hōganji Zen Retreat opened it’s doors to the public in 2004 in order to allow foreigners to experience authentic Zen temple life in Japan. The modest Shōganji temple is located in the tiny village of Ojuki, part of the Saganoseki village cluster, only 30 minutes from Oita city. The temple site itself is more than 600 years old, and has been held by the Kongo family for more than 100 years. It is currently headed by Jiho Kongo.

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Simplicity, authenticity, and quiet beauty best describe Shōganji. It is a way of life, rich in spirit and culture. Surrounded by beautiful bamboo forest and only a 5 minute walk from the beach, this idyllic location is the perfect setting to meditate, study Zen, or just experience traditional Japanese village life.

The informal and relaxed setting, as well as the small number of guests, allow for a uniquely personalized experience. Japanese cooking lessons, Japanese calligraphy, Zen study and koan, green tea ceremony, hiking, swimming, “onsen” hotspring bathing visits, sightseeing and shopping excursions are just a few of the regular activities offered at the retreat.

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The friendly seaside village community of Saganoseki is famous for it’s fishing, as well as it’s rice fields and speciality citrus groves, all stretched between lush scenic mountainsides. The peaceful location is ideal for long mountain hikes, endless beach-combing, or simply enjoying a slower pace of life. In the warmest months from May to September the beach is perfect for swimming. The region also features numerous onsen hot springs, with the highest concentration of natural hot springs in all of Japan in nearby Beppu.

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Shōganji is deeply tied to the local community and hosts both Japanese and foreign guests. A small number of guests is always our preference – allowing us to maintain a relaxed and intimate retreat environment most days of the year (with the exception of a few major Buddhist festival days). You will most likely have to opportunity to visit with local temple members, other Japanese monks, or perhaps the odd foreigner teaching English at the local elementary school. On the other hand, if silence and solitude are golden to you, these requests are easily fulfilled. image

Shoganji is not a hotel or hostel. It is a very special homestay experience with a unique and engaged host; an experience offering immersion access deep into a part of Japanese culture rarely experienced by foreigners.

Shoganji is not a monastery. It is, rather, a fully functional Zen Buddhist temple serving 70 families in the area. It has only one full time monk (Jiho Kongo). It’s pretty quiet most days, but regularly serves as a community center for various important dates on the Buddhist calendar and Buddhist services.

OUR AFFORDABLE RATES include FOOD, LODGING, and all on-site activities. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and those in need. (Discounts are determined on a case by case basis.)

The facilities and general living experience at Shōganji Zen Retreat are best compared, by western standards, to homestay in a very large well equipped cottage. There is a quaint and cozy rustic feel and aromas of wood and tatami.

The property features a large vegetable garden, a small citrus orchard, and persimmon trees, all surrounded by lush mountain bamboo forest. Most areas on the property are freely accessible most of the time. You can almost always find quiet and solitude, or pleasant company, somewhere on the property at any given time. The number of guests is intentionally kept small for a more personal and relaxed experience… and so that everyone fits in the monks car for excursions!

Shōganji Zen Retreat

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