Wild Zen

Zen Meditation and Outdoor Adventure Retreat (2-Nights)

In this unique Zen & outdoor adventure combo, you’ll stay in a historical temple to learn about Zen and also go on experiences in nature.

Guide

ABOUT

This special plan combines outdoor nature activities with an authentic Zen meditation experience. Stay at Hikone Seiryo-ji Temple, an ancient Zen temple where the great Zen master Ii Naosuke visited, and experience authentic Zen meditation. We will also go on outdoor adventures. In the spring and summer there is river climbing and canyoning, while in the autumn and winter we will go on a hiking adventure to the highest peak in Shiga prefecture, Mt. Ibuki. This unique experience will give you a deeper understanding of the meaning of nature and your connection to it. Note: 1-night and 2-night versions of this tour are available.

Itinerary

Day 1

13:00	Meet at West Exit of Hikone Station
14:00	Orientation
15:00	Zen Meditation and Dharma talk
16:00	Seishin ryori tutorial (Buddhist vegetarian cooking)
17:00	Dinner
19:00	Zen Meditation and Dharma talk
20:00	Explanation of the next day’s adventure
21:00	Bathing time
22:00	Bedtime (lights out)

Day 2

06:00	Wake up
06:30	Yoga
07:30	Breakfast
08:00	Depart for the outdoor adventure
15:00	End of adventure, bathing time
17:00	Return to Seiryo-ji Temple
18:00	Dinner
19:00	Zen Meditation and Dharma talk
20:00	Tea ceremony
22:00	Bedtime (lights out)

Day 3

05:00	Wake up
05:30	Zen Meditation
06:30	Buddhist Morning service & chant
07:30	Breakfast
08:00	Samu (cleaning of the temple grounds and hall)
10:00	Tea Ceremony
12:00	Dismissal at Hikone Station

Requirements

Open to junior high school students and above.

Equipment

Rental equipment: wetsuits, stream shoes, helmets, harnesses, life jackets, gloves. Please bring the following for river climbing and canyoning: swimsuit to wear under wetsuit, change of clothes, towel, beverages, and high calorie snacks. Please bring the following for hiking: Hiking shoes (trekking shoes), backpack (around 30L size), rainwear (separate top and bottom), warm clothing (down jacket, etc.), appropriate hiking clothing (non-cotton underwear, fleece jacket etc.), gloves, hat, beverages, and high calorie snacks. Lunch during the adventure will be purchased en route.

Facilities

• Please follow the guide’s instructions regarding activities during the experience and the use of climbing equipment.
• The temple where you will be staying is a very valuable historical building. Please do not touch the facilities or equipment without permission.
• Please follow the instructions of the monks at the temples.
• If you are coming to the meeting place by car, please make sure you can find a parking spot.
• It is also possible to drive to Seiryo-ji Temple (please contact us in advance).
• Free parking available in the precincts of Seiryo-ji Temple (approx. 30 spaces)

Access info

From Tokyo or Nagoya: – Take Shinkansen to Maibara – From Maibara, transfer to JR Biwako Line and get off at Hikone Station. From Osaka or Kyoto: – Get off at JR Biwako Hikone Station By car to Seiryo-ji Temple – About 10 minutes from Hikone IC of Meishin Expressway