Pierre Black

Shōganji Zen Retreat - Authentic Zen Temple Life in Rural Japan…

Ongoing. Now accepting bookings.

“I have spent 3 years of my life living at Shōganji. Rustic, quirky, and the embodiment of ‘wabi-sabi’, Shōganji is a hidden gem off the tourist trail. I now understand the meaning of the term ‘spiritual home’ – Shōganji is that for me.”
- Pierre Black

In 2006 when I first visited Shōganji Zen Retreat, I had no idea of the bond that would develop and the experiences that were to come.  

Since that initial visit, I have now spent 3 years of my life living and working (and of course meditating) at the retreat. 

Shōganji Zen Retreat is a 600 year old Zen Buddhist temple serving an ellipsis of tiny fishing villages that spackle the Saganoseki peninsula just east of the city of Oita, in southern Japan.  Shōganji receives a small number of foreign guests who are interested in experiencing traditional Zen meditation and authentic temple life in rural Japan. 

Jiho Kongo, the only full time monk, is an 'international soul' with strong Japanese roots and palpable dedication to his guests. He's eccentric and full of surprises, and his attention as your host is absolutely pivotal to the special experience Shōganji offers. As a Zen teacher, Jiho is not likely to satisfy the modern seeker's addicted proclivity toward incessant mental chatter and intellectualizing. Rather, he teaches through presence, action, and service to others; a living embodiment of Zen that includes humor, imperfection, and humility.

In 2010, I took full time responsibility for the retreat's online presence and guest bookings with the mandate to increase the number of foreign visitors, while keeping the experience intimate and authentic. 

Shōganji Zen Retreat is a hidden gem, off the tourist trail, and a rare opportunity for deep immersion into some less accessible aspects of Japanese culture. It is my great pleasure to facilitate this unique life experience for guests from all over the world. My own time at Shōganji has been life changing. I now understand the meaning of the term ‘spiritual home’ – Shōganji is that for me.     – Pierre Black

Beppu Zen Retreat - Zen Temple & Meditation Homestay…

Ongoing. Now accepting bookings.

Yodo and his family offer warm and personal Japanese hospitality, incredible food; and a practical, useful approach to Zen teachings. Here, you feel like part of the family.
- Pierre Black

Open year-round and hosting only 3 - 6 guests at a time Beppu Zen Retreat welcomes you to the family! Offering a kind, gentle, and practical introduction to Zen meditation and the Zen Buddhist lifestyle. Zen Buddhist monk Yodo Kono and his family offer you a remarkable immersive experience in Japanese culture, food, and the Zen way of life.

The small number of guests keeps this homestay experience personal and intimate. Delicious home cooked Japanese meals are one of the highlights. A wonderful place to rest and regenerate, participate in the local Zen temple community, and experience Japanese Zen lifestyle, Beppu Zen Retreat provides an authentic Zen experience with a personal and compassionate touch.

Beppu Zen Retreat is perfectly situated for exploration of Beppu itself as well as the surrounding region. Located in quiet Hiji town, just 10 minutes outside Beppu city, guests are very well connected for easy self-exploration, be it an easy afternoon outing or full day trip. The immediate vicinity is a fantastic location for hiking or cycling at any skill level, and the retreat even provides free bicycles to guests! Beppu city itself is perhaps most famous for its many “Onsen” (natural volcanic hot spring bathhouses), and boasts the highest concentration of natural volcanic onsen in all of Japan. Nearby towns of special interest also include Yufuin, Usuki, Saganoseki, and others. Learn more about the area here.