Rinzai-ji Zen Center is honored to welcome back Minakawa Shōkyū Rōshi from Sapporo, Japan, to lead the Ho-on Ōzesshin in honor of our founder, Denkyō-shitsu Kyōzan Jōshū Rōshi. This intensive retreat will take place from Tuesday, July 15, to Saturday, July 19, 2025, offering a rare opportunity to engage deeply in Zen Koan practice under Minakawa Rōshi’s guidance. Hashinkyū-ji (arrival) is scheduled for Monday, July 14.

Following the Sesshin, on Sunday, July 20, we will hold the Annual Memorial Service (Maisaiki) to commemorate our founding abbot. We warmly encourage all members of the Sangha to join us in honoring Jōshū Rōshi.

This Sesshin continues our valued Dharma connection with Kiryūken Minakawa Shōkyū Rōshi, abbot of Zuiryū-ji and founder of Sapporo Zen Center. Trained rigorously at Zuigan Sōdō in Matsushima—the monastery where Jōshū Rōshi practiced—Minakawa Rōshi is one of the few Rinzai masters in Japan who offers daily Sanzen to lay practitioners. His presence at this Sesshin is an invaluable opportunity for all participants to immerse themselves in authentic Rinzai Koan practice.

We encourage early registration, as space is limited. Your support through donations to Rinzai-ji helps sustain this retreat and our continued practice with Minakawa Rōshi.

For inquiries regarding accommodations or logistics, please contact the Rinzai-ji Office. We look forward to gathering in shared practice with the Dharma.

Sesshin Information

•    Hashinkyū-ji (Arrival): Monday, July 14 | Informal Dinner 6:00 p.m.

•    Sesshin: Tuesday, July 15 – Saturday, July 19

•    Annual Memorial Service (Maisaiki): Sunday, July 20

•    Sesshin Fee: $500*

For those with financial need, work exchange or reduced fees may be available. Please contact the Rinzai-ji office at office@rinzaiji.org.

If this will be your first Sesshin, or if you have any questions, please contact office@rinzaiji.org before registering. Please note that newcomers must have completed at least one full-time Sesshin before engaging in Sanzen.

For any additional questions, contact office@rinzaiji.org.