5-Day Customizable Temple Stay with Zen Meditation & Cultural Experiences in Nachi-Katsuura, Japan - Daitaiji Temple Hotel
5-Day Customizable Temple Stay with Zen Meditation & Cultural Experiences in Nachi-Katsuura, Japan - Daitaiji Temple Hotel
775 Shimowada, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-5148, Japan
Up to 20 in group
July 11 - 15, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Daily monk-led Zen meditation sessions in English
- 4 nights accommodation at a cozy temple hotel
- Easy access to UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Unique cultural experiences within the temple
- Local excursions: tuna auction, waterfalls, and more
- Peaceful and functional workspace inside the temple
- Access to nearby coworking spaces
- Self-guided Zazen (Zen meditation) also available anytime
- On-demand guidance and support from Zen master Nishiyama throughout your stay
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Tomi is the head monk of Daitaiji Temple in Nachikatsuura, a peaceful town in Wakayama, Japan. Although born into a temple family, he first worked in Tokyo as a junior high school teacher. After a major flood struck his hometown, he returned to take on the role of monk and help rebuild the community.
Since then, Tomi has opened the temple to travelers through temple stays, a riverside campsite, and RV parking. With a background as a DJ and a love for jazz, he brings creativity and openness to temple life. His goal is to make the temple a place where anyone can feel relaxed and inspired.
Details of this retreat
Step into a slower, more intentional rhythm of life at Daitaiji, a 1,200-year-old Zen temple nestled in the serene mountains of Nachi-Katsuura, Wakayama.
This 5-day retreat blends deep spiritual practice with cultural immersion, guided by resident Zen master and former Tokyo schoolteacher, Nishiyama-san.
Each morning begins with peaceful monk-led Zazen meditation, with optional early chanting and sutra copying — helping you ground your mind and reconnect with your inner self. You’ll also have access to self-guided Zazen anytime, and receive gentle, on-demand support from Nishiyama throughout your stay.
This retreat is highly customizable, with cultural workshops such as sushi-making, calligraphy, or dressing in traditional Heian-period robes for a mindful walk along the sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additional unique add-ons include temple stamp making, a tuna cutting show and dinner, BBQ, and more.
Your stay includes 4 nights of accommodation at a cozy temple lodge, blending historical charm with simple modern comfort. A welcome dinner is provided on the first night. Other meals — including breakfast and dinner — can be arranged upon request, or you can explore several nearby cafés and restaurants. A shared kitchen is also available.
During your free time, relax in the peaceful temple gardens, soak in the Zen Riverside Sauna, visit Nachi Falls (Japan’s tallest waterfall), or experience the lively local tuna market. Remote workers are welcome — full Wi-Fi is available in the temple, and quiet workspaces are open during the day.
Rental cars and bicycles are also available if you’d like to explore nearby hot springs, local festivals, fireworks shows, and other hidden gems around the Kumano region.
Whether you're here to meditate, explore, work remotely, or just rest, this retreat offers a flexible environment to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
If you'd like to extend your stay beyond the 5 days, just let us know — we’re happy to accommodate.
This 5-day retreat blends deep spiritual practice with cultural immersion, guided by resident Zen master and former Tokyo schoolteacher, Nishiyama-san.
Each morning begins with peaceful monk-led Zazen meditation, with optional early chanting and sutra copying — helping you ground your mind and reconnect with your inner self. You’ll also have access to self-guided Zazen anytime, and receive gentle, on-demand support from Nishiyama throughout your stay.
This retreat is highly customizable, with cultural workshops such as sushi-making, calligraphy, or dressing in traditional Heian-period robes for a mindful walk along the sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additional unique add-ons include temple stamp making, a tuna cutting show and dinner, BBQ, and more.
Your stay includes 4 nights of accommodation at a cozy temple lodge, blending historical charm with simple modern comfort. A welcome dinner is provided on the first night. Other meals — including breakfast and dinner — can be arranged upon request, or you can explore several nearby cafés and restaurants. A shared kitchen is also available.
During your free time, relax in the peaceful temple gardens, soak in the Zen Riverside Sauna, visit Nachi Falls (Japan’s tallest waterfall), or experience the lively local tuna market. Remote workers are welcome — full Wi-Fi is available in the temple, and quiet workspaces are open during the day.
Rental cars and bicycles are also available if you’d like to explore nearby hot springs, local festivals, fireworks shows, and other hidden gems around the Kumano region.
