Joining a buddhist monastery in Japan

Dear Japanese people,

I'm joining a Buddhist monastery in Japan in about 3 months max. Why joining a Buddhist monastery and why in Japan? I can't really explain because it's not a rational thing but extreme confidence that I have to join one and that the country has to be Japan. I have been meditating for quite some years now and want to deepen my practice by joining a monastery in Japan where nothing but insight-meditation is practised. (So no studying, tradition doesn't really matter) I'm likely to stay for at least 1.5 years.

I already fixed everything to leave Holland, and basically, I could go tomorrow. The only thing I need now is a monastery. I'm surfing the internet now for monasteries to join. I realize many of them are not on the internet, but I would like to have confirmed that I can stay there before I go to Japan.

The World Buddhist Directory on a website called buddhanet is already helping me out a little, but I would like to know if you guys can suggest me some other monasteries. (Preferably with a website) Help is really appreciated! See you soon

Speaking of Zen meditation, Eihei-ji is famous, but they don't have a website. Eihei-ji is located in the mountain area of Fukui prefecture, north of Kyoto. If you really want to join the monastery, Eihei-ji may be one of the options for consideration.

You might also try getting in contact with the creator of this site.


Also here is a book that may or may not be of interest to you.

宝泉寺 Hosenji in Kyoto also accepts the people who would like to experience zen.


Zen courses


(basic course for 3 nights 4 days, long term over 4 nights)

Thanks to all!

@Astroboy and undentride, I contacted both places!
@Mikawa Ossan, I couldn't figure it out because I don't understand Japanese and did not find an english version

Anyone else has other suggestions?

Japanner said:

Thanks to all!

@Astroboy and undentride, I contacted both places!
@Mikawa Ossan, I couldn't figure it out because I don't understand Japanese and did not find an English version

Anyone else has other suggestions?

Click to expand...

Then .... for Zen.


They have a European office.