Tohoku – Spring 2025

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 lunch, savoring the delicate and colorful Buddhist cuisine served in a historic Japanese building.

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.

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.

Dinner (Traditional Kaiseki)

Enjoy a dinner of Kaiseki-ryori (Japanese haute cuisine) at the hotel.

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.

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)."

Dinner (French)

This restaurant is a local favorite for its authentic French cuisine using the freshest local produce.

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.

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.

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.

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

Your Tranquwell tour has come to an end. Return home with a renewed sense of self.