Kyoko Uchida × “Here and Now” – ZEN Stay to Return to Your Five Senses on Awaji Island

September 12–13, 2026 | Zenbo Seinei, Awaji Island, Japan 

Slow Down, Breathe, and Rediscover Yourself 

What if one weekend could help you step away from constant notifications, endless to-do lists, and the noise of everyday life? Set among the peaceful hills of Awaji Island, the Kyoko Uchida × “Here and Now” – ZEN Stay to Return to Your Five Senses invites you to pause, reconnect, and experience mindfulness in one of Japan’s most peaceful destinations. 

Taking place over September 12–13, 2026, this exclusive two-day, one-night retreat combines guided meditation, nourishing Zenbo Cuisine, quiet reflection, and the beauty of nature. Led by mindfulness trainer and well-known former Fuji Television announcer Kyoko Uchida, the meditation program is designed to help participants return to the present moment—not through escape, but through deeper awareness of themselves and the world around them. 

Whether you’re beginning your mindfulness journey or looking to deepen an existing practice, this retreat offers you a rare opportunity to experience Zen in a welcoming and inspiring environment on Awaji Island in Japan. 

Reserve your place today and discover what it means to be truly present. 

Return to the Five Senses 

Today’s fast-paced lifestyle keeps our minds in constant motion. Work deadlines, multitasking, smartphones, and the endless flow of information can make it difficult to concentrate, leave us feeling mentally exhausted, disrupt our sleep, increase feelings of stress and anxiety, and make it harder to truly relax—even when we finally have time to ourselves. 

This year’s retreat explores the theme “Return to the Five Senses.” Rather than filling your schedule with activities, the program gently guides you back to the sensations that naturally ground the mind. 

Listen to the sound of the wind moving through the trees. Notice the changing colors of the sky as evening settles over Awaji Island. Feel the warmth of handcrafted wooden architecture beneath your hands. Savor every bite of carefully prepared Zenbo Cuisine. Breathe in the calming scent of incense and fresh mountain air. 

Each experience becomes an invitation to rediscover the beauty of “here and now.”

Meet Your Instructor: Kyoko Uchida 

Born in Düsseldorf and raised between Chicago and Yokohama, Kyoko Uchida brings an international perspective to mindfulness while combining years of professional experience with deep personal practice. 

After graduating from Keio University, Kyoko Uchida began her career as a television announcer for Fuji Television before pursuing her long-standing interest in psychology and mindfulness. She is an IMA-certified MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) instructor, an Oxford Mindfulness Centre-certified MBCTL (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Life) instructor, and a certified instructor of the Eline Snel Method, which introduces mindfulness practices for children. Today, she leads mindfulness programs for individuals, corporations, educators, and professional athletes, drawing on internationally recognized training methods to help people cultivate greater awareness, resilience, and well-being. 

This September marks the third year of her special Zen retreat at Zenbo Seinei on Awaji Island. Through gentle guidance and thoughtful reflection, she helps participants quiet the mind, reconnect with themselves, and discover new perspectives they can carry into everyday life.

A Journey Through Three Moments of the Day 

Throughout the retreat, meditation unfolds across three distinct moments, each offering a different perspective on awareness. 

As the afternoon light softens, the Twilight Meditation invites you to awaken your five senses and gently release the tension accumulated through daily life. 

After a peaceful evening meal, the Night Meditation encourages deeper reflection, allowing the mind to settle into stillness as distractions gradually fade away. 

Before sunrise, the retreat concludes with the Dawn Meditation, a symbolic beginning where the quiet of early morning becomes a space for fresh intentions and new possibilities. 

Together, these experiences create a journey that follows the natural rhythm of the day while guiding participants toward a renewed sense of clarity. 

Experience Mindfulness Through Every Moment 

This retreat extends far beyond meditation sessions. Every element has been carefully chosen to encourage a slower, more intentional way of living. 

During your stay, you’ll experience: 

• Guided mindfulness meditation with Kyoko Uchida, including Twilight, Night, and Dawn Meditation sessions 
• A calming ZEN Tea experience 
• A seasonal Zenbo Cuisine dinner and breakfast, accompanied by a welcome drink and mocktail 
• A morning nature trek through the peaceful surroundings of Haru San San 

• Quiet moments for personal reflection and mindful relaxation 
• A Zen closing session inspired by a meaningful Zen phrase where you write down the word or phrase you selected on shikishi art board 
• A peaceful overnight stay at Zenbo Seinei, surrounded by Awaji Island’s tranquil natural beauty 

Rather than rushing from one activity to the next, each experience flows naturally into the next, creating space for genuine rest and personal discovery. 

Zenbo Cuisine: Nourishment Inspired by Nature 

Mindfulness continues at the dining table. 

Zenbo Seinei’s original Zenbo Cuisine celebrates the seasonal ingredients of Awaji Island while embracing a philosophy of simplicity and balance. Every dish is prepared without animal products, dairy, white sugar, flour, or oils, allowing the natural flavors of carefully selected ingredients to shine. 

