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Shōganji Zen Retreat

Japan
Buddhist - Zen
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Amenities

Bathroom essentialsBreakfast includedInternetLunch includedMeditation Classes

Description of the Retreat

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!

Teacher/Teachings

Jiho Kongo has an extensive and diverse background in Rinzai Buddhism. Born the eldest son of a Rinzai Zen family, Jiho inherited the responsibility of a monastic life. His first period of monastic practice after the completion of university was at Japan’s strictest and most difficult monastery, Shogenji, in Gifu Prefecture. imageSince then he has practiced at Kyoto’s Myoshinji and Empukuki, Bairinji, in Fukuoka Prefecture, and Manjuji in Oita. Traveling to different monasteries has allowed Jiho to meet many Zen masters. In doing so he has broadened his knowledge of and perspective on Buddhism. Jiho has also traveled abroad with the hope of learning about other ways of life and cultures, in turn passing on his experience as a Buddhist. He taught Zen in Victoria, Canada where he lived for two years. He has also visited Australia, England, China, Taiwan, India and Tibet. Jiho’s unique experience in both Japan and abroad, has allowed him to develop a deep humility from which he passes on his teachings. His dedication to spiritual evolution is communicated by his commitment to not only teach, but also to learn from his students.

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Shōganji Zen Retreat

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    Practical Information

    Q: Why do we require a 3 day minimum stay?

    A: Most of our guests stay a week or more in order to have 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 our Zen Retreat. We make an exception for those who have stayed with us previously, you are welcome for shorter stays upon request.

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    Q: Do I need to speak any Japanese to attend the retreat?

    A: No. Your host, Jiho, speaks 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. If you are expecting advanced cultural, scientific, or philosophical discourse in English, however, you may be disappointed. This level of communication would need to happen in Japanese.

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    Q: When is your check in and check out time?

    A: Its essential that you organize your travel around our very liberal Checkin/Checkout times: 8:00am – 10pm/22:00. We ask that you do not arrive for checkin or call for pickup before 8am or after 10pm. Please organize your travel accordingly, and please don’t ask us if you can extend these times. These are strict limits at the retreat because we are either sleeping or meditating during these times. please respect this. Apart from this, there is no strict check in or checkout time, although we ask that you show courtesy and consideration to other guests on your arrival and departure day. It is possible that you will not have access to your room if you check in in the earlier part of the day. You will however, have access to the entire retreat so it will be easy to have a bath, a nap, or almost anything else you might like to do before you get access to your room.

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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 four 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, fees discussed or outlined on our website are always per person, not per room.
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    Q: How much do off-site excursions usually cost?

    A: You should expect to pay your own part of off-site excursion expenses. Decisions regarding day trips or overnight excursions are normally made with the interests and preferences of all guests considered. There is no fixed cost, and there is no standard excursion. You are also permitted to opt out of any excursion and remain at the retreat. In this case you will be responsible for your own meal preparation, however. If the excursion is overnight, there will be no morning meditation at the retreat.

    Jiho does not generally charge extra for taking guests on excursions. He enjoys spending time with his guests, and regular outings in the car are something he considers part of the package. That said, there are usually some destination costs involved in excursions, and your should expect to pay your own part, at minimum.
    Remember; the retreat is a temple, Jiho is a monk, and the “business model” is a spiritual one, not a commercial one. He tends toward extreme generosity. Behave accordingly. Show generosity in return.
    A few tips on how to approach all this:
    If you take a longer trip, it is strongly encouraged that you contribute to fuel costs, but Jiho will probably not ask for it. Either pay for your part of the cost of any one excursion, or reciprocate the way you would with a friend (for example if he drives you 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 overnight stays at ryokans, karaoke, higher end restaurants, etc; ask Jiho for your expected costs in advance.
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    Q: Do I have to bring my own towels and bed linens?

    A: No. The retreat provides towels, sheets, blankets, etc to guests.

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    Q: 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. We suggest that if you need to exchange foreign currency, that you do so in Oita or Fukuoka, not at a smaller bank near the retreat. You will get much better/faster service.

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    Q: Where can I obtain Japanese Yen to make payment for my stay?

