Otera Stay will be hosting the Nachikatsuura Digital Nomad Retreat 2025 on 22nd and 23rd November at Daitaiji Temple.
The venue is located along the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.
The two-day retreat aims to draw in digital nomads from around the world in Nachikatsuura, a town known for its tuna and World Heritage sites which is now gaining attention as a destination for remote workers.
A time and place for mindfulness
Daitaiji Temple, situated along the Kumano Kodo trail and boasting over 1,000 years of history, offers a unique setting where participants can experience mindfulness through Zen meditation whilst drawing closer to nature.
Activities include tours within the temple grounds to learn about historical architecture, as well as fire rituals for purifying the body and mind.
Through experiences only possible at a Japanese temple, participants will have the opportunity to reflect deeply on themselves and cultivate inner peace as part of a spiritual practice.
In addition, the retreat provides opportunities to learn about the lifestyle of digital nomads and connect with fellow participants.
What to expect in November
- Fire Ritual at Nachisan Seiganto-ji：At the Gyōja Hall of Seiganto-ji on Mt. Nachi, you will attend a special fire ritual conducted by Kumano spiritual monks. Surrounded by chants and flames, your wooden prayer stick carrying your wishes is burned in the fire, a symbolic act of cleansing and renewal for body and mind.
- Temple Tour & Bell-Ringing Experience：Explore historical buildings and cultural landmarks within the temple grounds while learning about their significance. By ringing the temple bell, you engage in a moment of mindfulness and spiritual reflection.
- Dinner & Community Gathering：Enjoy a dinner featuring local specialties from Nachikatsuura while connecting with local residents. Sharing a meal fosters deeper ties with the local people and culture.
- Evening Party：A casual gathering in an indoor lounge provides a relaxed space for participants to connect and build relationships in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
- Morning Zazen & Sri Lankan Curry Breakfast：Begin the day with a serene Zazen (Zen meditation) session led by a monk, followed by a fragrant Sri Lankan curry breakfast. It sets a calm, focused tone for the rest of the day.
- Unconference Sessions：In these participant-led talks and open discussions, experts share insights on remote work and the digital nomad lifestyle. An open environment that encourages dialogue and discovery.
