilly morning air into your body. The workings of nature will remind you of how to feel peaceful.

7 a.m. Zen lying down

After meditation, you can lie down under a 600-year-old tree to further free your mind. There is no set time for when to do this, so please relax at your own pace and to your heart’s content.

8 a.m Breakfast

If the weather is nice, you will have breakfast on the wooden deck in the bamboo grove. We will prepare a breakfast set that contains local ingredients.

10 a.m. Checkout

Please make sure you have not forgotten anything, and take care returning home.