Whether you're here to meditate, explore, work remotely, or just rest, this retreat offers a flexible environment to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
If you'd like to extend your stay beyond the 5 days, just let us know — we’re happy to accommodate.
Schedule
During your 5-day retreat, you’ll experience a gentle blend of structured activities and free time to explore. Each day starts with a Zen Dialogue (Zenmondo) program led by a monk, offering you the opportunity to reflect, connect, and deepen your mindfulness practice.
Traditional morning rituals such as chanting and sutra copying are available as optional add-ons for an additional fee. The Zen Riverside Sauna experience is included in the program and can be enjoyed up to three times during your stay—at your preferred time of day.
You'll be welcomed with a local dinner on the first night, and additional meals such as breakfasts and dinners can be arranged for an extra fee. A wide range of cultural add-on experiences—such as temple stamp making, sushi workshops, and Kumano Kodo pilgrimage walks—are also available and can be scheduled flexibly for an additional cost.
Rental bicycles and rental cars are offered, giving you the freedom to explore nearby attractions like onsen hot springs, tuna markets, and local festivals at your own pace.
This itinerary is designed to be customizable, allowing you to tailor your stay to your own rhythm—whether you prefer deep reflection within the temple grounds or active exploration of the sacred Kumano region.
Below is the itinerary.
Note: The Zen Sauna schedule is flexible—you’re welcome to enjoy it at a different time if preferred.
Morning Gathering & Local Insights is also a time to check in with our team. We’ll share local recommendations, tour options, and tips for exploring not only the immediate area but also other parts of Wakayama. Feel free to ask for advice and plan your day with our support.
Day 1
4:00 PM — Arrival & Orientation at Daitaiji Temple
6:00 PM — Welcome Dinner
7:00 PM — Evening bell ringing experience
Day 2
7:00 AM — Zen Dialogue (Zenmondo) Program
8:00 AM — Traditional temple-style rice porridge (Asagayu)
9:30 AM — Morning Gathering & Local Insights
1:30 PM — Zen Riverside Sauna
Day 3
7:00 AM — Zen Dialogue Program
9:30 AM — Morning Gathering & Local Insights
1:30 PM — Zen Riverside Sauna
Day 4
7:00 AM — Zen Dialogue Program
9:30 AM — Morning Gathering & Local Insights
1:30 PM — Zen Riverside Sauna
Day 5
7:00 AM — Zen Dialogue Program
Traditional morning rituals such as chanting and sutra copying are available as optional add-ons for an additional fee. The Zen Riverside Sauna experience is included in the program and can be enjoyed up to three times during your stay—at your preferred time of day.
You'll be welcomed with a local dinner on the first night, and additional meals such as breakfasts and dinners can be arranged for an extra fee. A wide range of cultural add-on experiences—such as temple stamp making, sushi workshops, and Kumano Kodo pilgrimage walks—are also available and can be scheduled flexibly for an additional cost.
Rental bicycles and rental cars are offered, giving you the freedom to explore nearby attractions like onsen hot springs, tuna markets, and local festivals at your own pace.
This itinerary is designed to be customizable, allowing you to tailor your stay to your own rhythm—whether you prefer deep reflection within the temple grounds or active exploration of the sacred Kumano region.
Below is the itinerary.
Note: The Zen Sauna schedule is flexible—you’re welcome to enjoy it at a different time if preferred.
Morning Gathering & Local Insights is also a time to check in with our team. We’ll share local recommendations, tour options, and tips for exploring not only the immediate area but also other parts of Wakayama. Feel free to ask for advice and plan your day with our support.
Day 1
4:00 PM — Arrival & Orientation at Daitaiji Temple
6:00 PM — Welcome Dinner
7:00 PM — Evening bell ringing experience
Day 2
7:00 AM — Zen Dialogue (Zenmondo) Program
8:00 AM — Traditional temple-style rice porridge (Asagayu)
9:30 AM — Morning Gathering & Local Insights
1:30 PM — Zen Riverside Sauna
Day 3
7:00 AM — Zen Dialogue Program
9:30 AM — Morning Gathering & Local Insights
1:30 PM — Zen Riverside Sauna
Day 4
7:00 AM — Zen Dialogue Program
9:30 AM — Morning Gathering & Local Insights
1:30 PM — Zen Riverside Sauna
Day 5
7:00 AM — Zen Dialogue Program
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
5-Day Zen & Cultural Temple Retreat in Japan, 775 Shimowada, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-5148, Japan
Directions
Book your flight to Nanki Shirahama Airport (SHM) in Shirahama, Japan.
