ORIENTATION GUIDE
Communication
PHONE NUMBER provided is for train station PICKUP and EMERGENCY only.
Yodo’s cell 090-1169-2990. Do not call for general inquiries!
WIFI (at residence) Network: ZenRetreat Password: findyourzen
!IMPORTANT! ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN TIMES:
PREFERRED CHECK IN TIMES ARE 9:00 - 17:30 (9AM-5:30PM)
STRICT LIMIT: 9:00 -21:00 (9AM - 9PM) We do not accept new arrivals after 9pm.
IF YOU NEED TO CHECK IN BETWEEN 5:30PM and 9PM (17:30-21:00) you must make arrangements with the host to beforehand. Your host will contact you by email one or two days before your arrival to confirm your planned check-in time.
If you encounter some unusual delay please call AND email to let us know. In exceptional circumstances, and IF YOU LET US KNOW YOU WILL BE LATE, we can receive you later. (Please do not call or arrive after 23:00 (11pm) as everyone will be sleeping. You will need to make alternative lodging arrangements in this case and arrive at the retreat the following day.)
CHECKOUT TIME/DEPARTURE DAY: before 5 PM (17:00) you may check out anytime before 5 PM. However, if other guests are arriving, you may be asked to vacate your room earlier in the day. Feel free to enjoy the retreat for the day and even stay for lunch, but please note that you may be asked to vacate the room as early as 10 AM. Please be considerate and courteous, regarding cleaning of the room, and possible arrival of other guests on your departure day. We kindly ask that you depart the retreat before 5 PM and do not extend beyond this.
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DAILY SCHEDULE - Quick Reference
(occasionally there may be minor changes to the schedule)
• 6:50 meet in the kitchen and proceed to temple for meditation
• 7:00 Zen meditation at the temple
• 8:00 Breakfast
• 9:00 Variable program: "samu' (temple work), activities, or free time.
• 11:00 Prepare Lunch
• 12:00 LUNCH (and cleanup)
• 13:00 Variable Activities / Free Time
• 18:00 Dinner Preparation
• 19:00 DINNER (and clean up)
• 21:00 Quiet Time
••TEA CEREMONY, is held once a week on a day best suited to interested guests. (¥3000 minimum donation)
••CALLIGRAPHY CLASS is held every THURSDAY morning.(¥4000 minimum donation)
••KIMONO / TRADITIONAL JAPANESE COSTUME is scheduled based on interest from guests and availability. (¥4000 minimum donation)
WEEKENDS ONLY, SELF CATERING, Prepare your own meals or go out and explore: Saturday and Sunday you and other guests will be responsible for your own meal preparation. You are free to cook whatever you like; Japanese or non-Japanese cuisine. It’s up to you! Some groceries and ingredients will be provided, but you may wish to add your own elements to the meal. You are free to use any of the available food and ingredients in the guesthouse. Make your favorite dish from home, or practice your new Japanese cooking skills! You are free to decide. Alternatively, you may decide to try some of the incredible restaurants in the area, on your own, or with other guests. The weekend is also the best time to take day trips and explore more of the surrounding region.
Weekend meditation schedule may also vary. In some cases normal supervised morning meditation may be replaced with unsupervised meditation opportunities or with supervised evening meditation. Details will be provided the day before.
Your Room
• Please keep your room clean and tidy.
Don't bring messy food or drinks into your room.
Please vacuum your room once a week for longer stays.
• On the day of your departure, if you have time:
- please help us by removing sheets and pillow cases for laundry
- and removing any garbage from your room.
Bicycles are provided free of charge for guests. Please share with the other guests and use the bikes responsibly. Locks and helmets (optional) are also provided.
The House
• Please clean up after yourself and help us by participating in cleanup, meal preparation, and dishes.
Please inform us of any mess or necessary maintenance that you notice.
• There are 2 CAST IRON COOKING PANS and 1 IRON WOK in the house. Please NEVER USE SOAP on these. Only use water. Ask for help if you are not sure.• Shower/bath water can get VERY HOT! Please be careful!
• Please feel free to make use the kitchen facilities anytime and enjoy tea, coffee, snacks, etcetera.• If you enjoyed your stay, please leave a review for us on Facebook or TripAdvisor. This helps us a lot!
Thank you! We hope you enjoy your stay!
DAILY SCHEDULE - IN DETAIL
(occasionally there may be minor changes to the schedule)
before 6:50 Prepare for meditation as needed.
It is suggested that you go to the toilet, have some water or tea, and be prepared for meditation.
We suggest that you avoid excessive caffeine and food before meditation.
6:50 Meet in the kitchen of the guesthouse and proceed to temple for meditation.
Please be on time.
7:00 Zen meditation at the temple.
40 minutes of Zen meditation usually followed by short teatime at the temple.
8:00 Breakfast
Typical monastery breakfast of rice porridge and umeboshi.
Alternatives are available on request.
9:00 possible options include:- "Samu" - temple work (not every day) Light work or cleaning around the temple or garden, usually lasting about an hour.
- A variety activities or outings. Anything is possible. Suggestions or requests are welcome.
- Free Time, alone or with other guests.
11:00 Prepare Lunch together - your help is appreciated
12:00 LUNCH and cleanup - your help is appreciated
13:00 Variable Activities / Free Time
A variety of activities are available. Feel free to make requests. These might include:
- formal retreat activities such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, or kimono dressing. (donation suggested)
- additional optional self-guided meditation time in the Buddha house (ask for directions)
- off site activities with hosts such as onsen or hiking.
- self-directed activities on your own or with other guests.
18:00 Dinner Preparation - your help is appreciated
19:00 DINNER and clean up - your help is appreciated
21:00 Quiet Time
Low lights and quiet activities please. Others may be sleeping. You are welcome to make use of any shared areas of the house such as the kitchen, for reading or internet time.
••TEA CEREMONY, is held once a week on a day best suited to interested guests. (¥3000 minimum donation)
••CALLIGRAPHY CLASS is held every THURSDAY morning.(¥4000 minimum donation)
••KIMONO / TRADITIONAL JAPANESE COSTUME is scheduled based on interest from guests and availability. (¥3500 minimum donation)
WEEKENDS ONLY, SELF CATERING, Prepare your own meals or go out and explore: Saturday and Sunday you and other guests will be responsible for your own meal preparation. You are free to cook whatever you like; Japanese or non-Japanese cuisine. It’s up to you! Some groceries and ingredients will be provided, but you may wish to add your own elements to the meal. You are free to use any of the available food and ingredients in the guesthouse. Make your favorite dish from home, or practice your new Japanese cooking skills! You are free to decide. Alternatively, you may decide to try some of the incredible restaurants in the area, on your own, or with other guests. The weekend is also the best time to take day trips and explore more of the surrounding region.
Weekend meditation schedule may also vary. In some cases normal supervised morning meditation may be replaced with unsupervised meditation opportunities or with supervised evening meditation. Details will be provided the day before.
