Mandatory New Student Orientation (8:45 AM): Newcomers are required to attend a brief orientation at the Upper House (details below) at 8:45 AM. Aim to arrive by 8:40 AM to allow for parking and the walk up to the Upper House. Prompt arrival is essential to avoid disrupting others and ensure a smooth start to your zazen experience.
Joining Our Zazen-kai
Registration: To ensure a peaceful and focused experience for everyone, we kindly ask that you register beforehand as we don’t accept walk-ins. Please make sure to complete student registration so that you can receive weekly reservation form. Here are steps to register.
Dana (Donation): There’s no set fee, but our zazen-kai relies on the generosity of our students through dana (donations). These donations cover essential expenses like space rental and equipment. A donation basket will be available outside the zendo as well as we accept online donations.
Schedule: Sundays
8:00 AM – 8:50am: Regular zazen-kai
9:00 AM – 9:30am: Short zazen-kai
Direction to Zazen-kai
Our zazen-kai takes place at the Upper House, located on the slope of Moon Viewing Hill at Hakone Gardens in Saratoga, CA. Map to Hakone Gardens.
Click here to download PDF version of the map
Finding the Upper House:
1: The entrance is located at the upper portion of the parking lot. Look for the gate marked “Office.”
2:Enter the second gate directly in front of you.
3: Follow the path uphill to the Upper House.
4: Enter our zendo located within the Upper House.
Zendo Etiquette
Shoes: Please remove your shoes outside the zendo and arrange them neatly in a row with toes facing outward.
Vow to enter: Upon entering the zendo, bow respectfully with your hands in gassho (palms together, fingers pointing upwards).
Respecting Our Space: Our Zazen-kai sessions have limited space, and sometimes we reach capacity. If you reserve a spot but can’t attend, please let us know in advance by emailing info@hakone-zendo.org. This allows us to offer your spot to someone else. Consideration for others goes a long way!
Pets: While we love animals, Hakone Gardens policy prohibits pets in the gardens or buildings. Please leave your furry companions at home.
Hakone Zendo 