    A: “International” ATMs can be found at Post offices and some other locations, where you can easily use most foreign debit cards and major credit cards to withdraw Japanese currency. Jiho can easily drive you to one of these machines if necessary. For stays of more than a few days, please take your daily or weekly withdrawal limits into account when planning your payment(s).

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    Q: Why do you prefer payments in cash (Japanese Yen)?

    A: Two reasons: 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.

    Our sole option to receive electronic payments is through AirBnB.com. Increased costs are reflected, however. Our listings can be found here:https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/1471455 and https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/494836

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    Q: What if I absolutely need to make payment for my stay in advance; electronically, or by credit card?

    A: We understand that electronic prepayment may sometimes be preferred or required. Our sole option to receive electronic payments is through AirBnB.com. Increased costs are reflected, however. Our listings can be found here:https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/1471455 and https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/494836.

    Alternately, we could accept and international money order or certified cheque, but these forms of payment must be completely cleared by the source financial institution before your stay begins.

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    Q: 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. We do have a few suggestions, however, to improve your comfort and enjoyment during your stay. Loose, comfortable clothing is suggested for meditation. If its during the cooler 9 months of the year, you will want WARM, loose, comfortable clothing for both meditation and sleeping. Japanese temples are not well insulated! Expect it to get chilly at night and early in the morning. 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 Jiho might suggest. See the section “Taste the Season” at the bottom of the Booking Your Stay page. Take special note of the temperatures in the winter and the summer. Its important to come prepared.

    Timetable

    Morning meditation is strongly encouraged for all guests. This follows the basic principle behind the existence of Zen Retreat and also fosters a sense of community and shared experience among guests. Beginners and experienced meditators are all welcome, and while traditional Zen sitting-meditation form is encouraged, it is not required. Meditation is truly for everyone, and we follow a “just try it” philosophy here at Shōganji.

    All are welcome. Your experience here can be as strict or as relaxed as you like depending on your needs and interests. Some guests simply want to try meditation and take some time to rejuvenate and experience the magic of Japan in a unique setting. Others may wish to delve deeper into Zen tradition and possibly even add some monastic elements to their stay. (Koan, fasting, extended meditations, calligraphy, Zen studies, and more…)

    Meals are informal, communal, and your contribution to menu design and food preparation are always welcome. Please be sure to inform us of any special dietary requirements or preferences you have – most can be accommodated.

    SCHEDULE:

    We strongly recommend not having any strong caffeinated beverages or any food until after meditation.

    -5:30
    Wake up. Morning service & chanting in the main hall, optional attendance. (…but definitely worth experiencing!)

    -6:00
    Zazen – sitting meditation 60 minutes. (strongly encouraged for all guests) Form and duration of meditation is flexible and accommodating. Our approach is “just try it” and we welcome all levels of 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 traditional cross-legged sitting form, we have numerous cushion options, stools, chairs, and a couch available to you.

    -7:00/7:30
    Personal time (bathing, reading, rest, etc.) NO breakfast is encouraged based on the NISHI HEALTH SYSTEM. Alternately a light breakfast such as fruit and tea is an option.

    -8:00
    “Samu” – (optional) gardening, temple maintenance, food preparation, etc. Traditionally this is slow, quiet, meditative “help around the temple” and typically is part of monastic life in Japan.

    -10:00
    Free time, or additional meditation time if desired. Also, preparation for lunch.

    -11:30
    Lunch – your participation is encouraged and appreciated. Learn some Japanese cooking tips or pick some fresh items from the garden. And, please, help out with the dishes at the end of the meal!

    AFTERNOONS are flexible and unscheduled but may include sightseeing, shopping, walks, runs, Yoga, swimming, other exercise, Tai Chi, trips into nearby towns, visits to area Onsens (hot-spring bathing), additional meditation/Zen teaching, and more. Jiho is a very engaged host, open to suggestions, and wants you to get the most out of your time here. Excursions by car with Jiho are common.

    17:30 Dinner – once again, your participation is encouraged and appreciated.

    Special Activities:

    – Supervised fasting is an option offered at Zen Retreat but is best done with the participation of all guests. Please ask if you are interested.

    – On request, at additional cost, off-site overnight stays can be arranged in places of special interest such as Ryokan visits.

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