Beppu Zen Retreat - live video consultation
Prepare for your stay at Beppu Zen Retreat with a live video consultation with Pierre Black, your online retreat coordinator.
Personalized trip and travel planning.
Answer your questions and concerns about life at the retreat.
Discuss the practicalities and challenges of meditation in English with an experienced meditation practitioner.
Pierre is a naturopath, experienced meditation practitioner, and has spent more than 2 years living at Zen temples in Japan.
"A great experience"
The mediation experience, which included guidance and practice, was the highlight for me. It was complemented by other activities which were of high quality. The latter include calligraphy, tea ceremony, onsen visits, interaction with the local temple community, insightful and fun conversation, and more.I found everything pleasant. No disappointments.Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Thomas Basil from United States
January 12, 2020
They bring you a in a treat you like family.Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Reine Anani from Italy
January 5, 2020
"Amazing experience"
Yodo’s family is just wonderful. It was such a beautiful experience for my first meditation retreat. The warm and kindness of a multigenerational Japanese family, the peace of a beautiful old temple, and the discovery of the very rich Japanese culture and food. Very close to Beppu town for onsen and sand bath experience too.NothingValue for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Anonymous
December 29, 2019
"A spacious stay in Oita with lots of free time"
Beautiful food, very nice host, and an incredible temple to meditate in each morning. This is not luxury living, it is a zen lifestyle. Overall very good value for money.Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Ruchi Rajput from Singapore
December 26, 2019
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Review by Anonymous
December 13, 2019
"Great Experience"
Energies of the place. Friendliness of the environment. QuietnessNothing that i didn’t like but would have liked more meditation time.Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Audrey Delbarre from France
November 20, 2019
"A good way to disconnect"
Yodo and his family are lovely and caring people. Food prepared every day was a feast! Calm and peaceful location with touristic places around.Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Amat Cama from Senegal
November 15, 2019
"A great introduction to Zen Buddhism and Japanese culture"
- Yodo and his family are super nice and welcoming. - You can learn as much about Zen Buddhism as you wish. Yodo is very keen to answer any questions and give advice. - Despite being a Buddhist monk, Yodo also knows about "modern lifestyle" so he is able to give practical advice regarding leading a Zen lifestyle. - Prepare and eat healthy Japanese food. - The house is in a very peaceful town and close enough to a city (Beppu).Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Wieteke Veer from Netherlands
October 26, 2019
"Zen experience"
I had a very good time, learned about zen meditation and zen culture and had also fun doing the activities like the tea ceremony, calligraphy and visit to the Osen. Yodo and his family are very nice and relaxed.The house near the temple was comfortable and the food was amazing! I also liked the small quiet town overlooking the ocean. I will go back if I have the change! Thanks a lotI did not have more time to extend my stay!Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Alban Le Vallois from Hong Kong
October 9, 2019
"Perfect introduction to Zen Buddhism and Japanese culture"
- Truly warm welcoming from Yodo and his whole family. Thank you again for everything - Daily morning meditation - Books provided and recommended by Yodo: great readings really - Times for discussion and introduction of Zen Buddhism - Being taken into a zen-living routine/lifestyle: This taught me much more about how you can actually live a life in zen attitude and habits, and tend to deepen that everyday, without necessarily devoting your entire life to meditation - Introduction to japanese culture through various proposed activies such as visiting onsen, tea ceremony, calligraphy, and how this also echoes with Zen principles - Free time also allowing for self cultivation, reading and discovering the beautiful areaNothing really, excep that it was too short maybe ?Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Doron Baduach from Israel
October 7, 2019
"Wonderful and unique experience in a beautiful location"
We practiced zen and mindfulness through meditation, travel, amazing food and basically through everything we did. It was an inspiring and meaningful experience and I recommend it to anyone who wants to take a deep breath and get a new perspective on life. Thanks Yodo for welcoming me to your wonderful family and home 🙏 I hope to be back soon!Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Anonymous
October 6, 2019
"Authentic experience in Japan "
I had a great experience at Zen Meditationretreat. From the hospitality of the whole family to the amazing food and the authentic way of living in a Japanese village. Even though I had to change my dates Yodo was very cooperative. If you want to experience something special I highly recommend going. Thanks again to Yodo, his wife and his mother!Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Anonymous
September 17, 2019
Possibility to have conversation with Yodo about the meaning of zen ++ and about Japanese culture in general. The food was incredible , and the location really calm. Very relaxing timeMaybe one hour méditation a day is not much , but you can do more on your own and surely ask Yodo for more !Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Elizabeth Martini from Japan
September 16, 2019
"Highly recommended"
This experience exceeded my expectations. Kodo and his family were kind, warm and welcoming, the experience was authentic, and the food was amazing. I agree with all of the previous rave reviews, and would add only a few points: - this was a unique blend of zen meditation practice and Japanese cultural experience, both traditional and contemporary. - Yodo and his family were careful to always provide delicious vegetarian food options for me, even when I was the only vegetarian guest. Thank you to Yodo, Keiko and Michiko for an unforgettable experience!Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Anonymous
