Located in northern Japan, Dairyuji Temple offers a calming Zen retreat experience. This Buddhist temple welcomes guests to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and enjoy traditional Japanese culture. The Zen Mindfulness Retreat includes meditation, delicious local cuisine, and free time to explore the scenic surroundings. Whether you’re seeking rest, reflection, or a taste of Zen life, Dairyuji provides an ideal environment for mindfulness, relaxation, and personal renewal.
Retreat Plan
Zen Mindfulness Retreat [Fall 2025]- Coming in Fall 2025!
- Date: TBA
Zen Mindfulness Retreat [May 2025]- Duration: 3 day, 2 night
- Date: May 23rd – 25th, 2025
- Price: ¥98,000 *Include accommodation, amenities, meals and activities.
[Day1]
by 7:00pm Arrival & Welcome
7:30pm Dinner
8:30pm Opening Activity & Nighttime Meditation
10:00pm Lights Out
[Day2]
6:30am Morning Zazen Meditation
8:00am Breakfast
9:30am Tour of Temple & Forest Bathing
12:00pm Lunch
3:00pm Mandala Workshop
6:00pm Dinner
7:00pm Onsen & Namahage Daiko
10:00pm Lights Out
[Day3]
6:30am Morning Zazen Meditation
8:00am Breakfast
10:00am Dharma Talk
11:00am Goodbyes
More About Us
Dairyuji Temple, located in Akita Prefecture’s Oga Peninsula, offers a serene retreat for those seeking rest and reconnection. The Zen Mindfulness Retreat includes guided meditation, balanced daily activities, and peaceful free time, making it ideal for mindfulness and personal growth. Guests stay in traditional tatami rooms with futon bedding and have access to shared but private bathrooms. Five meals are served during the stay—ranging from homemade Western-style breakfasts to seasonal Japanese lunches and dinners prepared by local restaurants.
The temple is surrounded by natural beauty, especially its famous water garden “Rakusuitei,” which means “relaxing by water.” Sliding glass doors in the tea room open up to stunning views of the Sea of Japan, changing beautifully with each season. Meditation cushions and yoga mats are provided, and support materials are shared after registration.
Environment
Dairyuji Temple, part of the Soto-shu sect of Zen Buddhism since 1577, was founded over 800 years ago and is now led by the 38th head priest, Keno Miura. Zen emphasizes meditation (zazen) as a path to enlightenment. Visitors are welcome year-round to enjoy seasonal beauty, explore the serene temple grounds. Dairyuji is a family-run temple led by Keno and Gretchen Miura, who raise their four children in Oga while serving the community with compassion and mindfulness.
Review
I would have stayed another month: For three days we meditated, studied, played, created and relaxed, all in service to learning more about Zen. Experiencing this retreat changed my understanding of Zen from a curiosity to something I feel driven to explore more deeply.
Stephen (Guest)
| Address | 34 Funagawaminato Funagawa, Oga-shi, Akita-ken 010-0511, Japan |
| HP | https://www.dairyuji-oga.com/ |
| dairyuji.oga@gmail.com | |
| Booking | Advance Booking Required |
| Language | English, Japanese |
