About us
Tokyo Meditation Meetup!
Welcome fellow meditators! Join the Tokyo Mindfulness Substack community here to stay updated with events, retreats and guided meditations.
We hold weekly meditation sessions, usually on Tuesday and Thursday nights for one hour. We have regular group meditation sessions focused on meditation in “the buddhist tradition,” without the traditional bowing to statues or chanting. Just sitting and focusing on the breath, body, and mind, for the most part. We also have retreats of varying lengths for those who want to go deeper.
The meditation sessions are suitable for both beginners and more advanced meditators -- I will also indicate which day is reserved for advanced/beginner. Emphasis will be on the development of mindfulness and wisdom, as well as lovingkindness. Chairs and meditation cushions are available. Guidance in these methods is provided in English.
There's also a chance to exchange views and experiences. The point is to have a non-judgmental safe-space to share your experience. If you want to remain silent, that's fine, too.
This group can be a starting point for practicing, discussing or experiencing the dhamma/dharma together and may serve to support your personal practice. :)
Come join us!
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Membership: Our regular sessions are typically 1,000 yen. If you become a paid member of Tokyo Mindfulness for 3,000 yen/month, you get access to ALL of our regular events, as well as discounted and priority access to retreats and special events. Get a membership here.
⚠️ An important note about No-Shows: We have a limited number of space for this event. If you can’t attend, please cancel your RSVP so that others can join. Repeated no-shows will result in you getting kicked out of the group.
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Mindfulness for Companies
1-1 Mindfulness Coaching
If you are looking to bring mindfulness in your day-to-day life, let go of your ego and overcome burnout, you can book a coaching call with Misha directly here: https://www.mishayurchenko.coach/
Book Recommendations
Hey all, I wanted to share some books about meditation that have been helpful along my journey and that you might find useful as well! I have listed them in order of “easiest to read” starting from the top, where as those towards the bottom of the list are a little bit more heavy.
- Bear Awareness by Ajahn Brahm
- Wherever you go, there you are by Jon Kabat-Zin
- Wise Heart by Jack Kornfield
- Zen Mind, Beginners Mind, by Shunryu Suzuki
- Radical Acceptance, by Tara Brach
- Waking Up: A guide to Spirituality without religion by Sam Harris
- Mindfulness, Bliss and Beyond by Ajahn Brahm
- The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts
- The Mind Illuminated by Culadasa (a very comprehensive guide)
- Focused and Fearless by Shaila Catherine
- Satipatthana Meditation - A practice guide, by Analayo
- Path to Nibbana, by David Johnson (metta practice)
- Manual of Insight, by Mahasi Sayadaw
- Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha by Daniel Ingram
- Seeing that Frees, by Rob Burbea
And, for thousands of free recorded lectures, talks and meditations from Buddhist teachers all around the world, check out this site: https://dharmaseed.org/
Featured event
The Five Elements Pilgrimage Retreat in Yamanashi
Waterfall meditation, sacred mountain hiking, temple stay, and digital detox August 28–30
Join us for a 2-night, 3-day retreat in the mountains of Minobu, Yamanashi, a journey through meditation, waterfall practice, hiking, temple stay, and pilgrimage. This retreat is an invitation to step away from constant doing and reconnect with nature, yourself, and each other.
Over three days, we’ll stay at the beautiful temple lodging of Kakurinbo, practice meditation together, visit a mountain waterfall for cleansing and contemplation, and hike up sacred Mount Shichimen, 1,989 meters, to spend the night at a temple high in the mountains.
We’ll use the Five Elements, Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Space, as a loose framework for exploring presence in the body, heart, mind, and natural world. Expect a full crash course in mindfulness, guided meditation, silence, journaling, time in nature, and plenty of space to let go.
The hike up Mount Shichimen is challenging, around 5–6 hours uphill, so this retreat is best for people with a decent level of fitness and some comfort with hiking.
🔍 Details:
- Location: Kakurinbo Temple, Yamanashi
- Date: Friday August 28th - Sunday August 30th
- Price: 64,000 yen early bird (round trip bus transportation included)
- To RSVP, please hit RSVP on Meetup and fill out the screening form. For new retreat attendees, I ask for a short 15-minute call beforehand to make sure this is the right retreat for you. Message me directly to set this up.
🗓️ Brief Overview of Schedule:
- Friday, August 28 We’ll leave Shinjuku by bus in the morning and arrive in Minobu around lunchtime. After lunch, we’ll begin with a crash course in mindfulness of the body, heart, and mind. In the evening, we’ll have dinner, onsen, and a candle meditation.
