The Kamakura IKIGAI Retreat

This is not a tour. It is a guided space to discover the IKIGAI that emerges from within.

Why IKIGAI? Why Now?

When AI can do everything, what becomes of human purpose?

Two interpretations of IKIGAI exist.

Western: Find the intersection. (Doing) Japanese: Cultivate the practice. (Being)

We teach the practice.

We are Japanese, and we teach the practice from within the culture where IKIGAI was born — not as a framework borrowed from outside.

In a solved world, being matters more than doing.

Read our perspective: "The True IKIGAI vs. The Western Myth"

Over three days, between the stillness of Zen temples and the energy of the coastline, we create the space for your unique IKIGAI to emerge.

https://medium.com/@zenschool/the-true-ikigai-vs-the-western-myth-rediscovering-authentic-purpose-in-the-ai-age-515485cb166e

🤝 Radical Relationality

Deep connection through shared vulnerability.

🏔️ Embodied Presence

Physical reality. The wisdom of the body.

🎭 Transcendent Play

Life as art, not utility.

https://zenschool.medium.com/ikigai2-0-in-the-ai-era-1a8ead723969

The 3-Day Flow

Our program is not a rigid schedule, but a flexible flow adapting to the group's energy.

Day 1：Release & Dialogue

Arrive.

Breathe.

Let go.

→ Shared vulnerability. Psychological safety.

Day 2： Walk & Deep Dive

Temples.

Silence.

Emergence.

→ Body wisdom. Nature as teacher.

Day 3：Begin

Integrate.

Authentic Insight.

Return.

→ Life as your art.

¥298,000 (including tax & payment fees) per person

Minimum participants: 2 people
Maximum participants: 3 people

An Intimate Dialogue

Three participants. Two facilitators.

Space enough to be seen.

Trust enough to be honest. Intimacy enough to transform.

This Retreat is For You If:

• You're at a career crossroads, contemplating your next chapter.
• You're questioning what matters when machines can do most things.
• You seek transformation and are ready for deep introspection.
• You value authentic dialogue in an intimate small-group setting.
• You are drawn to Japan's spiritual heritage and Zen philosophy.

Japanese-designed. Japanese-led. Authentic IKIGAI work, from the inside.

Two guides.

We create space.

Your IKIGAI emerges.

Kouji Miki 🇯🇵

CEO, enmono Inc. / Founder, zenschool

For 14 years, I've guided over 200 leaders to their IKIGAI.

Most people ask: "What should I do?"

The question that liberates is: "What do I truly want?"

When you change the question,

your IKIGAI emerges.

Let's walk the temples and shore of Kamakura.

Your reason for living is waiting.

Shigeru Utsunomiya 🇯🇵

Director, enmono Inc. / Founder, zenschool

As an engineer, I pursued efficiency.

Then I discovered: IKIGAI is not about what you do.

It's about how you are.

In this age of Artificial Intelligence,

your Authentic Insight matters most.

In our dialogue, no judgment.

Only listening.

Only emergence.

I chose this program because it is run by Japanese people.

— Participant from Europe

The greatest treasure was having time to reflect on myself in an environment far removed from daily life. Especially the meditation by the sea was an unforgettable experience.

— 40s, Business Owner

The workshop, which blended Zen teachings with modern dialogue techniques, helped me find answers within myself. I am grateful to have learned practical methods I can continue using even after returning home.

— Creative Director in his 30s

Through deep conversations among participants, I gained unexpected insights. The sense of security and trust fostered by the small group setting was truly wonderful.

— 50s, university professor

Anbling™ is walking as meditation: slow, attentive, and in good company.

On Day 2 of the retreat, we walk together through the quiet valley of Kita-Kamakura, past historic Zen temples, in silence and in dialogue. As we walk, the body settles, the mind quiets, and what truly matters begins to emerge.

We have seen this many times: when people walk slowly along these old paths, their expressions soften and honest conversation comes naturally. We call this the “Anbling™ Effect.”

1. Historical Authenticity — The Birthplace of Zen

Kamakura is where Zen Buddhism took root in Japan 800 years ago.

For centuries, samurai warriors and monks came here seeking clarity in times of transition. You will walk the same ancient paths, breathe the same temple air, and tap into the same source of wisdom that has guided leaders for generations.

This is not a theme park or a tourist simulation. This is the real thing.

2. Accessibility

60 Minutes from Tokyo Kamakura offers profound spiritual depth with modern convenience. From Tokyo Station, you are here in one hour.

This allows for more time dedicated to transformation and less to transit.

Zaimokuza Studio

Zaimokuza Beach

3. Contrast — Mountains and Sea

Kita-Kamakura (Walking Meditation) The sacred heartland of Japanese Zen.

Walk through the valley where ancient temples stand in quiet dignity.

A place to silence the mind and listen within.

The dynamic energy of the sea and the profound stillness of the mountains. The convenience of the station and the tranquility of the shore. These contrasting stages mirror your inner journey.

To inquire about a future retreat, please complete the IKIGAI Retreat application form. Select Kamakura or Kumano and tell us your preferred dates. We will review your application and contact you individually to confirm availability and next steps.

Submitting the form does not confirm a booking or make a payment. If the details are agreed, we will send you a PayPal payment link directly.

Contact: [email protected]

The Terms of Service linked here apply specifically to the Kamakura IKIGAI Retreat. The terms for the Kumano Retreat will be confirmed with you before you decide to proceed. See our Privacy Policy.

For general questions, please use this inquiry form. To apply for a retreat, use the separate application form above. Your contact details will be used to respond to your inquiry; please do not include sensitive personal information.

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