Shōganji Zen Retreat

Experience authentic Zen temple life in rural Japan

Things to Do in the Area

Friends from the village with an arrangement of spring flowers
Friends from the village with spring flowers

Here is a superb link on things to do in the broader Oita region.

   

Our own notes on things to do near the retreat…

This is a casual list and description of sites and attractions of interest within a few minutes of the retreat. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list, and the details may be subject to change over time. Please feel free to help us expand the scope and accuracy of this list by making requests, corrections, or even writing your own review of and guide to a particular site that may be of interest to other guests.  Enjoy! Very Near the Retreat: Ōjuki, Kōjuki, the beach, and the boardwalk… Shōganji Zen Retreat is located in tiny Ōjuki Village, part of the fishing village cluster called Saganoseki.  The next village to the east is Kōjuki, taking one of the tunnels through the mountain. Kōjuki, next village to the east… Explore the walkable nearby aspects of the Saganoseki village cluster.  Take the tunnel into the next village over, Kōjuki.
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Walking west along the ocean…
Walk west toward Kōzaki station (about an hour if you go all the way) and follow the boardwalk. It’s a lovely walk and you will find little curiosities along the way.  The walking route is a bit tricky; do not stay on the road all the way, find the walking path that diverges from the road on the inland side of the main road.
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Saganoseki proper…
Saganoseki is the largest town in a cluster of fishing villages which is also colloquially referred to as Saganoseki.  So “Saganoseki” can refer to the clump of towns and villages east of the city of Oita, or to the specific town located at the end of the peninsula. There is a lot of fishing activity here and a little basic shopping.  Notable attractions include a seaside recreational park and garden and a world-class telescope observatory.  The park is around the observatory, and while not very good for swimming, it offers excellent walking opportunities, ocean views, and a very nice restaurant.
Further afield: for Oita city, Beppu, Yufuin, Usuki and our recommended onsen, see Explore the Region.