Sukayu Onsen Ryokan (Arakawa Minami Arakawayama, Aomori City, tel 017-738-6400 ) is currently recruiting participants for its "Extreme Cold Zazen Session."

Sukayu is a hot spring resort located at an altitude of about 900 meters, known as a heavy snow area and boasting the highest snowfall in the country. Sukayu Onsen Ryokan is planning an experience plan that incorporates the cold and snow into the tourist content.

The "Extreme Cold Zazen Meeting" is an experience plan for practicing zazen outdoors in winter. The experience lasts for about 60 minutes. Participants clear the snow from the area where they will sit with a shovel, and then practice zazen on the spot for 10 to 15 minutes. After the event, participants will receive an original sticker to prove their participation, a cup of sweet sake, and a bath ticket (for one visit).

This is the second time this event has been held, following last year. According to Shintaro Takada, a member of the Sales Planning Department, some of the participants from last year's event said things like, "I could hear the sound of snow falling," and "It wasn't as cold as I expected, so I felt calm."

Takada says, "Practicing zazen at Sukayu may seem like a reckless plan, but in the middle of a blizzard you no longer have time to think, and all your distracting thoughts disappear. I would encourage everyone to try it as a new way to enjoy Sukayu."

The event will be held on January 11th, 12th, 14th, 21st, and 26th to 31st. The meeting time is 10:00. The participation fee is 2,000 yen (1,000 yen per person for guests staying overnight). Applications are accepted on the official website of Sukayu Onsen Ryokan.