4 Day Private Retreat: Zen Practice and Renewal in Tohoku, Japan

Day 1: Introduction to Zen
 
Tokyo Station
A Tranquwell representative will meet you at Tokyo Station. Then, take a Shinkansen (bullet train) ride to Sendai Station.
 
Lunch (Buddhist Cuisine)
Indulge in a traditional Shojin Ryori (Buddhist cuisine)-based lunch, savoring the delicate and colorful Buddhist cuisine served in a historic Japanese building.
 
Zuiganji Temple
Zuiganji Temple is one of Tohoku’s most famous Zen temples. An English-speaking Buddhist priest will show you around the temple first. He will even let you enter special rooms which are not open to the public. Later, we will have a zazen (Zen meditation) introductory workshop with the priest. Learn the basics of zazen in preparation for the daily zazen session that begins on the second day.
 
Dinner (Japanese Kaiseki)
Enjoy a traditional Japanese Kaiseki course at the hotel.
 
Day 2: Beginning Zen Practice
 
Morning Zazen Session
Find inner peace at the serene Saikoji Temple, a temple sharing its Zen roots with Zuiganji Temple, through two 20-minute sessions of Zazen, a practice designed to cultivate stillness.
 
Lunch (Buddhist Cuisine)
Indulge in a traditional Shojin Ryori (Buddhist cuisine)-based lunch, savoring the delicate and colorful Buddhist cuisine served in a historic Japanese building.
 
Japanese Garden Visit
Nestled along Matsushima's waterfront, Entsuin Temple features beautiful moss gardens, as well as a rock garden representing the islands of Matsushima Bay.
 
Matcha Break at Kanrantei
Enjoy a bowl of matcha at the Kanrantei Tea House, where you will be treated to a stunning panoramic view of the bay.
 
Dinner (Japanese Kaiseki)
Enjoy a traditional Japanese Kaiseki course at the hotel.
 
Day 3: Profound Exploration
 
Morning Zazen Session
Find inner peace at the serene Saikoji Temple, a temple sharing its Zen roots with Zuiganji Temple, through two 20-minute sessions of Zazen, a practice designed to cultivate stillness.
 
Lunch (Sushi) in Shiogama City
Shiogama boasts the highest density of sushi restaurants in Japan, where each establishment serves sushi made with the freshest seafood caught locally and rice cultivated in the region. This fusion of local ingredients creates a unique and authentic sushi experience that is deeply rooted in Shiogama's culinary tradition.
 
Oshima Island Visit
Oshima Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical importance. Explore a place that was once a training ground for monks seeking solitude and enlightenment. Experience the tranquility and spiritual legacy of this fascinating island.
 
Dinner (Japanese Kaiseki)
Enjoy a traditional Japanese Kaiseki course at the hotel.
 
Day 4: Reflecting on Your Zen Journey
 
Morning Meditation
To conclude the retreat, you will undertake a 40-minute zazen session, just as the monks do as part of their regular practice.
 
Lunch (Local Gastronomy)
Indulge in a meticulously crafted menu featuring the freshest seasonal local produce, prepared with the chef's artistic flair and a French influence.
 
Tokyo Station
Travel from Sendai Station to Tokyo Station by a Shinkansen (bullet train). Your Tranquwell tour has come to an end. Return home with a renewed sense of self.