zenschool — for your journey Let's talk

ZEN IMMERSION · KAMAKURA, JAPAN

Learn Zen with the people who live it.

A seven-month journey of practice, dialogue and discovery — in Kamakura and in your everyday life.

For mindfulness practitioners, psychotherapists and anyone drawn to exploring Zen through shared experience in Japan.

Start a conversation

Begin with your questions. No commitment to enrol.

A conversation around a table at zenschool in Kamakura
Time to practise, reflect and listen together.

PLACEKamakura, Japan

RHYTHMRetreats + everyday practice

CONNECTIONShared learning & dialogue

A PRACTICE THAT COMES HOME WITH YOU

Make space for what matters.

Time away can open a question. Returning to daily life gives you a place to explore it.

01

Slow down

Meditation, mindful eating and time in Kamakura create space to notice your own experience.

02

Listen together

Reflective dialogue offers a way to hear yourself, encounter other perspectives and explore your questions.

03

Bring it into life

Try what you discover in your work and daily life, then return to the group to reflect.

Cristina at the coast in Kamakura
Cristina Ombra · Psychotherapist, Italy

ONE PARTICIPANT'S EXPERIENCE

“It was a return to the place where my practice takes root.”

After more than thirty years of body-oriented psychotherapy and mindfulness practice in Italy, Cristina came to zenschool to explore how Eastern and Western approaches could meet in her own practice.

She describes finding shared learning, human connection and a clearer sense of her own talents.

Read more of Cristina's story

She joined with three intentions: to connect therapeutic approaches, learn alongside Japanese and international colleagues, and step outside her comfort zone.

“Zen School allowed me to recognize my own talents and bring out my human, personal, and professional potential.”

Her story is one person's experience, shared here from the original programme page.

THE SEVEN-MONTH JOURNEY

From mountain to village.
And back again.

Retreat into practice, return to everyday life, and reflect with others along the way.

  1. 01 / ARRIVE

    Begin together in Kamakura

    The programme outline begins with a two-day retreat: meditation, mindful eating, dialogue and exploration of what brings you alive.

  2. 02 / EXPLORE

    Carry the practice into daily life

    Return home and explore your ideas through small experiments. Monthly online conversations offer space to reflect with your cohort.

  3. 03 / INTEGRATE

    Reconnect in Kamakura

    The outline concludes with a day in Kamakura to reflect on the journey and consider what comes next.

This is the published programme outline. Please discuss the current format, dates and participation arrangements with us before planning travel.

The coastline and Mount Fuji seen from Kamakura

BETWEEN THE HILLS AND THE SEA

A different pace.
A place to pay attention.

Kamakura brings together Zen traditions, neighbourhood life and a landscape of wooded hills and coastline. The setting is part of the practice.

BEFORE YOU MAKE PLANS

Your questions belong here.

A journey across cultures deserves a clear conversation about the practical details.

Do I need to stay in Japan for seven months?

The published outline combines retreats in Kamakura with online follow-ups while you are at home. Please confirm the number of visits and the current schedule before booking travel.

Can I participate in English?

This page is for international participants. Tell us which language you prefer, and we can discuss the language support available for the cohort and sessions.

What are the fees and next available dates?

Please ask us for current dates, fees and what is included. The previous page contained a 2025 early-booking offer; that offer is not presented here as a current price.

What about flights, accommodation and visas?

Before making arrangements, discuss the location, travel dates, accommodation and any support you may need. Ask us to clarify what is included and what you will need to arrange yourself.

Is this the right fit for me?

Share your experience, interests and questions with Kouji and Shigeru. An initial conversation can help you consider whether the programme fits what you are looking for.

Kouji Miki and Shigeru Utsunomiya sharing a conversation
Kouji Miki & Shigeru Utsunomiya · enmono

LET'S BEGIN WITH A CONVERSATION

Tell us what brought you here.

Perhaps you have a question about the programme. Perhaps you are still working out what you are looking for. Either is a good place to begin.

Tell us a little about yourself, your preferred language and time zone, and what you would like to explore.

Email Kouji & Shigeru

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