What we’re about
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!
---
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.
Follow and Connect with Us
Sign up for our newsletter
Follow us on Instagram
Website
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
Nagano Mindfulness Retreat in Nature: "No Mud, No Lotus"
Join us this November for a weekend of mindfulness and renewal in Nagano. Expect inner exploration, time in nature, somatic practices, movement, onsen, hiking, digital detox, meaningful conversation, and plenty of deep rest.
The theme of this retreat is “No Mud, No Lotus.” Just as the lotus flower blossoms in the muddiest of ponds, our own healing can emerge from difficulty. The struggles that bring you here—darkness, frustration, the search for peace—are also the very conditions that can allow something beautiful to grow.
This idea might be hard to accept, and that’s okay. Through the practices we’ll share, you’ll find the nourishment and support you need, drawing strength from your own past to discover healing, insight, and resilience.
This retreat is open to everyone. If you’re new to meditation, you’re welcome. If you’ve been practicing for 10 years, you’re welcome. The retreat will be a unique experience led by two experiences guides, one with a focus on mindfulness and another on movement and expressive arts. Check out the details below and book your spot on Meetup. Feel free to message me with any questions. 🙂
Basic Details: 👇
- Theme: No mud, no lotus
- Date: Friday, November 14th 5:30 pm to Monday, November 17th noon.
- Location: Azumino, Nagano
- Price: 45,000 yen.
🏡 Accommodation: The retreat will be at the serene Iramu Karapute center in Nagano's wilderness, surrounded by the beauty of the Japanese alps. Food is cooked by the local staff and sourced from their gardens. Veggie options available. Max 10 people. 🙂 Picture of rooms here.
💴 Price: 45,000 yen. This covers the costs of the retreat including accommodation and all meals for 3 nights, 4 days. To make your payment and confirm RSVP, please send the money to the following bank account.
🙏 Dana: The teachers do not take any profit from the retreat as your meditation guide and the price covers just our costs. In the Buddhist spirit of dana, or generosity, we welcome donations at the end of the retreat. Simply give what feels right for you. You’re welcome to prepare cash in advance, or send a donation via Paypay or Paypal. These donations help us continue doing more of these retreats for the community.
✨ Included:
- Room (semi-private with a curtain in between)
- Three healthy & delicious meals a day. Light breakfast.
- Meditation cushion and yoga mat
- A safe, quiet space in nature
- Daily check-in with teacher
❌ NOT included: The cost of transportation from Tokyo to the retreat center is not included in the price. The easiest way to get to the center is by shinkansen from Tokyo to Hotaka station. This is 7,500 yen one way.
🧥 What to Bring:
- A towel for the shower + onsen
- Comfortable clothes; sweat pants, yoga pants, hoodies.
- Warm clothes - it will be cold this time of year in the mountains!
- Comfortable shoes for walking/hiking
- Water bottle
- Notebook
- An open heart and open mind :)
📍 Meeting Point: Iramu Karapute and location on Google maps. We will meet at Hotaka station. The retreat will provide free car transportation from Hotaka station to the center at 5:30pm Friday, meeting at Hotaka station. If you plan to arrive earlier or later, you can get a taxi from there to the center. If taking a car directly there, parking nearby is provided free of charge.
📵 Digital detox: We will take your phone at the start of the retreat and keep it in a safe place until lunch time on Monday. Please make arrangements to be completely offline. Emergency contact is 08051858742 (Misha). Don't worry, we'll get plenty of pictures!
📝 Waiver: Everyone is required to fill out the questionnaire and waiver before the retreat.
👥 About Your Guides:
Misha Yurchenko is a Tokyo-based certified, trauma-informed meditation teacher and somatic coach 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 on their healing journeys. 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 several books and lives in Nerima with his family.
Ariel Wu is a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist currently based in Tokyo, with a passion for bridging creativity, mental health, and interactive design. Her therapeutic work spans Hong Kong, Wuhan, and Shanghai, and she now brings her experience to Tokyo’s international community. With a background in narrative-driven game design, Ariel explores how storytelling and play can support emotional well-being and psychological resilience.
