Tassajara is located in a remote part of the Ventana Wilderness and for centuries has been visited as a place of renewal and healing. In 1967 a monastic community was established at Tassajara by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi and the San Francisco Zen Center. During the winter months, it is closed to the public so that the residents may engage in intensive Zen training. During the summer, guests are welcome to come and enjoy the beauty unique to this secluded valley.

The Bath
The native Esselen people were the first to soak in the natural hot springs of Tassajara and to enjoy its healing and restorative properties of the water. Our bathhouse is Japanese-style, is clothing-optional, and has separate sides for men and women. Co-ed bathing is permitted on the men's side only in the evenings. Each side includes a tiled indoor hot plunge, an outdoor plunge, large decks for sunning and yoga, a steam room, communal showers, and a small private bath with hot springs and cold water spigots. There are also steps leading down to the creek.

Zen Meditation
Guests are always welcome to join the residents for meditation and chanting every morning and evening. Free instruction is offered daily at 4 pm. Come prepared for the meditation hall with comfortable long pants and a shirt with sleeves in dark or neutral colors.

Meals
Three vegetarian meals are served daily to our overnight guests. Breakfast and dinner are family style. For lunch, guests choose between a dining room meal (usually bread, soup, and salad) or making a bag lunch from a buffet featuring gourmet spreads and fresh-baked bread. Coffee and tea are always available. For our guests with dietary restrictions, we offer a very basic restricted diet, which consists of plain rice, tofu, and vegetables for dinner and an undressed salad with the regular lunch menu. A request for the restricted diet meals must be made daily through the Stone Office.

Apparel
Skirts, pants, and other casual dress attire may be worn for dinner. Please bring a bathing suit for the swimming pool and wear clothing over your suit in the public areas. Please help support the monastic setting by not wearing revealing clothing. Slip-on shoes or sandals are useful at Tassajara.

Children
Tassajara is committed to providing a quiet and tranquil atmosphere for our guests. For this reason, we limit the number of children allowed at Tassajara at any given time. We suggest that for your first visit you do not bring children. There is no childcare or children's play area and we encourage you to come and experience Tassajara for yourself before deciding whether it is appropriate for your child. We have limited cabins that are suitable for children; please inquire when making your reservation.

Telephone and Electronic
Tassajara has only one public phone and there is no fax or internet connection. There is no cell phone reception in the valley. Because we have extremely limited electricity, we discourage the use of computers and all other electrical equipment and charge $10/hour for recharging laptops, digital camera batteries, etc. In order to preserve the quiet atmosphere, we ask that you do not bring musical instruments, radios, or other musical devices.

Hiking
Due to last summer's Basin Complex fire, parts of the Los Padres National Forest are still closed, at least through June, which may affect trail accessibility. We will keep you informed of changes to trail status.

Wilderness Safety
Please review the Tassajara Information booklet located in your cabin. In particular, do not drink water directly from creeks and streams, as recently the parasite Giardia intestinalis was found in small amounts in Tassajara Creek. (All Tassajara drinking water filtration systems have been shown to exceed county requirements.)

Pets
Please do not bring pets to Tassajara.

Checking In
Please check in at the Stone Office when you arrive. If your arrival is delayed, please call the Reservations Office.

Checking Out
Please be sure to settle your bill at the Stone Office before departing Tassajara. Cabins must be vacated by 11 am on the day of departure, though guests are welcome to remain on the grounds until 6 pm.

Payment
Although we now accept credit cards at Tassajara, due to the remote location, this capability may sometimes be interrupted. We ask that you bring checks, cash or travelers' checks with you, in order to pay your balance if credit card service should be temporarily unavailable.

Contributions
Zen Center is a nonprofit organization. We gratefully accept donations. Please contact the Development Office at 415-865-3790 for more information or if you would like to become a member. Practice periods