Dear friends and members,
We are settling the plans for the trip to Japan in April. The primary events will take place at the two head temples of Soto Zen in Japan: Eiheiji and Sojiji. The ceremonies there are honoring Keizan Zenji, considered one of the two founders of Soto Zen in Japan. Because of Keizan Zenji, Soto Zen has opened the doors to practice for countless sincere practitioners.

If you are planning to come there are three steps to take:

1. Send a deposit of $200 to Houston Zen Center. There is a link for the payment below. This is refundable up to March 15.

2. Sign up before January 31 with the International Center (this holds a place for you at the two temples). Sign up here.

3. Fill out the application below verifying that you are planning to join the group.

Here is the draft schedule for the event:
April 19: Leave Houston. There is a date change, so if you leave on the 19th you will arrive on the 20th. Fly to Narita Airport and travel into Tokyo.
April 20: Stay in Tokyo at the Tokyo Grand Hotel. Our small group of about 12 participants will spend this day together. Walk in parks and explore some nearby neighborhoods.
April 21: Travel by train to Fukui Station where the official tour begins. Travel to Eiheiji for the ceremonies, and stay in a nearby hotel. Once we are at Fukui Station we join the larger tour of a total of 100 participants.
April 22: Wake up in hotel near Eiheiji, then travel to Sojiji with the large tour, for the main ceremony honoring Keizan Zenji. Stay overnight at Sojiji in dormitory style housing.
April 23: Wake up at Sojiji, then travel to Tokyo for the gathering. Stay at Tokyo Grand Hotel. The hotel is the main hotel for Soto Zen headquarters. This ends our time with the larger tour. From here we continue in our small group of about 12 people.
April 24: Travel by train to Yaizu, stay in hotel near Rinso-In. Visit Suzuki Roshi’s original temple on the 24th or the 25th, depending on the family’s schedule.
April 25: Travel to Kyoto by train. Stay in hotel, exploring the temples of Kyoto.
April 26: Kyoto exploration.
April 27: Kyoto exploration. Day trip to Nara.
April 28: Return to Houston. There is no date change. You leave on April 28 and arrive on April 28 in Houston.

The trip is open for up to 10 participants. The cost of the trip will be approximately:

1. Ceremonies and lodging at the two head temples: $650. This includes all meals and 2 nights’ lodging April 21-23. This is paid directly to the Japanese travel agent for the temples.
2. Donation to Eiheiji and Sojiji, $100 per temple: $200. We will give this directly to the temples.
3. Train travel from the head temple to Rinso-in and Kyoto: $400-$500. We will each purchase our own train fares.
4. Lodging one day before, 5 days after the ceremonies April 23-27, 6 nights approximately: $900. We will stay in the same hotels and settle our bills individually.
5. Meals for 6 days. Approximately: $660. Restaurants are small, so we may divide into smaller groups and explore various meal options.
6. Expenses for HZC: $200. This covers HZC administrative time and materials.
Approximate total exclusive of flight to Tokyo, Narita Airport: $3110.

We look forward to traveling with you.

April 19-28 2024 Tour in Japan

$200.00

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email

Message

Applying for the Tour through International Center

Yes, I have completed the application in Item 2 above.

No, I haven't completed it but I am aware the deadline is January 31.

Deposit to HZC

Yes, I have sent my $200 deposit

No, I haven't sent it yet

Number of Participants

I am aware there is a limited number of openings for the tour

I would like to be on the wait list if the tour fills up