SHARING VIPASSANA
RETREAT
Vipassana
"seeing things as they really are,"
A combination of the Pali words "vi" (different perspective) and "passanā" (to see).
It means observing reality objectively, without judgment of pleasure or displeasure,
or attachment.
Beginning on the summer solstice, this retreat unfolds at a seasonal threshold — a time when daylight reaches its fullest expression. Each morning, the house gradually fills with the first natural light, gently accompanying the transition into wakefulness and practice.
Taking place during Japan’s early summer, the retreat is held within a season of shifting skies, alternating rain and sunlight, and deepening green — conditions that naturally invite reflection, sensitivity, and inward attention.
20-30 JUNE 2026
SHARING VIPASSANA RETREAT
This retreat program offers a balanced blend of personal reflection and sharing, stillness and movement, discipline and freedom.
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The basic schedule for the 10-day retreat is as follows :
4:30 Morning bell
5:00-6:00 Group meditation
6:30-7:30 Breakfast
8:00-9:00 Group meditation
10:00-11:00 Sharing circle
12:00-14:00 Lunch break
14:00-17:00 Bodywork and dance
18:00 Dinner
19:00-20:00 Meditation at hot spring
21:00 Rest
The first day is your arrival day (Day 0),
Please arrive by 5:00 PM. We will have orientation about the retreat.
Day 10 will include a cleaning session for the space and a final sharing circle in the morning.
The retreat will close by noon.
There will be two days off during the 10-day residency (Days 4 & 8), Yet, we will continue the morning meditation routines to avoid disrupting the rhythm.
The retreat will include at least one cultural experience and interaction with local people, such as tea ceremonies, cooking, calligraphy, zazen, traditional dance, and martial arts like Aikido, Karate, and Judo.
These may be scheduled on our days off.
As part of our Zen practice, you will be expected to take on small tasks around the house or in the garden.
This retreat will be held as part of the Living Somatic Project.
GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS FOR THE RESIDENCY :
During the retreat, silence is generally observed, except during the morning sharing sessions and on rest days.
To support presence and deep engagement, mobile phone use is also limited to the rest days.
Sharing sessions is more than casual conversation. It is held within a clear structure and guided by principles of deep listening and mindful sharing.
It begins with a check-in, followed by one-on-one sharing among participants, and then expands into group sharing.
Afternoon bodywork and dance sessions are gently guided by Mikis, with minimal facilitation at nearby community centre.
Please note that these sessions are not intended as classes or workshops, but as a space for embodied exploration and shared experience rather than formal teaching or instruction.
ACCOMMODATION :
The house is more than 100 years old beautiful wooden house with tatami mats to allow you to experience a simple Japanese lifestyle. Each room will likely be shared by two people.
If you require private space, it is possible camping in the garden
The house is more than 100 years old beautiful wooden house with tatami mats to allow you to experience a simple Japanese lifestyle. Each room will likely be shared by two people.
If you require private space, it is possible camping in the garden
Meals
Homemade vegetarian dinner will be served during the residency by Sunstri.
For breakfast, ingredients are provided, and we all take turns preparing it.
For lunch, we will cook together or self catering depending on the day.
For breakfast, ingredients are provided, and we all take turns preparing it.
For lunch, we will cook together or self catering depending on the day.
- SunstriSho & Maya
Registration
Participation Fee : JPY 87000
(Price includes accommodation, 8 times dinner and breakfast)
Participation is limited to a
small group of 4.
(Price includes accommodation, 8 times dinner and breakfast)
Participation is limited to a
small group of 4.
Ibusuki City, Kagoshima
Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, the southernmost tip of Honshu, Japan.
The port of Yamagawa in this small city is where diplomacy began in the 16th century with the arrival of the first Portuguese ship to the Japanese mainland. Jorge Alvarez, the captain of that ship, wrote a 'Report on Japan' of what he saw and was the first to introduce Japan to the Western world.
In recent years, Ibusuki City has been grappling with an aging population, depopulation, and the resulting problem of vacant homes.
The port of Yamagawa in this small city is where diplomacy began in the 16th century with the arrival of the first Portuguese ship to the Japanese mainland. Jorge Alvarez, the captain of that ship, wrote a 'Report on Japan' of what he saw and was the first to introduce Japan to the Western world.
Ibusuki is known as a retro hot spring resort and is blessed with an abundance of hot springs. It is said that there are more than 800 sources in the town, some of which are luxurious private spas, while others encompass long-established family run business that have been around since the Meiji era.(For about 150 years)
In recent years, Ibusuki City has been grappling with an aging population, depopulation, and the resulting problem of vacant homes.
How to get IBUSUKI!?
The nearest airport is KAGOSHIMA Airport.
LCC flights from Tokyo and Osaka often offer tickets priced below ¥10,000.
There will be a Footbath waiting for you in front of the bus terminal at the
KAGOSHIMA airport.
You have two options:
1, Take the direct bus from the airport to Ibusuki
2, Take the bus from the airport to Kagoshima Central Station and then take the train or the bus to Ibusuki.
There are four direct buses a day from Kagoshima Airport to Ibusuki Station.
10:30, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00
(No reservation is required)
It takes about 2 hours!
LCC flights from Tokyo and Osaka often offer tickets priced below ¥10,000.
There will be a Footbath waiting for you in front of the bus terminal at the
KAGOSHIMA airport.
You have two options:
1, Take the direct bus from the airport to Ibusuki
2, Take the bus from the airport to Kagoshima Central Station and then take the train or the bus to Ibusuki.
There are four direct buses a day from Kagoshima Airport to Ibusuki Station.
10:30, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00
(No reservation is required)
It takes about 2 hours!