The Retreat

Zen Retreat was established two years ago as a spiritual centre for westerners who are interested in experiencing monastic life in Japan. It is located at Syoganji, a small temple in Saganoseki on Kyushu Island. More than 600 years old, Syoganji has been held in the Kongo family for over 100 years and is currently headed by Jiho Kongo. Surrounded by beautiful bamboo forests and a ten minute walk from the beach this intimate monastery is an ideal place for studying Zen.

The concept of Zen Retreat was created through the collaborative efforts of Jiho Kongo and myself, Willow Verkerk. Jiho has traveled extensively teaching Zen philosophy and meditation in North America and Europe. He is now interested in bringing students to Japan. After I visited Japan for the third time two years ago, Jiho expressed an interest in having more westerners stay at his temple. Sharing Syoganji with my friends and family has been magical and I look forward to introducing others to the experience.

Simplicity, authenticity and quiet beauty describe Syoganji. It is a way of life, rich in spirit and culture. Jiho offers Japanese cooking lessons, mountain hikes and hot spring excursions. Any other cultural interests such as the green tea ceremony or Japanese language lessons are also available.

The seaside village community of Saganoseki is friendly. Jiho has many visitors and there is ample opportunity to visit with other monks, temple members and even the odd foreigner teaching English at the local high school. On the other hand, if silence and solitude are golden to you, this request is easily fulfilled. With rice fields and lush mountainsides, the peaceful location is excellent for long mountain walks or beautiful runs near the ocean. During the months of May to September the temperature rises and the water is perfect for swimming. There are numerous hot springs all around with the largest concentration of hot springs in Japan close by in Bepu.

Syoganji is my second home—it offers a restorative vacation for the body and mind. It is off the beaten track, a wonderful discovery in Japanese culture and the Zen way of life.