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Nagano Zen Kokyū Retreat (January 2026)

Nagano Zen Kokyū Retreat (January 2026)

$1,500.00

Reawaken your breath, body, and spirit in the heart of winter.

New Year is a special season in Japan. It's when you can feel the true essence of Japanese culture at its peak, and the perfect timing to begin your new journey at the start of 2026.

This January, join Yuki Shiina for a special 5-day Zen Kokyū Retreat in Bessho Onsen, Ueda, Nagano, a serene mountain town known as one of Japan’s oldest hot spring regions.

Over five days, you'll immerse yourself in the Zen Breathing Method while experiencing traditional Japanese New Year customs, and leave certified as a Zen Kokyū Monitor.

All participants receive ¥40,000 cash at the beginning of the retreat to use in Bessho Onsen.

 

Retreat Highlights:

  • 🌅 Daily Zen Breathing Practice with Yuki Shiina — Learn how posture creates breath, and how breath creates calm

  • 🥣 Traditional Mochi Pounding Ceremony — Experience an ancient New Year custom using hand-harvested, chemical-free glutinous rice

  • 🍶 Artisan Miso-Making — Create your own miso to take home in a cedar box, a tradition once practised in every Japanese household

  • 🌸 Kōdō Temple Experience — Create your own incense bag at a Zen temple (small fee applies: $100 USD)

  • ♨️ Unlimited Hot Spring Access — Three natural onsen to restore body and mind

  • 🍚 Traditional Japanese Breakfasts — 4 shojin-style vegan breakfasts featuring Yuki's own rice and miso, plus 1 special soba kaiseki dinner. (Lunch and dinner spots available near the guesthouse)

  • 🚗 Ground Transportation Included — Round-trip from Ueda Station (90 min from Tokyo via Shinkansen)

 

Location:
Earthworks Gallery, Bessho Onsen, Ueda, Nagano

Dates:
🗓 January 13–17, 2026 (5 days, 4 nights)

Capacity:
6 participants only (4 in shared rooms, 2 single rooms)

Accommodation:
Twin room (shared) by default
Optional: Single room upgrade available 

Participation Fee:
💴 USD 1,500
JPY ¥40,000 cashback given at the beginning of the event
Single Room Upgrade: +USD $300 (limited to 2 participants)

Meals: Daily shojin vegan breakfast with Yuki's rice and miso + 1 special soba kaiseki dinner included. Lunch and dinner options are available at nearby restaurants.

 

A retreat for renewal through breath, stillness, and tradition.
Join us in welcoming the New Year the Zen way.