Program Overview
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.
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.
IKIGAI 2.0: Three Foundations
🤝 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
Detailed Program
The 4-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 & Witness
Ancient paths.
Cedar silence.
Sacred ground.
→ Body wisdom. Nature as teacher.
Day 3：Cultivate & Deep Dive
Soil.
Water.
Emergence.
→ Ecosystem as mirror. IKIGAI surfaces.
Day 4：Day 4：Integrate & Begin
Integrate.
Authentic Insight.
Return.
→ Life as your art.
Pricing
¥398,000 (including tax & payment fees) per person
Minimum participants: 2 persons to proceedMaximum participants: 3 persons only
An Intimate Dialogue
Three participants. Two facilitators.
Space enough to be seen.
Trust enough to be honest. Intimacy enough to transform.
Service Coverage
What's Included in Your Program Fee
◯ 4 Professional IKIGAI Coaching Sessions
Two experienced facilitators dedicated to just 3 participants
Approximately 12 hours of intensive coaching over 4 days
◯ Kumano Kodo Walking Meditation Experience
Guided mindful walking through UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage routes
◯ Food Forest Experience at Sotononono
Hands-on regenerative gardening with facilitated reflection
◯ Selected Meals (3 meals included)
Day 1: Communal dinner — local Kumano cuisine
Day 2: Lunch during pilgrimage walk
Day 3: Kaiseki dinner — Kumano Jidori, Kumano beef, Katsuura fresh tuna
◯ All Workshop Materials
◯ Tea & Light Refreshments
◯ Pre-Retreat Consultation (15-min video call)
◯ Post-Retreat Integration Support (1-month email follow-up)
What's NOT Included (Arranged by You)
✗ Accommodation (approx. ¥15,000–¥40,000 per night)
From guesthouses to onsen ryokan.
We provide recommendations and booking support.
✗ Transportation to/from Kumano
Recommended: JR limited express "Nanki" from Nagoya (approx. 3 hrs, direct).
Free shuttle buses available from JR Kumano-shi Station
to onsen hotels with advance reservation.
✗ Additional meals not listed above
✗ Shrine and temple admission fees (approx. ¥500–¥1,000 total)
✗ Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)
✗ Personal expenses
Why This Structure? This allows you to choose accommodation that fits your preferences and budget, while we focus on delivering an exceptional coaching experience. We provide detailed recommendations and booking assistance.
Who Should Join
This Retreat is For You If:
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You're at a career crossroads, contemplating your next chapter.
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You're questioning what matters when machines can do most things.
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You seek transformation and are ready for deep introspection.
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You value authentic dialogue in an intimate small-group setting.
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You are drawn to Japan's ancient spiritual heritage and the regenerative power of nature.
Facilitators
Two guides.
We create space.
Your IKIGAI emerges.
Kouji Miki
CEO, enmono Inc. / Founder, zenschool
For 15 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.
Adam Lobel
THE DEPTH — Ecosystem Guide & Space Holder
zenschool Master / Business Analyst, Japan, Purpose Brands / Former Founder & Representative Director, Kumano Shindo / Co-founder, Sizung / Research Fellow, Institute for Future Engineering
I have spent many years exploring the intersection of contemplative practice, environmental systems, and organizational life, helping individuals, communities, and organizations navigate complexity, communication, and change.
I hold a B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, with a focus on Buddhism, and an M.S. in Environmental Information Science from Tokyo City University.
In 2025, I spent a year guiding international guests on nine-day pilgrimages along the Kumano Kodo, guiding them through 80 kilometers of the sacred mountains and shrines of the Kii Peninsula with Walk Japan.
I also co-created Sotononono, restoring a farmhouse that had stood vacant for thirty years. Through the efforts of local residents, university students, architects, forestry professionals, and collaborators from Japan and around the world, it has become a living community space once again.
Kumano is known as 蘇りの地 (Yomigaeri no Chi) — the Land of Revival.
For over a thousand years, pilgrims have come to these mountains seeking renewal. The journey through Kumano was often understood as a symbolic passage through death and rebirth, emerging with a deeper connection to oneself, others, and the living world.
That journey remains available today.
Fluent in Japanese and English.
Participant Voices
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
Kumano Kodo Walking Meditation
Location
Why Kumano? Three Unique Advantages
1. Sacred Authenticity — The Land of Revival
For over a thousand years, pilgrims journeyed to Kumano
to shed an old self and step into a new life.
They entered the mountains as if entering the land of the dead —
and returned renewed.
This is not a theme park or a tourist simulation.
This is the real thing.
2. Sotononono — A Living Space
Our base is Sotononono (ソトノノノ) —
a 100-year-old farmhouse in Kumano City, Mie Prefecture,
restored through collaboration between local community members
and global experts.
Exposed cedar beams. Tatami rooms that open into meditation halls.
A food forest on the hillside.
The deep blue of Kumano-nada visible from the terrace.
Kumanonada(熊野灘)
Oonikura(大丹倉)
3. Contrast — Forest, Sea, and Sacred Water
Ancient pilgrimage routes through old-growth cedar forest.
The profound stillness of Omajinja shrine.
The heat of Yunouchi Onsen rising from the earth.
The Kitayama River running clear below open-air baths.
These contrasting stages mirror your inner journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I join if I don't speak Japanese?
A: Yes, the retreat can be conducted in English. Please indicate your preference when booking.
Q2: Can I join alone?
A: Absolutely! Many participants join solo. Our small group size ensures a welcoming environment.
Q3: Do I need to arrange my own accommodation?
A: Yes. We recommend local guesthouses or onsen ryokan near Kumano-shi Station, and provide booking assistance. Options range from approx. ¥3,500 (guesthouse) to ¥15,000+ (onsen ryokan) per night.
Q4: Can I participate even if I have no experience with meditation or zazen?
A: Yes, beginners are welcome. All programs are designed for all experience levels and include thorough guidance.
Q5: What items should I bring?
A: Please bring comfortable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and writing utensils. We will inform you of any other necessary items in advance.
Q6: What is your cancellation policy?
A:
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30+ days before program start: Full refund minus ¥20,000 processing fee
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15-29 days before: 50% refund
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14 days or less before: Non-refundable
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No-show: Non-refundable Cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@zenschool.jp
Q7: Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
A: Yes, we can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, allergies, and other dietary restrictions for included meals. Please inform us when you register.
Q8: What if the minimum number of participants is not met?
A: If we do not reach the minimum of 2 participants, we will notify you at least 14 days before the program date and offer a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Q9: Is there insurance coverage?
A: Participants are responsible for their own travel and health insurance. We recommend obtaining comprehensive travel insurance before arrival.
Next Session & Booking
We will adjust according to your preferences.
e.g.) April, 2027
Capacity: 3 participants maximum Status: Now accepting applications
How to Book:
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Complete the pre-application questionnaire (link below)
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Schedule a 15-minute video call with us
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Receive booking confirmation and payment instructions
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Submit payment within 7 days
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Receive welcome packet with detailed preparation guide
Contact: info@zenschool.jp
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