Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ Sections Below:
1. Costs and Payments
2. Amenities and Policy
3. Experience and Etiquette
4. Travel and Transportation
More questions? Book a live video consultation with coordinator Pierre Black. Personalized trip and travel planning, questions about retreat life or deepening your meditation practice… Book a live video consultation now.
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1. Costs and Payments
Q: Paying The Balance In Full: When do I pay the balance of my stay? Do I need to pay the whole balance in cash on arrival?
A: You can pay the balance due in cash any time during your stay. We’re happy to help get you to an ATM when you need one. Just ask. We’ll make it happen. International ATMs that work for foreign cards can be found in all 7-eleven and Family Mart convenience stores. See the chart for exact amounts corresponding to the length of your stay.
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Q: How do I figure out what balance I owe at the time of my stay?
A: Use this convenient reference chart to figure out the balance due in cash at the time of your stay.
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Q: Paying In Foreign Currency: Do you accept payment in dollars or other foreign currency?
A: We definitely prefer Japanese Yen, in cash, as payment, however, foreign currency can be exchanged at a nearby bank, or you can simply withdraw Yen at an ATM. See the chart for exact amounts corresponding to the length of your stay.
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Q: Paying Your Balance in YEN: Where can I obtain Japanese Yen to make payment for my stay?
A: “International” ATMs can be found at 7-eleven stores, Family Mart convenience stores, post offices, and some other locations, where you can easily use most foreign debit cards and major credit cards to withdraw Japanese currency. For stays of more than a few days, please take your daily or weekly withdrawal limits into account when planning your payment(s). See the chart for exact amounts corresponding to the length of your stay.
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Q: Full Payment In Cash: Why do you prefer payments in cash (Japanese Yen)?
1) Temples in Japan traditionally receive payments and donations in cash. 2) The retreat is a micro-business with a very personal touch and a small number of guests. Cash keeps things simple for us and lowers costs. See the chart for exact amounts corresponding to the length of your stay.
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Q: Electronic/Online Payments In Full: What if I absolutely need to make full payment for my stay in advance; electronically, or by credit card? (For example; if someone else who will not be attending will be paying for your stay such as a parent, employer, or family member.)
A: We understand that electronic prepayment may sometimes be necessary.
The only option offered at this time is PayPal to beppuzenretreat@gmail.com with an additional 15% fee.
You must request permission by email before making full payment for your stay by PayPal. Please ask us beforehand and we will let you know your total with the additional fees added. We will then send you a PayPal money request.
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Q: Why are the fees calculated per guest, and not per room? Why can’t I keep an extra guest in my room for free?
A: With a hotel or hostel the fee is based on the space you use, cleaning the room, washing the sheets, etc. These factors change very little for the hotel if you add another guest to the same room. The considerations are completely different for us. Our fee is based on providing a personalized homestay experience that includes meals, activities, and is normally strictly limited to a few guests. Since guests make up their own futon beds and maintain their own tatami rooms, the sleeping configuration guests choose has no relationship to our fee. This fee structure is also quite common at traditional Japanese ryokan style hotels, since they tend to be more service-oriented, and not just space oriented like we may be used to outside of Japan. For these reasons, the fees outlined on our website are always per person, not per room.
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Q: Off-Site Excursions: How much do off-site excursions usually cost?
A: There is no fixed cost, and there is no standard excursion. Off-site excursion costs are not included in your stay. You should expect to pay your own part of off-site excursion expenses. Decisions regarding day trips are normally made with the interests and preferences of all guests considered. You are also permitted to opt out of any excursion and remain at the retreat. In this case you might be responsible for your own meal preparation, however, we generally try to avoid this situation completely. Your hosts do not charge extra or make money from the act of taking guests on excursions. They enjoy spending time with guests, and regular outings in the car are something we consider part of the package. That said, there are usually some destination costs involved in excursions, and you should expect to pay your own part, at a minimum. If you take a longer trip with retreat staff, it is strongly encouraged that you contribute to fuel costs. Either pay for your part of the cost of any one excursion or reciprocate the way you would with a friend (for example you are driven around all day and pays for various admission fees to sights, gas, road tolls, etc; perhaps you might pay for dinner.). For potentially more expensive excursions such as higher-end restaurants or onsen, or entertainment with a considerable admission cost, etc; your expected costs will be discussed in advance.
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2. Amenities and Policy
Q: Why do you require a 5-night minimum stay?
A: We require a five-night minimum stay in order to completely engage the full experience offered here; to settle into the special rhythm of this place and truly experience the benefits of meditation. This is the primary intention behind Beppu Zen Retreat.
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Q: Why do you have a maximum stay?
A: We have a lot of demand and we want more people to be able to experience the retreat. Once we get to know you, we may make an exception and allow you a longer stay during the less busy times of year. Longer stays are considered on request.
