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imakoko

KOYASAN RETREAT

3 Days Immersed in Japan’s Spiritual Heart
Meditation, Ritual, and Cross-Cultural Connection

Date: October 9–11, 2026

Reserve My Spot

KOYASAN RETREAT

3 Days Immersed in Japan’s Spiritual Heart
Meditation, Ritual, and Cross-Cultural Connection

Date: October 9–11, 2026

Reserve My Spot

Koyasan, in the mountains of Wakayama is a sacred site that has been a center of prayer for over 1,200 years.

This retreat is about connection — to yourself, to ancient wisdom,and to people from different cultures and languages.

A journey inward, and a meeting with others at the same time.

WHAT IS KOYASAN

 

Koyasan was founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) and is the heart of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

 Monks continue their daily practices here, rituals are performed continuously, and silence carries a profound presence.

Nature and spirituality exist as one. Walking through Koyasan feels like stepping into another dimension of time.

What is imakoko? 

imakoko is a global community movement rooted in conscious living, sharing its vision from Japan to the world. Rather than simply offering meditation techniques, it invites people to awaken to the present moment — “now & here” — and co-create a more connected and harmonious way of living through awareness and relationship.

Through practices such as meditation, breathwork, embodiment, and conscious communication, imakoko creates a space for inner transformation to naturally extend into daily life and connection with others. Founded by Koko, who began her work in 2012, the community is supported by her experience as the representative of Breathwork Japan, an NVC teacher and author, and a facilitator of retreats and programs in sexuality and personal empowerment.

BILINGUAL RETREAT

 

This retreat is held in both Japanese and English. By bringing together Japanese and international participants, it creates space for cross-cultural dialogue, expanded perspectives, and deep human connection beyond language.

For Japanese participants, it is also an opportunity to rediscover the beauty of their own culture through sharing it with others.

THE EXPERIENCE

 

Within a traditional Buddhist setting, this retreat blends ancient atmosphere with modern awareness practices.

Alongside meditation, breathwork, and embodiment practices, you will directly experience important sacred sites of Koyasan.

This includes walks through the Danjo Garan complex, visiting Kongobuji Temple, and spending time in sacred places such as Okunoin.

Through these experiences, you will connect with Japanese spiritual culture in a direct and embodied way.

You will also engage in meaningful exchange with both Japanese and international participants, creating real human connection across cultures.

Quiet mornings, reflective evenings, and group sharing spaces allow deep insight and integration to unfold naturally.

ACCOMMODATION
& MEALS


You will stay at a traditional temple lodging. Tatami rooms offer a simple and authentic experience. The meals will be Shojin Ryori,  Buddhist vegetarian meals, simple yet well thought and prepared with care. 

This is not a hotel stay — it is an immersion into monastic life.

＊please note that single/private rooms are limited, and will be offered first come first serve bases. 

LOCATION


Koyasan is located in Wakayama Prefecture. Access is via Osaka, taking the Nankai Railway to Gokurakubashi, then a cable car up the mountain, followed by a local bus. There is also a direct bus from Kyoto station.

Price

$700

until July 30th
regular price $860


Reserve My Spot

 

Schedule

Day - 1

  • Check in  at  the  Monastery   3pm  

  • Opening Circle,  Mindful  Practice,  Breathwork 

  • Night walk to Daijo-Garan  

Day - 2

  • Morning chant  with  the  monks  
  • Mindful  walk  to  Okuno-in 
  • Visit Kongo-buji  
  • International  dialouge  with  the  participants  

Day - 3

  • Morning chant with  the  monks  
  • Embodied practices  
  • Closing circle
  • Check out 10am  
YOUR GUIDE

Koko

Meditation, NVC, Breathwork, Somatic Facilitator

 

Koyasan is a truly special place. Every time I go, I feel like I am returning to something essential within myself. It’s not about being Japanese — there is a quiet presence there that anyone, from any background, can connect with. In that stillness, something deeper naturally awakens.

I’m especially excited to welcome non-Japanese participants this time and create a space where different cultures can meet in presence. Beyond words and language, we will share through breath, movement, and silence — and experience a sense of connection that goes beyond borders.

 

Testimonials

At the Koyasan retreat, I experienced how the world changes more when you listen to your inner self rather than trying to change the outside. And I was deeply moved by Koko's careful and attentive support for each individual.

Keisuke S.

I decided to participate because I had hoped to change myself more, I wanted to experience more breathing and meditation, and I was excited about the prospect of a retreat in the sacred place of Koyasan, as I had never been there before. Ultimately, it became a journey of letting go, purification, and rebirth.

Tamami K.

Thank you so much for watching over me with such great love! 

Rumiko

Welcoming who is..

  • Seeking depth beyond tourism
  • Interested in Buddhism and Japanese spirituality
  • Wants to connect across cultures
  • Seeking time for inner reflection
  • Wishing to experience both stillness and connection

This is a small group experience.
Registration will close when full.

 

Reserve My Spot

The retreat is conducted in both Japanese and English. Both languages are naturally integrated. Meditation beginners and all religons are welcome! 

At Mount Koya, the heart of Japan’s spiritual culture, return to yourself through meditation, breath, and embodied practice. Gather with others beyond borders, and deepen in stillness and connection. We warmly welcome you to this special space where the imakoko community comes together.