- Saturday, August 29 We’ll wake up early for waterfall meditation, then begin the pilgrimage hike up sacred Mount Shichimen. The hike takes around 5–6 hours. We’ll spend the night at a temple high in the mountains.
- Sunday, August 30 We’ll wake up for sunrise, hike back down the mountain, return to Kakurinbo, reflect, journal, close the retreat, enjoy the onsen, and take the bus back to Shinjuku at 3:30pm.
🧘♂️🥾 What’s Included:
- Guided meditations and mindfulness instruction
- Full mindfulness crash course
- Waterfall meditation
- Sacred Mount Shichimen pilgrimage hike
- 2 nights of temple lodging, Kakurinbo and the mountain temple
- Shared rooms, usually with 1–2 people of the same sex
- 4 vegetarian meals, including Saturday lunch bento
- Round-trip bus transportation from Shinjuku
- Onsen
- Meditation cushions
- Digital detox, we’ll collect phones on the first day
- Periods of silence during meditation practice
❌ Not Included:
- Friday lunch and Sunday lunch
- Extra food/drinks
- Travel insurance
💳 Price & How to RSVP:
The early bird price for the retreat is 64,000 yen – prices go up to 72,000 yen on July 14th.
- Please RSVP on meetup
- Fill out this form
- Make your payment directly by bank transfer at this link here or by credit card here.
Rooms are spacious and shared with 1-2 attendees of the same sex.
***For new retreat attendees, I ask for a short 15-minute call beforehand to make sure this is the right retreat for you. Message me directly to set this up.
Refund Policy:
Full refund up to 7 days before the retreat.
50% refund if you cancel 3–6 days before.
No refund with less than 3 days notice.
📍Getting there & back:
Meet at the Shinjuku Expressway Bus terminal at 7:20 am on Friday August 28th. Directions are here. Arrive on time – or early, to be safe!
We will take the Shinjuku expressway bus Shinjuku to Minobu-san at 745am on August 28th, arriving at 11:30am. It’s about a 3 hour 20 minute bus ride (there is a bathroom on board and we make one stop on the way).
We leave from Minobu san back to Shinjuku at 330pm on Sunday August 30th, arriving at Shinjuku around 730pm. I will get your roundtrip ticket once you confirm your RSVP and pay.
🧳 What to bring:
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Warm layers, hoodie, sweater, etc.
- Comfortable clothes for meditation
- Hat or beanie
- Water bottle, at least 1 liter
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Small towel for waterfall practice
- Rain jacket or light waterproof layer
- Journal and pen
- An open heart, or at least a mildly curious one
📩 Questions?
Message Misha on Meetup directly or email at misha@tokyomindfulness.com
👤 About your teacher:
Misha Yurchenko is a Tokyo-based certified, trauma-informed meditation teacher with 10+ years of experience. He has spent time on retreat around the world and practiced a range of techniques. After experiencing extreme burnout from his venture-funded startup, he founded Tokyo Mindfulness and is dedicated to helping others break free from themselves. He takes an integrated and practical approach combining meditation, breathwork, and nervous system healing to help people let go of the ego, release old habit patterns and find inner freedom. He is the author of Beyond Calm and lives in Nerima with his family.
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Follow Tokyo Mindfulness on Substack here for updates and more!
Upcoming events
3
Beginner’s Mind - mindfulness of body w/ Marco
California Bliss Dept., 5-39-10 Naritahigashi, Suginami, Tokyo 166-0015 4F, Tokyo, JPBeginner’s Mind - Session 3
Mindfulness of Body
Beginner’s Mind is a 4-week introductory course in mindfulness meditation and contemplative practice inspired by the spirit of Shoshin (初心): the attitude of approaching the present moment with openness and curiosity, that is, with a beginner’s mind.
“In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few.” — Shunryu Suzuki
This third session explores mindfulness of the body through insight meditation (vipassana) using guided body-scanning practice. By bringing non-reactive awareness to bodily sensations, participants will begin cultivating deeper insight into the changing nature of experience and the classical contemplative themes of impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and non-self.
The afternoon will include:
• Introduction to insight meditation and body awareness
• Guided body-scanning meditation
• Casual discussion and tea afterwardsWhether you are completely new to meditation, returning to practice, or simply wishing to deepen your understanding, the course offers a gentle introduction to the meditative foundations of concentration, insight, and loving-kindness.
Participants are welcome to attend individual sessions independently, although attending the full 4-week series is encouraged in order to experience the progressive development of the course.