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Q: When is your check in and check out time?
A: 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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Q: Sheets, Bedding, & Towels: Does the retreat provide towels and bed linens?
A: Yes. The retreat provides towels, sheets, blankets, etc to guests. There are unlimited blankets available as well during the colder season. Beds and warm and cozy and rooms are heated.
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Q: Do I need any special vaccinations to visit the retreat?
A: Officially, you do not need any special vaccinations. In addition, it is our opinion that special vaccinations are not necessary to visit the retreat. That said, there may be recommendations made by your local health authorities for any visit to rural areas of Japan; however, the low occurrence of these illnesses in the vicinity of the retreat, plus the actual efficacy rate and duration of the vaccines, means many visitors to decide they are not worthwhile. Getting vaccinations is a personal decision and no single person should tell you what to do in this regard. The final decision must be yours – and of course, the recommendations of your doctor and/or local travel clinic must be well considered in this decision process. There are specific illnesses transmitted by wild animals or through prolonged presence in rice fields (usually only a concern for rice field workers), but these are of little concern for you if you follow normal precautions and avoid these exposures. There are no mosquito-borne illnesses in Japan.
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Q: I want to know how every moment of each day at the retreat will be scheduled. I want to be sure that there will never be a wasted moment, and that I can cram as much content into my short time in Japan as possible. I need to know that my time at the retreat will be worthwhile and that it would not be better for me to be rushing around from one tourist attraction to the next elsewhere in Japan.
A: If you are asking questions like this, you are already missing the point of the retreat. We suggest just coming to the retreat and going with the flow. We stay busy here and have fun, but things are not scheduled moment to moment. If you do truly become bored, the birds and butterflies will always have something wise to say.
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Q: Will I have to share my room with a stranger?
A: No, never. Rooms are never shared, unless you specifically request it with your travel companion(s). Of course we also welcome solo travelers and you will always have a private room. When you create your booking and fill in your registration information you should inform us of the number of rooms you prefer for your group, if you're registering for more than one guest. Please note that Bathrooms are shared.
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Q: I’m vegan/vegetarian. What’s the eating situation really like for me at the retreat?
A: Vegetarian eating is easy to arrange at the retreat since everyone/anyone can be involved in meal preparation and shopping. However, if you cannot tolerate seeing animal products in the same kitchen, and prepared in the same cooking areas, you will be unhappy at the retreat. In particular, there is a lot of fish prepared at the retreat, usually every day. Strict vegans who are concerned about proximity to animal products or cross-contact in the kitchen, will not be happy here. Sometimes everyone is vegetarian, and your hosts will follow along. Other times there’s lots of meat and fish, but we will make sure your vegetarian meal is delicious and satisfying.
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Q: What does mealtime actually look like?
A: Meal preparation is usually communal and guided by your hosts. Featured strongly is a huge variety of raw and cooked vegetables, lots of greens, a variety of rice products, lots of fish, a little meat, and many traditional Japanese foods and condiments. Most meals are diverse and beautiful to look at. Usually the food is very Japanese. But occasionally it’s something foreign and cooked by guests. Ask if you want to plan a meal and prepare it for everyone. It’s an experience of community and going with the flow. We will do out best to support your needs and preferences, and we hope you will support the needs and preferences of others. We appreciate everyone’s help cleaning up after meals. We can easily handle vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten- and soy-free requirements, and most non-life-threatening allergies.
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3. Experience and Etiquette
Q: Do I need to speak any Japanese to attend the retreat?
A: Japanese is NOT required. Your hosts speak very good everyday English and all of the activities with guests are conducted in English. Discussions on the basics of Zen, Japanese culture, meditation, etc. are easily had. Yodo puts a remarkable effort into translation when necessary, and he’s very patient, with a sincere desire to answer all your questions and go as deep as you wish to into Zen and Japanese culture.
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Q: I would like to do a silent meditation retreat? Do you offer silent retreat?
A: While we don’t offer formal silent meditation retreat where everyone remains in silence the whole time, you are welcome to remain in silence should you wish to do so. We will support you in this, and the retreat is a perfect place to be on personal silent retreat should you wish to do so. Its peaceful and quiet and speaking is not really necessary.
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Q: Dress Code: Is there a dress code, or any special clothing I need?
A: The dress code is very casual. No special clothing is required to stay at the retreat. There are no strict rules, however, there are a few simple suggestions:
Meditation: Loose, comfortable clothing is suggested for meditation. Very warm and layered clothing for the colder months!
Reasonable Discretion: While we are not overly concerned with your clothing choices, when at the temple, please do consider that it’s a public Zen Buddhist temple in Japan and you will be interacting with locals. Try to honour the culture you are in. Very revealing clothing is not appropriate for the temple. At the guesthouse, you can wear whatever you like.
