An Authentic Zen Experience

Beppu Zen Retreat and GyaTeiJi Temple: your Zen temple homestay

• Meditation practice suitable for beginners

• The right balance of activity and personal time

• A gentle immersion in Japanese culture and Zen temple life

• Delicious home-cooked meals, snacks, drinks, and extras included

• A relaxing, nourishing homestay experience

Find your Zen.

The morning schedule features Zen meditation (Zazen) in the temple, breakfast, short temple work such as cleaning or gardening, or special activities at the temple.

Afternoons are free and unscheduled, with optional participation in regular activities such as calligraphy, tea ceremony, hot springs visits, hiking, traditional kimono dressing, regional sightseeing, and more. Nearby Beppu features excellent shopping, restaurants, and the highest concentration of onsen or natural hot spring bathing in all of Japan.

There are also a variety of regular events with the local community and you are welcome to participate.
Occasionally you might have the opportunity to participate in Buddhist ceremonies or special Buddhist calendar events.

Delicious Japanese food. Meals, snacks, tea and coffee are included in your stay. Meals are a shared effort: on weekdays you cook and eat together with your hosts, and learning Japanese home cooking is a highlight for many guests. Requests and ideas for meals are welcome, and vegetarian and most other diets can be catered for. On weekends, the family takes a break from the kitchen: food is provided, but guests cook together without staff supervision, eat out, or head off on day trips.

Onsen - Hot Springs Bathing: We regularly visit a number of different onsen (hot spring bathing) in the area. We also know which onsen are tattoo-friendly, so no worries for guests with tattoos. (Whats the problem with tattoos and onsen access?)

Self-guided activities on your own or with other guests… There are almost unlimited possibilities in this region with so many options within close proximity for an easy afternoon outing or full day trip. The town of Hiji, where Beppu Zen Retreat is located, and the surrounding area, is a fantastic location for hiking or cycling at any skill level, and is well connected by public transport. Easy half-day or full-day trips to nearby towns of special interest include Beppu, Yufuin, Usuki, Saganoseki, and others. Learn more about the area here.

See what people are saying about Beppu Zen Retreat - check out our guest reviews here!

Daily schedule

A typical weekday looks something like this. Times can change with temple ceremonies and family commitments, and changes are usually announced the day before.

Before 6:50 AM: Get ready for zazen. We suggest using the toilet, having some water or tea, and avoiding a lot of caffeine or food beforehand.

6:50 AM: Meet in the guesthouse kitchen and walk to the temple together. Please be on time.

7:00 AM: Zazen at the temple, about 40 minutes, followed by tea and conversation.

8:00 AM: Breakfast. A very light monastic breakfast of rice porridge. Afterwards there is usually time to talk freely and ask Yodo questions.

Around 9:30 AM: Samu (light temple work such as cleaning or gardening, usually about an hour and not every day), and/or an activity such as tea ceremony or calligraphy, an outing, or free time.

Around 11:15 AM: Prepare lunch together, eat, and clean up.

Afternoon: Free time. Rest, explore on your own or with other guests, sit quietly in the Buddha hall, or join an optional outing with your hosts, such as an onsen visit or a hike.

Around 6:30 PM (5:30 PM on Mondays): Prepare dinner together, eat, and clean up.

9:00 PM: Quiet time. Low lights and quiet activities, please, as others may be sleeping. Shared spaces like the kitchen are fine for reading or internet.

Weekends

Food is provided on weekends, but the monk and family takes a break from the kitchen. Guests decide among themselves what to cook, and there are usually a few people cooking together. Make a favourite dish from home, practise your new Japanese cooking skills, or try the restaurants nearby. Weekends are also the best time for day trips to explore the region.

Weekend zazen may also occasionally vary. Sometimes morning zazen is replaced with unsupervised sitting or an evening session, and we'll let you know the day before.

Morning meditation is at the heart of the retreat ethos and experience. It also creates a sense of community and shared experience among guests. Beginners and experienced meditators are all welcome. Traditional Zen sitting posture is encouraged but not required, and we follow a "just try it" approach.

To get a feel for zazen before you come, here is a detailed guide in English and in Japanese. We are not as strict here, but these videos show the traditional practice. Just do your best.

Activities with an additional cost

• Tea ceremony: ¥3,000 minimum donation

• Calligraphy: ¥4,000 minimum donation

• Kimono dressing: ¥4,000 minimum donation

These are optional. We schedule tea ceremony and calligraphy around temple and family commitments, and try to hold them at least once a week, but we can’t promise a particular day. If these experiences are important to you, we recommend a stay of 10 days or longer. Kimono dressing is arranged based on guests’ interest and our teachers’ availability. If you’re interested, let us know at the beginning of your stay.

Outings by car, such as onsen visits, sightseeing, or restaurant meals, are not included. Please pay your share at the time.

Local outings, such as hiking or walking near the retreat, are common. Please pay your share of any off-site costs. These are not included.