空 · sora / kū — sky, emptiness
Nearly three centuries of silence, at the edge of the world.
You are welcome here.
English-language Zen practice at a living temple in Niigata, Japan. Join a sitting, plan a longer visit, or enquire about an overnight stay.
Find a sitting or enquire
Keigakuji is a Sōtō Zen temple in the hot-spring village of Yomogihira, in the mountains of Niigata. It has served its village since around 1757 — nearly twenty years before the United States declared independence. Its abbot teaches zazen in English and Japanese, to anyone who wants to sit.
Next evening sittingSat 14 Nov · 19:30Sit
Three ways to come and sit
Drop-in Session
Instruction in zazen, then a period of sitting in the Buddha Hall. No experience needed.
Temple Stay
Evening and dawn zazen, shōjin dinner and breakfast, and a night of mountain quiet. Up to fifteen guests.
瑠璃光 · The medicine of this valley
Rest the body in the onsen. Settle the mind in the hall.
The temple enshrines Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, who is said to shine from the Pure Lapis Land of the East. The village takes its name from yomogi — mugwort, the mother of herbs. The hot springs below rest the body. In the Buddha Hall, the mind settles.
空闊透天兮
鳥飛如鳥
The sky is wide, clear through to the heavens; birds fly like birds.
Dōgen, Shōbōgenzō, “Zazenshin”
Beyond the valley
Stay connected to the temple
Follow daily life at Keigakuji on Instagram, or visit the Journal, where the first essays and notes are being prepared.
Instagram · Temple life
Glimpses from Keigakuji
Journal · Coming soon
Notes from the valley
Monthly letters
Once a month, from the temple.
News of zazen, seasonal gatherings and life in Yomogihira. A free monthly email in English, Japanese or both. Unsubscribe whenever you wish.
Choose your newsletter language →Opens our bilingual signup form. After subscribing, follow the link in your confirmation email.
Come together
Gatherings & special events
Day retreats, talks and seasonal gatherings, at the temple and further afield. Find the date, venue and way to take part in each listing.
Explore upcoming events →Language arrangements and booking routes are listed for each event.
For future online practice, join the waiting list for a small English-language group. We’ll email once when the first places open. Online group waiting list →
Ready?
Book a dated sitting or contact us to arrange a visit. Please get in touch at least 48 hours in advance.