September 14, 2019
"👏👏👏"
Being briefly welcomed into Yodo’s family is a special and humbling experience. The food is incredible - from a magical source, I am sure. It’s a lovely and chilled time. The days are kept carefully full but not busy. The temple has a beautiful garden for morning mediation. Yodo’s channels Xenia wholeheartedly with the way he looks after your every need. Thank you!Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Eric Teo from Malaysia
September 11, 2019
"Retreat Away from City"
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Review by Tomm Gleeson from United Kingdom
September 10, 2019
"A Retreat That Felt Like Home. "
From the moment I began correspondence with Yodo, he was very accommodating in everything we discussed. My arrival plans were constantly changing, but he stayed on top of my emails and collected me from the train station at my requested time. I arrived just before lunchtime, and he sat me down with his lovely wife Keiko for a deliciously fresh meal of Udon. From then til now, it has been a beautiful experience overall. The hospitality and geniality shown by Yodo, Keiko and Yodo’s mother has been above an beyond what one could expect. The meditation practise, beginning at 0630 each morning, centres and grounds your day. From then, it is usually followed by a cup of fresh tea prepared by Yodo’s mother Michiko, then a simple breakfast of brown rice porridge and umoboshi plum. The days have been graced by calligraphy lessons, onsen and sand-bath visits, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and a visit to a local bamboo crafts-woman’s store in Beppu. The food has been astoundingly good, with fresh fish and local produce a regular. It is the kind of place I will return to for many years to come, and happily bring my family and friends to share in what is a humble, honest and genuinely striking insight into the lives of Yodo and his family. This is not just a meditation retreat, but a life retreat where you learn how the Zen way extends beyond zazen practise and into the reaches of everyday life. Itatakimasu.I wasn’t disappointed by anything, as I’m not coming here with expectations of pomp or grandeur. However, I think it only fair to state that should you come to this retreat, you too should be prepared for the simple living of a monk. Tatami floors with a futon is subsistent of your room, a simple bath and shower head to bathe in, and a similarly quaint toilet. Everything is clean and functional without excess of luxury, and to be honest, it is more than comfortable. If what you’re after is an authentic experience unclouded by the veils of creature comforts and distractions, in a setting set apart from the busyness of the cities and metropolis, then this is the place. Come with an open mind, leave with a full heart (and belly). Arigato gazaimashita to Yodo and Keiko!Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Nelson Pereira from United States
September 5, 2019
"5 Days of Waking Up"
Yodo was a fantastic host, he went out of his way to make sure I was comfortable and was very knowledgeable about the ways of zen and offered books to help me learn more on my own and was always willing to answer questions. His wife and mother also contributed greatly to my learning about Japanese culture and arts even working through a language barrier; teaching me about Calligraphy and the tea ceremony. The patience of everyone involved and willingness to share Japanese culture made the experience really something that I will remember for the rest of my life.Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Annie Jeffery from United Kingdom
August 17, 2019
"Relaxing retreat and zen/Japan experience"
Yodo and his family were so kind and welcoming and accomodating to everyone's needs/interests. The language barrier was not an issue as while both Yodo and his wife spoke some English, they also had a brilliant hand held translation device! The retreat was very relaxing but with the opportunity to do a range of traditional activities, such as calligraphy and a tea ceremony at very very reasonable cost. The food was amazing. It felt like we had a feast for lunch and dinner. Yodo's wife is an excellent cook! I also had the chance to help with the cooking and so i plan to recreate Japanese food at home. The temple and location are beautiful, with lush countryside and top rated hot spring baths (onsen) nearby that you can visit. Yodo also took us to the summer festival at the nearby town and an earthquake experience machine at the local school. As well as the meditation and teaching of japanese culture and the foundations of zen philosophy, there are also a number of books in English that you can read, and Yodo was always happy to answer any questions. The retreat gave a great insight into japanese culture in a way that you could never experience as a standard tourist. Overall a great way to escape the chaos of everyday life and learn something new in a relaxing place with great food. Very comfortable and clean accomodation also. Thank you Yodo and family for a brilliant time - I hope to visit again on my next trip to Japan :-)Nothing!Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Ian Tighe from Ireland
July 16, 2019
I really appreciated the way I was included in all the day to day activities of the family, the local supporters of the Temple and of temple life. It was a unique insight into Japanese and Zen culture. I would have stayed gladly for another few days. I was treated with great care and attention at all times especially on my birthdayValue for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Fleur Lepoutre from Hong Kong
July 9, 2019
"Perfect to enjoy peace and get to know the Japanese culture"
Yodo was an incredible host, his guest house is nice and peacefull as well as the surrounding village. His family is lovely and his wife's cooking is the very best ! Big thanks to them ! Do not hesitate to go there if you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy an authentic Japanese experience, while learning or improving your meditation skills :-)Nothing!Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Tamar Tishbi from Israel
June 29, 2019
"Unforgettable zen meditation retreat in Toyooka."
