Experience Serenity and Tradition: Zen Meditation Retreats in Kyoto

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and tranquility of Kyoto with our exclusive Zen meditation retreats, designed for travelers seeking inner peace and cultural enrichment. Hosted at historic Shunkoin Temple nestled in the heart of Kyoto, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit under the guidance of renowned Zen priest, Rev. Takafumi Kawakami.

Program Highlights:

• Meditation Practices: Engage in a series of guided Zen meditation sessions to cultivate mindfulness and harmony.
• Japanese Calligraphy Workshop: Discover the art of Japanese calligraphy (shodo) as a meditative practice, allowing creativity and mindfulness to flow seamlessly.
• Traditional Tea Ceremony: Experience the elegance and ritual of the Japanese tea ceremony, a practice rooted in harmony, respect, and tranquility.
• Shojin Cuisine: Enjoy two exquisite shojin ryori (traditional Buddhist vegetarian) meals prepared with seasonal ingredients to nourish both body and soul.

Venue: Set in a centuries-old temple with serene gardens and classic Japanese architecture, the retreat offers a peaceful sanctuary away from the modern world, providing an ideal environment for reflection and renewal.

Rev. Takafumi Kawakami, an internationally recognized Zen priest, will guide you through this transformative experience. With deep insights into Zen philosophy and practices, Rev. Kawakami seamlessly blends tradition with modern perspectives, making Zen wisdom accessible to contemporary seekers.

For discerning travelers who value authenticity, culture, and personal growth, this retreat promises a meaningful journey into Japan’s spiritual heritage.

Join us in Kyoto and embark on a path to clarity, balance, and inspiration.

• May 23rd- 24th, 2025  (https://shunkoinretreat-may23rd24th2025.peatix.com/)
• June 6th- 7th, 2025 (https://shunkoinretreat-june6th7th2025.peatix.com/)

※ Starting July 26, 2024, if you set your country of residence to the United States in your account settings, you will see the US-specific Peatix page.  Please follow the instruction on the following link. So, you will be able to make a reservation for the events at other countries, including Japan.

https://help-attendee.peatix.com/en/support/solutions/articles/44002540319–country-settings

Accommodation:
Shunkoin Temple’s Guesthouse
Each room is a private room and has its own shower room and toilet.

Day1

12:00: Check-in starts
13:00~ 14:30: Introdution and Meditation
14:30~ 16:00: Calligraphy
16:00~ 17:00: Meditation
17:00 ~ 18:00 Break or own meditation practice
18:00 ~ 19:30 Dinner
20:00 ~ 21:00 Meditation practice

Day2

7:00 ~ 8:00: Morning Meditation
8:00 ~ 8:30: Break
8:30 ~ 9:30: Breakfast
10:00 ~11:00: Tea Ceremony
11:00 ~ 12:30: Meditation and Q & A
12:30: Check-out

*Schedule of calligraphy session and tea ceremony might be changed due to the calligraphy and tea masters’ avaibility.

Dress code:

• Socks are required.
• Short skirts are not recommended.
• No hat is allowed in the buildings.

Cancellation Policy

• You will be charged 50% of the total fee as your cancellation fee if you fail to notify us about the change or cancellation of your reservation at least 10 days in advance from your reserved date.
• You will be charged 100% of the total fee as your cancellation fee if you fail to notify us about the change or cancellation of your reservation at least a week in advance from your reserved date.

Rev. Takafumi Zenryu Kawakami

Zen priest and thinker. He is the 24th head priest of Shunkoin Temple in Kyoto and teaches Zen Buddhist philosophy and meditation, other Eastern contemplative traditions, and the cultural and religious diversity in well-being in Japanese and English to visitors to the temple. His travels and talks have brought him to the likes of the Holy See (online), Brown University, MIT, Microsoft, BNP Paribas, Gallup, TED x Kyoto, Mind & Life Institute, Eton College, etc. He is a member of the U.S.- Japan Leadership Program by the U.S. – Japan Foundation and a researcher at Keio Media Design of Keio University Graduate School of Media Design.

Publication:

• Lambert, L., Lomas, T., Lai, A., Diener, E., Kawakami, T., etc, Towards a greater global understanding of wellbeing: A proposal for a more inclusive measure. International Journal of Wellbeing. 2020;10(2):1-18