Traditional seasonings—including naturally brewed miso, soy sauce, and mirin aged over several years—bring depth to every course, while premium kombu from Hokkaido provides the foundation for delicate broths. 

Each meal becomes an extension of the meditation practice, encouraging guests to slow down, appreciate every bite, and experience food through mindful awareness.

Stay Surrounded by Quiet Beauty 

Perched among the peaceful mountains of northern Awaji Island in Japan, Zenbo Seinei offers an environment where architecture and nature exist in harmony. 

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban, Zenbo Seinei is a masterpiece of contemporary Japanese architecture that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Known worldwide for his innovative use of wood, paper, and sustainable materials, Shigeru Ban creates spaces that emphasize simplicity, harmony, and a deep connection with nature. His thoughtful design allows light, air, and the changing seasons to become part of the retreat experience itself. 

Crafted with warm wood, open spaces, and panoramic views over the forests and mountains of Awaji Island, the retreat invites guests to disconnect from everyday routines and reconnect with themselves. Tatami bedrooms, shared wellness facilities, a relaxing footbath, and peaceful communal spaces encourage moments of quiet reflection throughout the stay. 

Each morning begins with the gentle sound of a bell, followed by a practice of cleaning a guest room you stayed in—a meaningful reminder that mindfulness can be found in even the simplest daily rituals. 

Optional Experiences 

Enhance your retreat with additional mindful activities. 

Clean Start ZEN Lunch 

Arrive early and begin your retreat with a nourishing detox lunch prepared using Zenbo Seinei’s signature Clean Start menu. 

Zen Calligraphy 

Express your reflections through traditional Japanese calligraphy while exploring meaningful Zen words and phrases. 

Awaji Tile Incense Holder Workshop 

Create your own handcrafted incense holder using locally made Awaji tiles—a unique keepsake that allows you to bring the spirit of your retreat home. 

Event Information 

Date	September 12–13, 2026
Duration	2 Days / 1 Night
Check-in	3:00 PM
Check-out	10:00 AM
Price	¥65,000 (tax and service charge included)
Includes	Accommodation, Zenbo Cuisine, retreat program, towels, toothbrush
Dress Code	Comfortable clothing (loungewear is not provided)
Eligibility	Junior high school age and above

 Why Awaji Island Is the Perfect Place for Travel  

According to Japan’s oldest creation myths, Awaji Island is the first island where the nation began. Located along the 135° East longitude, often associated with balance and harmony, the island offers a peaceful setting that has inspired visitors seeking rest, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature. 

Nestled in the mountains of northern Awaji Island, Zenbo Seinei is surrounded by forests, fresh air, and changing seasonal scenery. After your retreat, you can extend your journey by exploring the island’s renowned architecture, seasonal cuisine, gardens, and cultural attractions, creating a wellness escape that continues beyond your stay.

How to Get to Awaji Island 

Despite its peaceful setting, Awaji Island is easy to reach from Japan’s major cities. 

From Kobe, direct express buses reach northern Awaji Island in approximately 30-45 minutes, going across the iconic Akashi Kaikyō Bridge. 

Travelers from Osaka can board an express highway bus or drive to the island in about 60 minutes, making the retreat an ideal weekend getaway. 

If you’re arriving from Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe Station before transferring to an express bus, or fly to Kobe Airport and continue by bus or rental car. 

Guests with confirmed reservations may also use the complimentary bus tickets for direct round-trip bus between Kobe Sannomiya and Zenbo Seinei, making the journey even more convenient. 
 
How to apply for the complimentary bus tickets 

Read How to Get to Awaji Island: Detailed Transportation Routes from Osaka, Kobe, and Tokyo

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. Do I need previous meditation experience? 

No. The retreat welcomes both beginners and experienced practitioners. 

Q2. Are meals included? 

Yes. Your stay includes both dinner and breakfast featuring Zenbo Seinei’s signature Zenbo Cuisine.

Q3. Can I travel from Osaka or Kobe for the weekend? 

Absolutely. Awaji Island is easily accessible by express bus or car, making it ideal for a short wellness escape. 

Q4. Is the retreat suitable for solo travelers? 

Yes. Many participants join independently, creating a supportive environment for personal reflection. 

Closing 

Sometimes the greatest journey isn’t measured in distance but in awareness. 

For two peaceful days, let the rhythm of nature, nourishing cuisine, mindful movement, and the guidance of Kyoko Uchida help you rediscover the simple joy of being fully present. As the seasons begin to change across Awaji Island, this retreat offers a meaningful opportunity to pause, breathe, and return to yourself. 

Reserve your place for the September 2026 Kyoko Uchida × “Here and Now” – ZEN Stay to Return to Your Five Senses and experience the transformative power of mindfulness at Zenbo Seinei.