The Osaka Kansai Expo is an exciting event, but the surrounding areas are crowded, and the accommodations are expensive. A special plan is now available to combine visiting the Osaka Kansai Expo with a stay at a relaxing Zen retreat on Awaji Island. You can enjoy a trip filled with introspection and reflection on the future of life.
Awaji Island is a picturesque retreat within the Seto Inland Sea that offers easy access to nearby destinations for day trips such as Kobe, Osaka, and Kyoto. This combination of pristine nature and prime location make Awaji Island the perfect destination for relaxation and exploration. This model itinerary takes full advantage of both.
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Day 1: Arrive at Zenbo Seinei
Located on the 135th meridian east, Zenbo Seinei is a place where you can experience Zen amidst the nature of Awaji Island and its seasonal scenery. You will feel reinvigorated in this haven of brilliant sunshine, clear air, magnificent greenery, and stary night skies. The tranquil setting will heal your body and mind.
The philosophy of Zenbo Seinei is encompassed in its distinctive architecture. This one-of-a-kind wooden structure was designed by world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban, winner of the Pritzker Prize, the highest honor in the world of architecture. The design combines beauty and functionality in harmony with nature. The standout feature is the 100-meter-long wooden deck that floats among the treetops. Walk barefoot along its planks, immersed in the aroma and warmth of Japanese Cedar, and experience natures healing through all five senses.
On the first day, you may check in from 3:00 p.m. To get to Zenobo Seinei, take the highway bus from Kobe Sannomiya Station or Maiko Station, or the highspeed boat from Akashi Port. Once you arrive in Awaji, the complimentary Awaji Island West Coast shuttle bus will be able to deliver you to the facilities.
Enjoy ZEN Wellness at Zenbo Seinei
The ZEN Wellness experience begins at 4:00 p.m. Yoga and meditation take place upon the 100-meter wooden deck, gently drawing you into harmony with nature. Visitors can experience deep relaxation surrounded by the sunshine, clean air, and birds chirping. The conditions are ideal for introspection and honoring the needs of your mind and body. Additional programs are available for you to enjoy, including ZEN tea, ZEN calligraphy, and the option of making your own Awaji incense stick. These programs take about two and a half hours to enjoy.
Taste Zen Monk Cuisine
Awaji Island Zenbo Seinei offers fermented cuisine designed to regulate the mind and body, supervised by chef Nobuaki Fushiki, a master of fermented and brewed foods. This meal is crafted with careful attention to the changing seasons and physical well-being. Eat in harmony with nature as part of the “Zen Wellness” experience.
The ingredients and cooking methods used are carefully selected, and no animal products, flour, oil, or white sugar is used. This means that the food is safe for vegans and allergy-conscious people. We value “fermentation,” as a proud part of Japan’s traditional food culture. All of our seasonings, such as miso and soy sauce, are carefully selected from genuine brews that have been naturally fermented over a period of one to three years. In addition, we also serve hishio (soy sauce) and amazake (“sweet sake” drink made from fermented rice with low or no alcohol content). These are made in-house and have not yet stopped fermenting. Food perpared through fermentation is known to have powerful health benefits such as intestinal regulation. Awaji Island, where Zenbo Seinei is located, is blessed with rich nature and is known as a “treasure trove of ingredients”. We use local products as much as possible, notably seasonal vegetables and seafood from the area. Our simple yet profound flavors, which do not rely on additives or chemical seasonings, are gentle on both the body and the soul.
Night Meditation
Night Meditation is performed after dinner in the stillness of the evening. It is a time to let go of the day’s fatigue and racing thoughts and achieve deep relaxation and peacefulness. In the silence and darkness of the night, the mind slowly starts to turn its awareness to one’s own breath and thoughts. Surrounded by the sounds of nature, time seems to slow. Even meditation beginners can participate without difficulty, and it is effective for a good night’s sleep and stress relief.
The first day ends with free time and lights out by midnight.
Day 2: Sightseeing at Osaka Kansai Expo – Designing a Future Society that Shines with Life
Have breakfast at Zenbo Seinei at around 7:45 a.m., then take the free shuttle at 8:45 a.m. to Tsubasa Port on Awaji Island. If you are checking out at this point in the itinerary, there is a free luggage delivery service so you can head to the Osaka Kansai Expo site without having to carry large luggage.
Board the PASONA NATUREVERSE Ferry, which departs from Awaji Island, and enjoy a one-hour boat ride to Yumeshima. Upon arrival at Yumeshima, a dedicated shuttle bus is available to take you to the entrance of the Expo site through the West Gate. The East Gate is typically crowded from visitors arriving from Yumeshima Station, so the West Gate offers a relatively smoother entrance.
For those who have purchased a ticket for the PASONA NATUREVERSE, you will receive priority admission to the PASONA NATUREVERSE pavilion, where the Pasona Group has its exhibition. This is recommended for those who want to enjoy many pavilions in one day.
After enjoying the Osaka Kansai Expo, visitors will board a boat from Yumeshima to Awaji Island (Tsubasa Port) at 5:30 p.m. for the return trip to Awaji Island. Upon arrival on Awaji Island, you will receive free transportation to Zenbo Seinei via the shuttle buses. Enjoy Zenbo cuisine for dinner, and spend the evening soaking up memories of the Osaka Kansai Expo surrounded by the natural beauty of Awaji Island.
Day 3:Enjoy Yoga in the Warm Morning Sun
Morning yoga in the quiet and clean morning air is an ideal way to awaken the body and mind. Taking deep breaths and moving through the slow stretches relaxes the muscles and allows fresh oxygen into the sleeping body. Various health benefits can be expected, such as increased blood circulation, improved metabolism, and stabilization of the autonomic nervous system. In addition, the careful regulation of breathing and movement clears away mental fogginess and allows you to start your day with a positive attitude. It also reduces stress and improves concentration, which has a positive impact on work and study performance. After the refreshing session, have breakfast for the last time before checking out.
A visit to the Osaka Kansai Expo allows you to think about life in the future. The Zen Retreat at Zenbo Seinei allows you to reflect upon your life within the great nature of Awaji Island. Why not follow this model itinerary and experience them together?
| Name | Zenbo Seinei |
|---|---|
| Address | 2594-5 Aza-Banaka, Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 |
| Tel | 0799-70-9087 |
| Website | https://www.zenbo-seinei.com/en/ |
| Program Reservations | https://zenbo-seinei.urkt.in/direct/offices/587/courses |
| Hotel Reservation | https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/shan-fang-jing-zhu-dan-lu-shi2.html |
| Operation Hours | Mon: 9:00 am～5:00 pm / Tues～Sun: 11:00 am～6:30 pm Closed: Varies depending on a month. Please inquire. |
Click here for details of ZEN Wellness SEINEI
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