The full course includes:
• Session 1 - Introduction to Mindfulness & Candle Gazing
• Session 2 - Mindfulness of Breath
• Session 3 - Mindfulness of Body
• Session 4 - Loving-Kindness Meditation• Doors open from 14:00. We begin at 14:10 and meditate for approximately 45 minutes. Please arrive on time.
• Guidance will be provided.
• Meditation cushions and chairs are available, and you are welcome to bring anything else you need to sit comfortably.We will meet at California Bliss Dept.
5-39-10 Naritahigashi, Suginami, Tokyo 166-0015
3-min walk from Minami-Asagaya station (Marunouchi Line)
10-min walk from Asagaya station (Chūō Line)
entrance is on the 4th floor !Price: Donation-based. All proceeds will be donated to the Orphans' Ministry led by the Franciscan Chapel Center Tokyo.
After the meditation, we will have some time for casual discussion and tea in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment.
See you there (:
About your mindfulness teacher:
Marco Martínez is an experienced meditation practitioner who has explored Vipassana, mindfulness meditation, and contemplative disciplines for over 10 years. He has participated in retreats in the traditions of Goenka, Rob Burbea, and Pa-Auk, and also has a background in Ashtanga Yoga, Pranayama, Qigong, and Kriya Yoga practices.Marco now practices as a Catholic Christian, integrating contemplative practices from different traditions within a Christian spiritual framework.
12 attendees
Beginner’s Mind - loving-kindness meditation w/ Marco
California Bliss Dept., 5-39-10 Naritahigashi, Suginami, Tokyo 166-0015 4F, Tokyo, JPBeginner’s Mind - Session 4
Loving-Kindness Meditation
Beginner’s Mind is a 4-week introductory course in mindfulness meditation and contemplative practice inspired by the spirit of Shoshin (初心): the attitude of approaching the present moment with openness and curiosity, that is, with a beginner’s mind.
“In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few.” — Shunryu Suzuki
This fourth and final session explores loving-kindness meditation (metta), a contemplative practice centered on cultivating goodwill, compassion, joy for the wellbeing of others, and equanimity toward oneself and others. Through guided meditation, participants will explore how intentional qualities of love and kindness can gradually transform the way we relate to ourselves, other people, and everyday life.
The afternoon will include:
• Introduction to loving-kindness meditation
• Guided metta meditation
• Casual discussion and tea afterwardsWhether you are completely new to meditation, returning to practice, or simply wishing to deepen your understanding, the course offers a gentle introduction to the meditative foundations of concentration, insight, and loving-kindness.
Participants are welcome to attend individual sessions independently, although attending the full 4-week series is encouraged in order to experience the progressive development of the course.
The full course includes:
• Session 1 - Introduction to Mindfulness & Candle Gazing
• Session 2 - Mindfulness of Breath
• Session 3 - Mindfulness of Body
• Session 4 - Loving-Kindness Meditation• Doors open from 14:00. We begin at 14:10 and meditate for approximately 45 minutes. Please arrive on time.
• Guidance will be provided.
• Meditation cushions and chairs are available, and you are welcome to bring anything else you need to sit comfortably.We will meet at California Bliss Dept.
5-39-10 Naritahigashi, Suginami, Tokyo 166-0015
3-min walk from Minami-Asagaya station (Marunouchi Line)
10-min walk from Asagaya station (Chūō Line)
entrance is on the 4th floor !Price: Donation-based. All proceeds will be donated to the Orphans' Ministry led by the Franciscan Chapel Center Tokyo.
After the meditation, we will have some time for casual discussion and tea in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment.
See you there (:
About your mindfulness teacher:
Marco Martínez is an experienced meditation practitioner who has explored Vipassana, mindfulness meditation, and contemplative disciplines for over 10 years. He has participated in retreats in the traditions of Goenka, Rob Burbea, and Pa-Auk, and also has a background in Ashtanga Yoga, Pranayama, Qigong, and Kriya Yoga practices.Marco now practices as a Catholic Christian, integrating contemplative practices from different traditions within a Christian spiritual framework.
12 attendees- ¥64,000.00
The Five Elements Pilgrimage Retreat in Yamanashi
Shinjuku, Tokyo, JPWaterfall meditation, sacred mountain hiking, temple stay, and digital detox August 28–30
Join us for a 2-night, 3-day retreat in the mountains of Minobu, Yamanashi, a journey through meditation, waterfall practice, hiking, temple stay, and pilgrimage. This retreat is an invitation to step away from constant doing and reconnect with nature, yourself, and each other.
