Horakuan

Horakuan is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist retreat center set in the mountains of Suzaka, Nagano prefecture. Founded in 2004 by ordained Zen priest Dorothee Eshin Takatsu, it occupies arestored traditional farmhouse. Formerly a silk production farm. On land called Terakubo, the site of a 15th-century temple. In 2019 an octagonal wooden meditation hall, Tekisui Dojo, was added using local timber and traditional carpentry.

Retreats run from April through Novemberin small groups of 2 to 8 guests. Programs center on zazen sitting meditation alongside walking meditation, sound meditation, chanting, shabutsu (tracing Buddhist images), samu (work practice), and creative workshops. This is intentional disconnection. No WiFi focus, no coworking desks. The draw is silence, mountain air, pine forest, and direct access to Zen teaching.

Food is a highlight. Guests receive three home-cooked Japanese meals per day plus two tea breaks. The cooking is generous and vegetarian-friendly, rooted in Japanese home cuisine. Workaways (work-in-exchange stays) are also available for longer immersions. Horakuan welcomes anyone, regardless of religious background, who wants to step away from the everyday and explore Zen in a genuine mountain setting.