Yodo was kind & friendly and took care of us beyond the meditation retreat. He was flexible about changing a little the day schedule and took us to trips outside Toyooka to explore the beautiful area around.Samantha meditation, Calligraphy lessons; Tea ceremony ; friendly atmosphere; Walking in Toyooka and visiting the area around.Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Anonymous
June 14, 2019
"Just what I needed "
The whole experience was just brilliant, Yodo was waiting for me when my train arrived and rushed to help with my bags. He then drove me to the guest house and cooked a meal. All the food was delicious and home cooked, this really is a taste of living in Japan. The Meditation sessions are perfect although the first outdoor one I had to conquer my inner zen as I had a bee buzzing around. Tea with Yodo’s mother is an absolute treat and then breakfast. The morning work is very easy and more tea. Lots of relaxation time if you want or Yodo will drive you to the local Onsen’s, Sand Bath (very hot!) Volcano and hiking. The little town is worth walking around very pretty and abundant with flowering Hydrengea’s. I slept soundly and after the first morning my ankles and hips got used to sitting. I highly recommend this retreat Yodo and his forever smiling wife Keiko make you feel part of the family! Thank you Yodo, Keiko & Michiko - Yodo’s mother, a Professor of Tea CeremonyNothingValue for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Vanara Ung from United States
May 16, 2019
"A beautiful Japanese experience"
This experience was beyond my expectations. I sat down with locals who were visiting the temple and have tea with them regardless of language barrier, experienced prayer ceremonies, sat in on a tea ceremony, and explored Oita and neighboring towns. Yodo and his family are extremely kind, it didn’t only feel like a zen meditation retreat, but like a homestay. Meals are home cooked, plentiful, and delicious. I always stayed full. The dishes are far better than any Japanese restaurant I've tried in the USA. It was also very nice to help prepare meals sometimes with Yodo’s wife, who's always smiling and laughing. The small town of Oita is a peaceful place to relax and experience traditional Japanese culture. Just outside of the temple and the guesthouse are beautiful views of the ocean, the mountains, gardens and small farmlands as well as Japanese architecture homes. During free time, just walking in the neighborhood is site-seeing; a few steps away are small rice field, plenty of wild flower gardens, and a short walk to the ocean. Many say that Japan is an expensive country to visit, but the price of this experience at Yodo’s temple and guesthouse is a huge bargain. I traveled solo(female) to the retreat and missed my bus stop by a few stops; Yodo told me to wait there and picked me up. If there are any hesitation on booking this retreat, put it aside, you will be taken care of. Your stay will also help support maintaining the 650+ year old temple. I hope to return soon.Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Anonymous
April 25, 2019
"Excellent Retreat for Stressed out Corporate Folks"
I am a finance professional that has been working a high-stress job for many years without a vacation. Spending a week with Yodo and his family and meditating with at his temple was a god send for my physical and mental well-being. From early morning guided meditation sessions, to freshly home-cooked Japanese meals, to calligraphy classes and tea ceremonies, this retreat affords the opportunity to really get away from it all and immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture. I want to especially highlight the kindness and expertise of Yodo, a trained Zen priest. I was interested in exploring meditation and learning more about eastern philosophy as it pertains to stress management. I fondly remember sitting with Yodo at his kitchen table, communicating over a Google Translate application over the finer points of zen meditation and inner peace. Yodo is a kind, patient, knowledgeable teacher, and even after the retreat I'm applying many of his lessons to my every day life.If you book this retreat, please be aware that this is not a luxury hotel but rather an authentic rural Japanese experience. The room consists of a straw mattress and a cabinet. This is a place to get away from the hustle bustle of corporate / city life and recharge spiritually, not a high-tech resort. As long as you go in with proper expectations on what this is and is not, I'm confident you'll very much enjoy the experience and come out of it with a healthier and expanded mindset.Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Kim Ter Hedde from Japan
April 24, 2019
"The real Japan"
I really felt at home at the guesthouse. I enjoyed learning about Japanse culturele and Zen meditation. Yodo is an excellent host. He took me to the onsen and all the other activities like a nice concert in the temple and a prayer for the deceased at the peoples home. Also the calligraphy lesson bij Keiko was very nice. It was an experience I will never forget and I'm very thankful for having been a part of the Kono family for a few days.Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression
Review by Anonymous
April 15, 2019
"Excellent Experience in Oita"
Yodo and his family are very kind and accommodating. I came to Japan for two weeks and my trip to Oita was the highlight of my trip. We conducted Zen meditation in the morning, did temple work, and then explored southern Japan in the afternoon. If you are looking for a get-away from crazy city living, this experience allows you experience beautiful scenery and quiet. It is located in Hiji Town, next to Beppu and Oita (hosting the Rugby World Cup this year). Come with a clear expectation of what you want and Yodo will make that happen. I emphasize that this experience will be what you want it to be. The food was cooked by Yodo's wife and it was absolutely amazing. Authentic, healthy Japanese food and they will accommodate your eating preferences as they did for me. I highly recommend this retreat, as a solo-traveler and as a group as well.Value for moneyAccommodation & facilitiesFoodLocationQuality of activityOverall impression