---
⚠️ Everyone is required to fill out the waiver before attending. Please notify Misha if you have been diagnosed with any mental health disorders and we can discuss whether or not this is the right retreat for you.
Upcoming events
13
🧘♂️ Nature Meditation and Bento at Yoyogi Park
Hill Plaza, 2-2 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan, Tokyo, JPCome take a break outside and join us at noon for a 20-minute guided mindfulness session, followed by casual conversation and sharing. Bring your bento box if you want to eat in the park.
Supported by the trees, wind, and sunshine, being outdoors lends itself to instant mindfulness—a real reset before the rest of your day. Many people find meditating in nature, and in a group, much easier and more supportive than indoors.
These mindfulness, insight, and metta meditations are designed to help you stay balanced, bringing more calm, happiness, and self-knowledge throughout the week. All levels welcome.
⏰ Schedule (12:00–1:00 pm)
This is a biweekly event, meeting every other Thursday.- Arrive by noon at Hill Plaza, Yoyogi Park
- Stretching & mindful movement – 10 min
- Guided meditation – 20 min (weekly theme rotates)
- Sharing circle – 15–20 min
💰 Fee
Free! These gatherings are offered in the spirit of dāna—generosity. If you feel moved, consider giving a small donation to support these events and make them possible for others. There’s no obligation, just an invitation to give what feels right.
📍 Location
We’ll meet at Hill Plaza (丘の広場), Yoyogi Park—on the western side, about a 5–7 minute walk from Harajuku entrance. Look for the open grassy slope surrounded by trees.
👉 [Google Maps link here]🎒 What to Bring
- Your bento box
- Water bottle
- Jacket or blanket to sit on
- An open mind
🌱 About Your Teacher
Misha Yurchenko is a Tokyo-based certified meditation teacher with over ten years of practice. After experiencing extreme burnout from his venture-funded startup, he founded Tokyo Mindfulness and is dedicated to helping others on their healing journeys. He takes an integrated, practical approach—combining meditation, breathwork, and nervous system healing—to help people release old habit patterns and find inner freedom. Misha has practiced on retreats worldwide, is the author of Meditation that Heals, and lives in Nerima with his family.
👉 Join our Substack community to get updated with new events, talk to other community members and get access to exclusive content.
*In case of rain, we will likely reschedule or find an indoor location, if available.
9 attendees🧘♂️ Nature Meditation and Bento at Yoyogi Park
Hill Plaza, 2-2 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan, Tokyo, JPCome take a break outside and join us at noon for a 20-minute guided mindfulness session, followed by casual conversation and sharing. Bring your bento box if you want to eat in the park.
Supported by the trees, wind, and sunshine, being outdoors lends itself to instant mindfulness—a real reset before the rest of your day. Many people find meditating in nature, and in a group, much easier and more supportive than indoors.
These mindfulness, insight, and metta meditations are designed to help you stay balanced, bringing more calm, happiness, and self-knowledge throughout the week. All levels welcome.
⏰ Schedule (12:00–1:00 pm)
This is a biweekly event, meeting every other Thursday.- Arrive by noon at Hill Plaza, Yoyogi Park
- Stretching & mindful movement – 10 min
- Guided meditation – 20 min (weekly theme rotates)
- Sharing circle – 15–20 min
💰 Fee
Free! These gatherings are offered in the spirit of dāna—generosity. If you feel moved, consider giving a small donation to support these events and make them possible for others. There’s no obligation, just an invitation to give what feels right.
📍 Location
We’ll meet at Hill Plaza (丘の広場), Yoyogi Park—on the western side, about a 5–7 minute walk from Harajuku entrance. Look for the open grassy slope surrounded by trees.
