A Private Passage to Japanese Serenity.
Duration: 4 Days
Area: Miyagi
Tohoku Zen Wellness Retreat: A Journey to Inner Depth
Matsushima, renowned as one of Japan’s three most scenic views, is a place where breathtaking scenery unfolds, a tapestry of beautiful pine forests and islands. Since ancient times, it has also been a sacred place where many monks have visited and practiced Zen.
This retreat offers you four days to connect with yourself through Zen, nestled in the historic landscape of Matsushima. Each morning, you will practice Zen meditation in the serene atmosphere of a temple with a Buddhist priest. In the afternoons, immerse yourself in the unique charm of Matsushima in spring. Stroll through a traditional Japanese garden inspired by Zen, enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom, and delve into the history of Oshima Island, once a training ground for Zen monks. Step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and refresh your mind and body in the beauty of nature.
Tour Highlights
- Practice Zen Over Four Days
- Tohoku’s Spring Bloom
- Revitalize with Japanese Cuisine & Hot Springs
- Authentic Cultural Experiences
Itinerary
Day 1: Introduction to Zen
08:45 AM
Tokyo Station
A Tranquwell representative will meet you at Tokyo Station. Then, take a Shinkansen (bullet train) ride in a comfortable GranClass (first class) seat to Shiraishi-Zao Station.
12:20 PM
Lunch (Buddhist Cuisine)
Indulge in a traditional Shojin-ryori lunch, savoring the delicate and colorful Buddhist cuisine served in a historic Japanese building.
02:00 PM
Zuiganji Temple
This is one of the most famous Zen temples in the Tohoku region. An English-speaking Buddhist priest will first show you around the temple, including a tour of special rooms which are normally not open to the public. After this, the priest will preside over an introductory workshop to zazen (Zen meditation). Learn the basics in preparation for the zazen session that begins on the second day.
04:10 PM
Check In to Shintomitei
Perched on a hillside with breathtaking views of Matsushima Bay, Hanagokoro-no-Yu “Shintomitei” is a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). With a large public and private bath and healthy Japanese food, the inn offers an authentic ryokan experience.
06:00 PM
Dinner (Traditional Kaiseki)
Enjoy a dinner of Kaiseki-ryori (Japanese haute cuisine) at the hotel.
Day 2: Beginning Zen Practice
09:00 AM
Morning Zazen Session and Yoga
From day 2 to day 4, you will spend each morning at the serene Saikoji Temple (affiliated with the same Zen sect as Zuiganji Temple) to practice Zen. On day 2 and day 4, you will practice two 20-minute sessions of zazen to cultivate stillness. This will be followed by a one-hour gentle yoga session to energize your body.
01:00 PM
Matsushima Sightseeing
From day 2 to day 4, you will spend each morning at the serene Saikoji Temple (affiliated with the same Zen sect as Zuiganji Temple) to practice Zen. On day 2 and day 4, you will practice two 20-minute sessions of zazen to cultivate stillness. This will be followed by a one-hour gentle yoga session to energize your body. “We will start our walking tour at a park with a panoramic view of Matsushima. The route will take you to Oshima Island, which was once a training ground for monks. At the end of the tour, you will enjoy a boat trip to see the stunning islands of Matsushima (considered to be one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views). *In mid-April, you can enjoy cherry blossoms at the park (blossoming schedule differs slightly each year).
07:00 PM
Dinner (French)
This restaurant is a local favorite for its authentic French cuisine using the freshest local produce.
Day 3: Profound Exploration
01:30 PM
Entsuin Temple Visit
Nestled along Matsushima’s waterfront, Entsuin Temple honors Mitsumune Date, a promising samurai heir who tragically passed away at age 19. It features beautiful moss gardens, as well as a rock garden representing the islands of Matsushima Bay.
02:30 AM
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. Even today, Zen temples practice a ritual called “sarei” where monks drink a cup of tea together to cultivate a sense of harmony and unity.
06:00 PM
Dinner (Sushi Featuring Local Rice and Fresh Seafood)
Shiogama boasts the highest density of sushi restaurants in Japan, where each establishment serves sushi made with the freshest seafood caught locally, along with rice cultivated in the region. This fusion of local ingredients creates a unique and authentic sushi experience that is rooted deeply in Shiogama’s culinary traditions.
Day 4: Reflecting on Your Zen Journey
09:45 AM
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. This will be followed by a dialogue with the Buddhist priest who has guided you throughout the four-day journey.
12:20 PM
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.
02:30 PM
Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ride to Tokyo
04:10 PM
Arrive at Tokyo Station
Your Tranquwell tour has come to an end. Return home with a renewed sense of self.
Accomodation
Hanagokoro-no-Yu “Shintomitei”
Perched on a hillside with breathtaking views of Matsushima Bay, this ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) offers an authentic experience with its large public and private bath, and its healthy Japanese food.
