Participants arrive at Kansai International Airport and check into a nearby hotel. This day is mainly for rest and adjusting to the time zone, so they’re refreshed and ready for the retreat activities starting the next day. It sets a calm, welcoming tone for the journey ahead.

The retreat officially begins. Participants travel to Kyoto, visit the famous Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), and engage in a private Zazen meditation session at Myoshin-ji Temple led by a Zen monk. The day includes a traditional tea ceremony, offering immersion into Japanese spiritual and cultural practices. The intent is to ground participants in Zen mindfulness and the beauty of simplicity.

This day involves mindful walking meditation beneath thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine — a deeply spiritual experience symbolizing transition and purification. In the afternoon, a stroll along the cherry blossom-lined Philosopher’s Path encourages reflection and connection with nature’s beauty, integrating meditation with movement.

A flexible day allowing participants to explore Kyoto at their own pace, visiting bamboo groves, temples, or simply resting. This freedom supports individual reflection and personal integration of the retreat teachings.

Travel to Kanazawa to explore Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s top gardens, followed by a visit to the historic Higashi Chaya tea district. The day deepens appreciation for Japanese aesthetics, nature, and traditional tea culture.

The day begins with seated Zazen meditation led by a local monk at Myohoji Temple, offering spiritual grounding. The afternoon provides free time to relax by the sea, enjoy garden walks, or simply rest, blending stillness with nature’s tranquility.

Participants journey to the mountain town of Myoko Kogen, surrounded by alpine scenery and spring blossoms. The afternoon is spent in mindful walking along Lake Nojiri’s shore, breathing crisp mountain air and cultivating present-moment awareness.

A gentle hike to a nearby waterfall follows moss-covered trails and wooden bridges, enhancing the connection to nature’s subtle beauty. The afternoon offers restorative time in a traditional onsen (hot spring), allowing mineral-rich waters to soothe body and mind deeply.

Travel to Nagano brings participants to Zenkoji Temple for an overnight stay. This sacred Buddhist site provides an immersive experience in temple life, including a tea ceremony and evening meditation in serene surroundings, deepening the spiritual journey.

The day begins with private Zazen meditation guided by an English-speaking local monk, deepening participants’ Zen practice. Later, the group travels back to Osaka, preparing for the retreat’s closing.

Participants gather for a closing meditation session led by Celia Roberts, integrating insights and stillness cultivated during the retreat. The afternoon is free for cultural exploration or preparation for departure.

With hearts full and minds clear, participants bid farewell to Japan and return home, carrying the essence of Zen practice and the beauty of the cherry blossom season into their daily lives.