👉 [Google Maps link here]🎒 What to Bring
- Your bento box
- Water bottle
- Jacket or blanket to sit on
- An open mind
🌱 About Your Teacher
Misha Yurchenko is a Tokyo-based certified meditation teacher with over ten years of practice. After experiencing extreme burnout from his venture-funded startup, he founded Tokyo Mindfulness and is dedicated to helping others on their healing journeys. He takes an integrated, practical approach—combining meditation, breathwork, and nervous system healing—to help people release old habit patterns and find inner freedom. Misha has practiced on retreats worldwide, is the author of Meditation that Heals, and lives in Nerima with his family.
👉 Join our Substack community to get updated with new events, talk to other community members and get access to exclusive content.
*In case of rain, we will likely reschedule or find an indoor location, if available.
1 attendee
Radical Networking: Connect with Humans, Not Job Titles (Tuesday night)
Yoyogihachiman Community Center, 5-chōme-1-15 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo, JPWhy This Matters
We long to be met, but instead we try to fill the space with polish and performance, leaving us hungry for something real. Most networking skims the surface. We talk about what we do, not who we are. We walk away with more contacts but not more connection.
Radical Networking flips that script. It is not about pitching yourself, it is about being present with others in a new and fresh way.
The framing of Radical Networking is that those walls come down, and a genuine connection can actually form once we see beyond labels, roles, and goals. It will likely feel a bit uncomfortable at first, especially if you are used to the safe distance of small talk, but that is part of the point. On the other side of that discomfort is the kind of connection most of us are craving.
What to Expect
This is not a typical networking event. Through simple, science-backed practices drawn from mindfulness and psychology, we create a space where masks drop and human connection feels natural again.
Our first event drew a large crowd and everyone walked away feeling inspired, curious, and more deeply connected to themselves and others.
You will take part in 3 guided practices designed to open up authentic conversation and connection:
- Eye Contact Practice – Presence beyond words, experiencing what it is like to be seen without judgment.
- The “Who Are You?” Question – A classic inquiry where you trade surface-level answers for something deeper.
- The Crossroads Exercise – Practice nonjudgmental listening by sharing and hearing stories about choices and transitions in life.
Each exercise is guided step by step, with time to reflect and share.
Who It’s For
- Professionals tired of smiling and exchanging business cards
- People-focused leaders who want to connect on a deeper level
- Anyone curious about blending mindfulness with real-world connection
No meditation experience needed. Just bring curiosity and a willingness to lean into the discomfort of doing something different.
Schedule (2.5 hours)
- 6:15–6:30 PM – Arrival and settling in
- 6:30–6:45 PM – Introduction with Movement
- 6:45–7:05 PM – Eye Contact Practice
- 7:05–7:10 PM – Short break
- 7:10–7:30 PM – The “Who Are You?” Question exercise
- 7:30–7:35 PM – Short break
- 7:35–7:55 PM – The Crossroads Exercise
- 7:55–8:30 PM – Breakout group sharing and integration
- 8:30–8:45 PM – Closing
Practical Info
📍 Location: Spacious tatami room at Yoyogi Hachiman Community Center Google maps link here⏰ Time:
Tues Nov 11th, 630pm-8:45 pm (doors open at 6:15)💰 Price:
Donation-based (dāna model). Give what feels right. This helps us cover our costs and we can continue doing these events frequently.Facilitators
Levi Pells is a life coach, organic farmer, and retreat leader based in Chiba. After escaping the grind of corporate life, he now helps people reconnect—with the land, with nature, and with themselves—while still building meaningful, sustainable work. Through his retreats and coaching, Levi invites you to slow down, dig in, and cultivate a life you love.
Misha Yurchenko is a Tokyo-based meditation teacher and founder of Tokyo Mindfulness. After burning out from his venture-funded startup, he now guides others on their healing journeys with a practical mix of meditation, breathwork, and nervous system work. Author of Meditation that Heals, Misha has trained on retreats worldwide and lives in Nerima with his family.
9 attendees
Past events
212
Group links
Organizers
Members
1,499