Over three days, we’ll stay at the beautiful temple lodging of Kakurinbo, practice meditation together, visit a mountain waterfall for cleansing and contemplation, and hike up sacred Mount Shichimen, 1,989 meters, to spend the night at a temple high in the mountains.
We’ll use the Five Elements, Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Space, as a loose framework for exploring presence in the body, heart, mind, and natural world. Expect a full crash course in mindfulness, guided meditation, silence, journaling, time in nature, and plenty of space to let go.
The hike up Mount Shichimen is challenging, around 5–6 hours uphill, so this retreat is best for people with a decent level of fitness and some comfort with hiking.
🔍 Details:
- Location: Kakurinbo Temple, Yamanashi
- Date: Friday August 28th - Sunday August 30th
- Price: 64,000 yen early bird (round trip bus transportation included)
- To RSVP, please hit RSVP on Meetup and fill out the screening form. For new retreat attendees, I ask for a short 15-minute call beforehand to make sure this is the right retreat for you. Message me directly to set this up.
🗓️ Brief Overview of Schedule:
- Friday, August 28 We’ll leave Shinjuku by bus in the morning and arrive in Minobu around lunchtime. After lunch, we’ll begin with a crash course in mindfulness of the body, heart, and mind. In the evening, we’ll have dinner, onsen, and a candle meditation.
- Saturday, August 29 We’ll wake up early for waterfall meditation, then begin the pilgrimage hike up sacred Mount Shichimen. The hike takes around 5–6 hours. We’ll spend the night at a temple high in the mountains.
- Sunday, August 30 We’ll wake up for sunrise, hike back down the mountain, return to Kakurinbo, reflect, journal, close the retreat, enjoy the onsen, and take the bus back to Shinjuku at 3:30pm.
🧘♂️🥾 What’s Included:
- Guided meditations and mindfulness instruction
- Full mindfulness crash course
- Waterfall meditation
- Sacred Mount Shichimen pilgrimage hike
- 2 nights of temple lodging, Kakurinbo and the mountain temple
- Shared rooms, usually with 1–2 people of the same sex
- 4 vegetarian meals, including Saturday lunch bento
- Round-trip bus transportation from Shinjuku
- Onsen
- Meditation cushions
- Digital detox, we’ll collect phones on the first day
- Periods of silence during meditation practice
❌ Not Included:
- Friday lunch and Sunday lunch
- Extra food/drinks
- Travel insurance
💳 Price & How to RSVP:
The early bird price for the retreat is 64,000 yen – prices go up to 72,000 yen on July 14th.- Please RSVP on meetup
- Fill out this form
- Make your payment directly by bank transfer at this link here or by credit card here.
Rooms are spacious and shared with 1-2 attendees of the same sex.
***For new retreat attendees, I ask for a short 15-minute call beforehand to make sure this is the right retreat for you. Message me directly to set this up.Refund Policy:
Full refund up to 7 days before the retreat.
50% refund if you cancel 3–6 days before.
No refund with less than 3 days notice.📍Getting there & back:
Meet at the Shinjuku Expressway Bus terminal at 7:20 am on Friday August 28th. Directions are here. Arrive on time – or early, to be safe!We will take the Shinjuku expressway bus Shinjuku to Minobu-san at 745am on August 28th, arriving at 11:30am. It’s about a 3 hour 20 minute bus ride (there is a bathroom on board and we make one stop on the way).
We leave from Minobu san back to Shinjuku at 330pm on Sunday August 30th, arriving at Shinjuku around 730pm. I will get your roundtrip ticket once you confirm your RSVP and pay.
🧳 What to bring:
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Warm layers, hoodie, sweater, etc.
- Comfortable clothes for meditation
- Hat or beanie
- Water bottle, at least 1 liter
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Small towel for waterfall practice
- Rain jacket or light waterproof layer
- Journal and pen
- An open heart, or at least a mildly curious one
📩 Questions?
Message Misha on Meetup directly or email at misha@tokyomindfulness.com👤 About your teacher:
Misha Yurchenko is a Tokyo-based certified, trauma-informed meditation teacher with 10+ years of experience. He has spent time on retreat around the world and practiced a range of techniques. After experiencing extreme burnout from his venture-funded startup, he founded Tokyo Mindfulness and is dedicated to helping others break free from themselves. He takes an integrated and practical approach combining meditation, breathwork, and nervous system healing to help people let go of the ego, release old habit patterns and find inner freedom. He is the author of Beyond Calm and lives in Nerima with his family.---
Follow Tokyo Mindfulness on Substack here for updates and more!4 attendees
Past events
230
