Summary
This six-day retreat at Kakurinbo offers a harmonious blend of wellness, spirituality, and traditional Japanese culture in a serene temple setting.
Each day begins with morning prayers and yoga sessions, fostering a sense of mindfulness and connection to the present moment.
Guests can also participate in meditation sessions designed to promote inner peace and relaxation.
Throughout the program, participants immerse themselves in various cultural experiences, such as calligraphy workshops, tea ceremonies, Sutra, and making Inari Sushi. These activities provide a unique opportunity to explore the rich traditions of Japanese spirituality and art.
In addition to cultural and meditative practices, the program includes a guided hiking experience around the picturesque Mt. Minobu area, allowing guests to connect with nature and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Each day is complemented by meals featuring traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine that emphasizes simplicity and nourishment.
This retreat offers a well-rounded experience, blending physical, spiritual, and cultural elements to create a truly enriching and rejuvenating journey for participants.
Description
This program at Kakurinbo offers a six-day wellness retreat combining spiritual, cultural, and physical experiences. Highlights include:
Daily Mindfulness Practices:
- Morning service and yoga sessions to start the day with spiritual focus and physical well-being.
- Meditation sessions for mental clarity and inner peace.
Cultural Immersion:
- Calligraphy (書道体験) to engage in mindful artistic expression.
- Tea ceremony (茶道体験) for an authentic experience of Japanese tradition and mindfulness.
- Sutra (写経) to connect with Buddhist teachings through focused writing
- Inari Sushi Making (お稲荷さん作り体験) is a hands-on activity where participants learn to prepare traditional inari sushi, consisting of vinegared rice wrapped in sweet marinated tofu pouches.
.Cultural Performances:
Gagaku:
A traditional form of Japanese court music, gagaku features slow, stately melodies played with instruments like the shō (mouth organ), hōgaku (Japanese wind instruments), and koto (stringed instrument).
It has a rich history and is often performed at imperial and Shinto ceremonies, evoking a sense of solemnity and elegance.
Noh:
A classical Japanese theatrical art form that combines singing, dancing, and acting, typically performed with masks.
It is known for its slow, stylized movements, deep symbolism, and minimalist staging, often telling stories of historical figures, spirits, or gods.
Taiko:
Refers to the powerful and energetic performance of Japanese drumming. Taiko drummers use large drums to create rhythmic, dynamic performances, often accompanied by synchronized movements, and is used in festivals, rituals, and modern performances to express both energy and emotion.
Nature Exploration
Guided hiking around Mt. Minobu, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful connection to nature.
Nourishing Buddhist Cuisine
Traditional Buddhist vegetarian meals (精進料理) that emphasize balance, simplicity, and nourishment for the body and mind.
Holistic Well-Being:
A balance of structured activities and free time, allowing for relaxation, reflection, and personal growth in a serene temple environment.
This retreat provides a perfect combination of physical wellness, cultural enrichment, and spiritual growth, all set in a peaceful and restorative atmosphere.
Program
6 Days Wellness Retreat Itinerary
Day 1
Afternoon~Evening
- Arrival & Check-in
- Guidance
- Free Time
- Dinner
- Meditation or Yoga
Day 2
Morning
- Morning Temple Service
- Morning Yoga
- Breakfast
- Free Time
Afternoon~Evening
- Temple Yoga
- Dinner
- Calligraphy Experience
- Meditation
Day 3
Morning
- Morning Temple Service
- Morning Yoga
- Breakfast
- Making Inari Sushi
Afternoon~Evening
- Guided Minobu Mountain Tour
- Dinner
- Sutra・Meditation
Day 4
Morning
- Morning Temple Service
- Morning Yoga
- Breakfast
- Free Time
Afternoon~Evening
- Walking in the town
- Temple Yoga
- Dinner
- Meditation
Day 5
Morning
- Morning Temple Service
- Morning Yoga
- Breakfast
- Free Time
Afternoon~Evening
- Tea Ceremony Experience
- Temple Yoga
- Dinner
- Meditation
Day 6
Morning
- Morning Temple Service
- Morning Yoga
- Breakfast
- Check-out
Notes:
- All meals are specially prepared Shojin Ryori (traditional vegetarian temple cuisine).
- Activities include cultural experiences such as calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and mountain hiking.
- Designed for relaxation, mindfulness, and connection with nature.
Food
Kakurinbo takes pride in its yuba dishes, creatively prepared in various ways as part of their vegetarian cuisine.
These dishes pair excellently with Koshu wine from Yamanashi, renowned for its compatibility with Japanese cuisine, including tempura and simmered dishes.
A wine tasting plan is available, allowing guests to enjoy a selection of Koshu wines (take note that it is not included in the package, additional payment required).
