4-Day Zen & Martial Arts Wellness Escape in Matsushima, Japan

The retreat unfolds in and around Matsushima, a coastal town in Miyagi Prefecture, about 90 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen. It's a landscape of pine-covered islands and quiet bays, steeped in the refined culture of Lord Date Masamune, the 'One-Eyed Dragon.' You'll stay in a private room at a hillside ryokan overlooking Matsushima Bay, with access to spacious public baths and nourishing local cuisine.

Mornings begin with zazen meditation, guided by a head priest inside historic temples. One of the highlights is exclusive access to Zuigan-ji, a National Treasure temple, and Entsu-in, a garden temple associated with the Date family. These are not quick visits; you'll have time to absorb the stillness and the details of the architecture and gardens.

Afternoons are designed to be restorative. You may take a scenic cruise among the pine-clad islands, walk through dry-landscape gardens, or visit the port town of Shiogama, which claims the highest density of sushi restaurants in Japan. Here, you'll have the chance to taste some of the freshest sushi you'll ever have.

The cuisine is a journey in itself, from Shojin Ryori, the mindful vegetarian cuisine of Buddhist monks, to seasonal kaiseki courses and the exceptional seafood of the coast. Each meal is an opportunity to practice mindfulness and savor the flavors of the region.

Your host for the retreat is Maho Sakurai, a curator at Tranquwell, who brings a refined global sensibility to wellness travel in Japan. Having spent transformative years in New Zealand, she blends Eastern contemplative traditions with Western approaches to well-being, designing immersive, slow-paced journeys to Japan's most tranquil destinations. Her attention to detail ensures that every moment of the retreat is thoughtful and well-planned.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in a private room at a hillside ryokan - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Daily zazen meditation sessions guided by a head priest - Exclusive access to Zuigan-ji and Entsu-in Temples - Aiki Jujutsu martial arts session - Scenic boat cruise on Matsushima Bay - Sushi tasting in Shiogama - Local transportation during the retreat - Round-trip Shinkansen tickets from Tokyo to Sendai - English-speaking guide throughout the retreat - Wifi connection at the accommodation

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights costs - Visa fees - Travel insurance - Additional treatments - Additional activities not included in the itinerary