Zenbo Seinei is a retreat facility located at 135 degrees east longitude in the northern part of Awaji Island. Centered around Zen, this experience promotes mindfulness, healing, and connection with the beautiful surrounding nature.

This facility offers programs such as meditation and yoga, as well as Japanese cultural experiences such as a Zen tea ceremony and Zen calligraphy. The unique Zenbo Cuisine utilizes traditional techniques to create innovative food designed to nourish your mind and body.

The building, made from Japanese cedar, was designed by world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban. It features a 100-meter-long observation deck that floats among the trees. On the lower levels are the dining room and guest rooms, which were designed in a minimalistic style.

Explore the nature of Zen through one of our day plans or overnight retreats.

Experience a Mindful Retreat

The retreat experiences at Zenbo Seinei promote mindfulness through meditation, yoga, and an emphasis on experiencing the present moment.

The retreat facility is located on the 135th meridian east longitude line, believed to charge the surrounding earth with mystical energy. Find relaxation and healing at this spot of spiritual power.

The 100-meter-long observation deck appears to float among the trees. Enjoy 360-degree views of the nature of Awaji Island, with stunning landscapes in all four seasons.

Yoga and meditation take place on the observation deck. Specially designed meditation chairs allow guests of all ages and mobility levels to sit comfortably without strain. This allows you to focus your attention more on your inner self during meditation sessions.

Removed from the stress of everyday life and surrounded by the nature of Awaji Island, you will be led through activities that encourage mindfulness and a state of Zen.

Vegan Zenbo Cuisine

The vegan cuisine at Zenbo Seinei is designed to promote health and internal balance. All food is prepared without the use of animal products, flour, oil, or white sugar, making it suitable for most dietary restrictions and gentle on the digestive system.

This innovative cuisine values the history of Japanese food culture, with a particular emphasis on fermentation. This traditional method gives food a complex flavor and adds health benefits such as boosted immunity and improved digestion. Zenbo Cuisine uses carefully selected seasonings that are aged for one to three years, as well as homemade soy sauce and amazake (a sweet fermented rice drink). The menu was supervised by Chef Nobuaki Fushiki, a master of modern Japanese fermentation.

The dishes take advantage of the abundant nature of Awaji Island, known as the “land of food” since ancient times due to its role in supplying food to the imperial court. The use of locally grown seasonal ingredients helps tie you closer to your natural surroundings.

Designed by World-Famous Architect Shigeru Ban

The building at Zenbo Seinei was designed by architect Shigeru Ban, winner of the Pritzker Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in the architecture industry.

The building extends out from the ridgeline to float among the treetops, immersing you in the great nature of Awaji Island. Enjoy stunning 360-degree views from the 100-meter-long observation deck.

Walk barefoot upon its wooden surface, and breathe in the warm scent of Japanese cedar. Listen to the peaceful sounds of nature, from the soft breeze to chirping birds.

During the day, you can enjoy the brilliant sunlight, clear air, and magnificent greenery. After a beautiful sunset, the bright brilliance of stars starts to fill the sky.

Day Trip Retreat Experience Plans

Only have time for a day trip? There are plenty of one-day programs to choose from, including a one-day lunch plan, one-day afternoon tea plan, and one-day sunset plan.

Day Trip Lunch Plan

The popular lunch plan is a great option if you want to experience all that Zenbo Seinei has to offer but are limited on time. With both 3- and 4-hour lunch plans available, there is an option to fit into any trip.

Enjoy a day of relaxation and mindfulness with an itinerary that incorporates ZEN Wellness and a lunch of vegan Zen Cuisine. The 4-hour plan allows for the option to participate in a ZEN Experience (tea ceremony and calligraphy) and ends with a ZEN incense meditation session.

For lunch, enjoy a rich meal of Zenbo Seinei's original vegan cuisine, made using seasonal ingredients from Awaji Island without the use of any oil, flour, or animal products.
ZEN Wellness is a meditation program that includes light stretching, guided by an expert instructor.

During the program, you will have a private room available for your use. You can enjoy your time alone in your room (shukubo) or eat while enjoying nature on the observation deck. Relax and enjoy your time as you please.

Day Trip Afternoon Tea Plan

The day trip afternoon tea plan allows you to enjoy a peaceful afternoon cafe time with nourishing refreshments from the unique Zenbo Cusine. There are two options available: a plan that includes meditation and a plan that only includes afternoon tea.

Sweet and savory items are served along with a revitalizing tea. Following the Zenbo Cuisine philosophy, all items are made free of animal products and wheat flour. This new style of wellness food makes use of the best of Awaji Island's seasonal ingredients to nourish your mind and body.

Enjoy the soothing teatime surrounded by lush nature on the Zen Deck.

One-Day Sunset Plan

With the one-day sunset plan, you can enjoy Awaji Island's beautiful sunset and magic hour. There is a 1-hour short plan and a 3.5-hour long plan.

During the magical twilight hour, you can enjoy a retreat that incorporates ZEN Wellness, Zen cuisine, ZEN tea, ZEN calligraphy, and ZEN incense, just like the day trip lunch plan.

※Depending on the weather, you may not be able to see the sunset.

Retreat Overnight Stay Plans

There are several overnight stay plans where you can enjoy a detoxing retreat that incorporates Zen philosophy. These stay plans vary in focus and length. Most are 1-night, 2-day itineraries that allow guests to enjoy a full range of Zen programming.

The rooms are luxurious, yet minimal. The floor-to-ceiling windows invite natural light and warmth into the bright cedar rooms. This space grants you the perfect place to find moments of peace and solitude.

Overnight stays are especially recommended for those coming to Awaji Island for sightseeing or long-term stays. Enjoy a digital detox and mindful reset in the nature of this beautiful island.