Shōganji Zen Retreat

Meditation Retreat & Japanese Cultural Homestay

Shōganji Zen Retreat is a small, modest, rural Zen Buddhist temple currently headed by Rinzai Zen monk, Jiho Kongo. Shōganji opened it’s doors to the public in 2004 in order to allow foreigners to experience authentic Zen temple life in rural Japan. Its a unique homestay experience, and a deep dive into authentic rural Japanese Zen temple life. Tucked away on a mountainside in the tiny village of Ojuki, part of the Saganoseki village cluster, only 30 minutes from Oita city, the temple site itself and some of its artifacts are more than 600 years old, and have been held by the Kongo family for more than 100 years. The temple is considered historically significant in the area.

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.

Please don’t confuse our little retreat with a fancy hotel experience or a glossy, westernized spiritual retreat. Shōganji is the real thing. There might be bugs or dirt, and you are expected to help out. In return, you’ll have one of the most authentic experiences of rural Japan and Zen Buddhist life you could ever imagine.

The informal and relaxed setting, as well as the small number of guests (typically only 4 guests at a time), allow for a uniquely personalized homestay experience. Participate in Japanese cooking, try your hand at calligraphy, explore Zen study and koan, as well as nearby hiking, swimming, “onsen” hot spring bathing visits, gardening, participation in Buddhist festivals, participation in local cultural events, regional sightseeing, and shopping excursions with your host, are just a few of the regular activities offered at the retreat. Guests are strongly encouraged to get involved in on- and off-site activity planning, meals, etc.

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 about 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 centre for various important dates on the Buddhist calendar and Buddhist services.

Our affordable rates include food, lodging, and all on-site activities. 

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 might have the opportunity to visit with local temple members or other Japanese monks. On the other hand, if silence and solitude are golden to you, these desires are easily fulfilled.

The friendly seaside village community of Saganoseki is famous for its 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.

I’m Pierre Black, Zen Retreat’s Online Coordinator. I’m a naturopath and healer, and have spent a total of 3 years living at Shōganji.

I’m always here ‘virtually’ to help you navigate this very special Japanese cultural experience. All questions and booking inquiries can be directed to ShoganjiZenRetreat@gmail.com

Ask me anything. I’m here to help. 🙂

– Pierre Black, Zen Retreat online coordinator

Ask me anything. I’m here to help. 🙂

– Pierre, Zen Retreat online coordinator