The distance from Nanki-Shirahama Airport (SHM) to Temple Hotel Daitai-ji, 775 Shimowada, Nachikatsuura, Wakayama, Japan is approximately 85–90 kilometers (53–56 miles).
Travel time:
By car: Around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
By public transport (train and/or bus): It may take 2.5 to 3.5 hours, including transfers - typically involving a bus or taxi to Shirahama Station, then a train to Kii-Katsuura Station, followed by a short taxi or bus ride to the temple.
From Nanki-Shirahama Airport, take a bus to Shirahama Station (about 35 minutes).
From Shirahama Station, take the JR Kisei Main Line to Kii-Katsuura Station (approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes).
After arriving at Kii-Katsuura Station, take a taxi to the temple. The ride is about 20 minutes (9.3 km) and costs around 3,500 yen.
Total travel time: Around 3 hours
Estimated total cost: Approximately 5,000–6,000 yen
The distance from Nanki-Shirahama Airport (SHM) to Temple Hotel Daitai-ji, 775 Shimowada, Nachikatsuura, Wakayama, Japan is approximately 85–90 kilometers (53–56 miles).
Travel time:
By car: Around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
By public transport (train and/or bus): It may take 2.5 to 3.5 hours, including transfers - typically involving a bus or taxi to Shirahama Station, then a train to Kii-Katsuura Station, followed by a short taxi or bus ride to the temple.
From Nanki-Shirahama Airport, take a bus to Shirahama Station (about 35 minutes).
From Shirahama Station, take the JR Kisei Main Line to Kii-Katsuura Station (approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes).
After arriving at Kii-Katsuura Station, take a taxi to the temple. The ride is about 20 minutes (9.3 km) and costs around 3,500 yen.
Total travel time: Around 3 hours
Estimated total cost: Approximately 5,000–6,000 yen
Accommodation
We offer two peaceful accommodation options during your retreat. At Daitaiji Temple Hotel, guests can choose from two types of traditional Japanese-style rooms, depending on group size and preference. The Main Hall Guest Wing (客殿) features five interconnected tatami rooms separated by sliding doors. It’s spacious and flexible — ideal for groups and adaptable to different uses. The Detached Room (離れ) is a cozy, private space located just next to the main temple hall. It includes its own toilet and is perfect for a more personal stay. All rooms come with essential amenities including heating and air conditioning, Wi-Fi, kitchen appliances (refrigerator, microwave, toaster, electric kettle), cookware, and dishes. You’ll also enjoy the fresh mountain air, beautiful starry skies, and a slower, calming pace of life. Bath towels, face towels, shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are provided. Please note: nightwear and toothbrushes are not included. Pet-friendly: Guests may stay with pets using the provided pet cages (available for rent). Pets must remain in their cages indoors. Those with severe animal allergies should use their discretion. At al stay in Kumano, just a short walk from Daitaiji Temple Hotel, guests enjoy the comfort of fully private, traditional Japanese homes — each house is reserved for one group at a time, offering maximum privacy and relaxation. Each location is surrounded by nature, with easy access to rivers, forests, and peaceful village roads. The homes feature authentic Japanese interiors with tatami rooms, wooden beams, sliding doors, and in some cases, beautiful Japanese gardens. Depending on the house, accommodations may include kitchen and cooking facilities, air conditioning/heating, Wi-Fi, and family-friendly features such as kids’ playrooms or spacious yards for BBQs and outdoor relaxation. Ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking a serene countryside retreat with modern comforts and traditional charm.
Program Price
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
The temple grounds include a peaceful main hall with high speed Wi-Fi, often used as a quiet workspace during the day. Surrounded by forest, there's space for walking meditation and reflection. Guests can enjoy traditional Zen spaces like the sutra-copying room and meditation hall, as well as a relaxing sauna facility. The location is also just a short walk from rivers, beaches, and Japan’s tallest waterfall — perfect for nature breaks.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
What's Included
- Daily Zen Meditation
- 4 Nights' Accommodation
- Traditional morning rice porridge
- Welcome Dinner
- On-Site Concierge Support
- Off-Site Remote Assistance
- Rental Car
- Bike Rental
- Riverside Sauna
- Zen Sauna
- Wi-Fi Access
- Kitchen Available for Guests
- Cooking Utensils
- Supermarket Tour and Shopping Support Available
What's Not Included
- Flights costs
- Travel insurance
- Airport transfer
- Additional activities not included in the itinerary