Seasonal considerations: If it’s during the cooler months of the year, you will want WARM, loose, comfortable, layered clothing for meditation. The temple doors and windows are open for meditation! You may also want warm and comfortable sleepwear since the house can be chilly. Expect it to get chilly at night and early in the morning. Summer is hot and winter is cold! It’s important to come prepared. Japanese homes are typically not centrally heated like many people are used to in western countries. Rooms are heated as needed, only when you are using that particular room. Bedrooms are of course heated and air conditioned, but please don’t leave the heating or AC on when you are not in the room.
Good walking shoes are also useful as there is excellent hiking and on-foot exploring in the area, as well as for some of the excursions that your hosts might suggest.
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Q: I’m a total beginner at meditation. 40 minutes sounds like a lot. I’m nervous about coming to the retreat…
A: We are flexible and accommodating for everyone, but please just try your best. We welcome all levels of ability and experience. For some, the challenge may be to just try informal meditation for a short time each day, for others it may be to develop strict form and extend one’s endurance. For those unable to use the traditional cross-legged sitting form, we have numerous cushion options, stools, chairs, etc. available to you. Most people, even novices, are able to do the full 40 minutes and feel an appropriate sense of accomplishment! People are surprised by how fast it goes.
The following links will help you understand how to practice Zazen (Zen meditation). A superb, detailed guide to zazen can be found here in English, and here in Japanese. Keep in mind that we are not so strict, but these videos will guide you in the right direction regardless of your level of experience.
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Q: Weather: What’s the weather like in the region?
A: See links for area Climate and Current weather.
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Q: Please explain the Japanese “gift culture”. How does it apply to my stay at the retreat?
A: There is a strong “gift culture” in Japan. Particularly, if you are invited into someone’s home or invited you out on some kind of excursion, you will find people in Japan to be almost excessively generous and hospitable, and a little gift will go a long way in showing your appreciation. Such gifts should be simple and inexpensive. Particularly items that are obviously from outside Japan will usually be very well received. Small food specialties from your home country such as snacks, sweets, and even small alcoholic beverages are especially appreciated common gifts for home visits, nothing too big or expensive.
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Q: Are there mosquitos at the retreat?
A: There are generally only mosquitos during the warmer months. There are not typically many mosquitos indoors at the retreat, but there are a few. There is no disease or illness that mosquitos commonly transmit in Japan. The normal considerations for your comfort apply; you may wish to use a repellent product of your choice and there are plug-in mosquito repellent burners available at the retreat.
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Q: Using the retreat as a “base” for travel: I would like to use the retreat as a “home base” to explore the surrounding region. I would like to take day trips to sightsee in the area on my own and then return to sleep at the retreat. Is this a good idea?
A: As long as you are fully participating in the core program of meditation practice and morning “Samu”, you are welcome to plan the rest of your day as you wish. If you plan to be away for any meals, please try to let us know in advance so that we do not prepare food for you. We also request that you return to the retreat before 10pm, and try to keep us informed about your plans.
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Q: Special Activities: What will the special activities be during my specific dates of stay? Can I schedule special activities before I arrive at the retreat?
A: The core activities outlined in the daily schedule remain the same at the retreat. Alternative activities cannot be planned before your arrival at the retreat or strictly guaranteed. Alternative activities are discussed and planned with guests when they are present at the retreat and chosen based mainly on consensus among guests.
The important thing to know is that your hosts are highly motivated to show you the local culture and the region. It’s important to understand that you can make requests along with the other guests that are there at any given time. There also may be fun surprises. There is a good balance between free time to enjoy the peace and quiet, or go exploring the immediate area on your own, or more structured time with your host. You may always choose not to participate in any activity. You can choose simply to remain at the retreat, or create your own adventure. If somehow you do find yourself bored or restless, you can make a request, or just hop on the nearby bus or train and take a day trip on your own.
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4. Travel and Transportation
Q: Exploring the area alone: Is it easy to get out and away from the retreat alone by train or other modes of transportation?
A: The retreat is very well connected by train and bus to the surrounding region and most people find it easy to navigate. The train station is only a ten minute walk from the retreat.
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Q: Japan Rail Pass: Is it useful to have an active Japan Rail pass during my stay at the retreat?
If there is any train travel during your stay, distances and costs tend to be minimal. For these reasons, we think it would be a waste of money to maintain an active train pass during your stay at the retreat.
If your itinerary includes other travel around Japan, however, a train pass might be a good investment. If you’re having trouble optimizing your trip and determining if a train pass is useful or not, consider booking a live video consultation with the online coordinator. Book a live video consultation now.
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More questions? Book a live video consultation with coordinator Pierre Black. Personalized trip and travel planning, questions about retreat life or deepening your meditation practice… Book a live video consultation now.