豊樂庵 滴水道場
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.
Based on Google reviews and website
Traditional rooms in a restored farmhouse. All meals included. Small groups ensure personal attention.
Retreat Room (shared bath)
1 person
Bed or futon, basic furnishings, all meals included
Contract options
Creativity and Meditation Retreat (2 nights, 3 days)
Creative workshops, meditation, and zazen. Materials cost extra.
¥28,000 + materials
Silent Retreat (2 nights, 3 days)
Full silence, various meditation forms, work practice (samu), contemplative activities.
¥28,000
Zen Life Retreat (2 nights, 3 days)
Comprehensive Zen experience: zazen, walking meditation, chanting, shabutsu, talks, discussions. Most immersive program.
¥38,000
Special Retreats (e.g. Body Mind Soul, Contemplative Astrology)
Varies by program. Check 2026 calendar on the website.
Fee to be announced
Based on Google reviews and website
Meals included
3 meals + 2 tea breaks daily. Japanese home cooking.
Tekisui Dojo
Octagonal hall (2019). Zazen, yoga, and workshops.
Shared bathrooms
Shared Japanese bathing facilities.
Outdoor meditation areas
Pine forest, garden, barefoot walking, mountain walks.
Restroom
On-site facilities confirmed.
No WiFi (intentional digital detox). No coworking. Retreat setting only. Pets not mentioned.
Based on Google reviews and website
Silence periods are observed during silent retreats and certain program hours. Participation in the daily schedule — including meditation sessions and samu (work practice) — is expected. Booking required — the center does not accept walk-ins. Minimum group size of 2 per retreat. The center is closed December through March.
Based on Google reviews and website
Horakuan draws an international crowd of spiritual seekers, yoga practitioners, and people looking to unplug from city life. Groups are kept deliberately small (2–8 per retreat) to allow for genuine connection with the host and each other. Eshin leads sessions personally and is noted for her warmth, depth of knowledge, and responsiveness. Workaway stays are available for those who want longer immersion in exchange for contributing to the property.
Resident Mix
International guests from Europe, Asia, and beyond. No Japanese language required — Eshin (Dorothee) is fluent in English and German. Past guests include solo travellers, couples, and small groups interested in Zen practice, yoga, or mindful retreat.
Nearest station
Suzaka Station
Lines
See Google Maps
Suzaka is accessible from Nagano City (approximately 30 minutes by local train or bus). From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansento Nagano Station (approximately 80 minutes, ¥8,340). Horakuan is located in the Toyooka district on land called Terakubo. A rural mountain location. A car or taxi from Suzaka Station is recommended for the final leg. Detailed directions are provided upon booking.
Suzaka is a small city in northeastern Nagano Prefecture, about 30 minutes from Nagano Station by local train or bus. Surrounded by the Higashizawa and Nagakura mountain ranges, it offers a quiet, semi-rural base with easy access to the Hokuriku Shinkansen hub. The Toyooka district on Suzaka's eastern edge is deeply rural with forested hillsides, traditional farmhouses, and a pace of life far removed from city Japan.
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