Explore Our Spiritual Oasis at IDO @ Yamanakako Retreat Center

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Regain Your Peace at IDO @ Yamanakako

A Sanctuary for Spiritual Renewal

LOCATION

Ido@Yamanakako Retreat Center is in the Yamanashi prefecture. It is nestled in a beautiful secluded forest area by Lake Yamanaka, the largest of the five Fuji lakes at the foot of Mount Fuji. Our retreat centre is just a short walk to the tranquil Lake Yamanaka and within easy reach of Mount Fuji and many amenities around the lake.

OUR NAME

The name for our retreat was inspired by the WELL in the book of John (John 4:14), where the Samaritan woman met Jesus and was given the water of eternal life after she learnt of His true identity. She was so blessed that she went on to bless others with the good news of the Gospel. In the same way, we hope that our visitors at Ido (the “well” in Japanese) at Yamanakako (the “Yamanaka lake” in Japanese) will encounter our creator and God and will be blessed so that they can enjoy a life of peace, love, joy and hope, and that they will want to share this good news with their loved ones.

OUR HISTORY

Our retreat center was previously owned by a UK-based Christian organization called Torchbearers (www.torchbearers.org) and was used as a year round conference or retreat center for church groups, schools, kids camps, families and individuals.

In 2024, the stewardship of the retreat center passed from the faithful hands of Torchbearers to ICM Yamanakako, a non-profit entity set up in association with International Christian Mission (ICM) Singapore, a para-church organization focusing on church planting in the Asia Pacific region (www.icmsingapore.org.sg)

Ido@Yamanakako, with accommodation and meeting facilities for up to 80 guests, is dedicated to serving the Body of Christ in Japan and beyond. Whether you are planning a quiet personal retreat, a church camp, or a training program to equip the saints in Christ, our retreat center is open year-round and designed to support your journey with God.

Our hope is to provide you with a sanctuary for restoration and fresh hope. As we journey on, we do so with deep gratitude for those who came before and with great hope and anticipation for what lies ahead.

Free Visits For Day Trippers

Day visits to our retreat center is FREE, so we invite you to come and soak in the tranquil and restful setting of Ido@Yamanakako to recharge your spirit. Charges will only apply if you decide to stay over for one or more days on your own or with a group of soul mates.

Sponsors

Sponsorship Of Church Camps

We make an effort to pair eligible small churches in Japan with sponsors who are willing to bear either the full or partial cost of the camp. We have already successfully done this for several needy churches. Do contact us if you would like to enjoy such sponsorship. We cannot guarantee sponsorship as it depends on the availability of sponsors. If no sponsor is available we can always add your to the waiting list for sponsorship. By the same token if you would like to be a sponsor for such camps, please contact us to help our efforts to share the good news here in Japan.

Our Vision for the Future

Guiding Light for Spiritual Growth

At Ido@Yamanakako Retreat Center, our vision is to create a nurturing and restful environment where individuals can deepen their faith and find inner peace. We aspire to be a guiding light for those on their spiritual journey, offering a space for reflection, learning, and community building. Our commitment is to foster a welcoming atmosphere that supports personal growth and spiritual enlightenment for all our visitors and supporters

Our Guiding Principles

Core Values

At Ido@Yamanakako Retreat Center, we are committed to providing you with an environment of peace and reflection to foster your spiritual growth. Our core values include compassion, integrity, and community. We believe in creating a welcoming space where individuals can connect with their faith and find solace and hope. With the help of the ICM Singapore team, we are able to offer you these three pillars of services:

Retreat / Prayer

  • Retreat
  • Jesus Encounter
  • Personal Edification
  • Prayer Walks

Discipleship / Training / Camps

  • Church Camp
  • CPI / Discipleship & Equipping
  • Bible School
  • Para-Church Org.

Local Ministry

  • Worship / Church Services
  • Community Services
  • Outreach Base

A Spiritual Haven

Our Community

Ido@Yamanakako Retreat Center is more than just a place to stay. While we encourage solitary spiritual sojourn, visitors can also have the option of being part of a community of like-minded individuals seeking spiritual renewal. Nestled in the serene landscapes, our secluded center offers a sanctuary where visitors can engage in meaningful interactions, participate in group worship, and experience personal growth. Our community is built on mutual respect, shared faith, and a collective journey towards spiritual enlightenment.

Visitors to our retreat center often find themselves immersed in a nurturing environment that encourages reflection and rejuvenation. Whether participating in guided meditations, attending spiritual workshops, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of our surroundings, guests leave with a renewed sense of purpose and peace.

Other Activities Around Ido @ Yamanakako

EXERCISE :

Cycling. Hiking, Walks, Jogging

ONSEN:

ATTRACTIONS:

  • Visit to five lakes of Yamanashi
  • Flower Park during spring
  • Narusawa Ice Cave, Wind Cave, Bat Cave
  • Arakurayama Sengen Park
  • Many More 

FOOD:

Many Cafes, Ramen, Pizzas, Burgers, even curry eateries at the lake area.

Meet our Board of Trustee

Thomas Lee
Jimmie Lee
John Teo
Craig Cox

Trustee and Representing Director

Thomas Lee

Representing Director, ICM Yamanakako

Thomas Lee is a Board Member of ICM Singapore, a businessman and marketplace minister having 30 years as founder & CEO of Decillion Group of companies specialize in the Financial Payment Messaging Platform. He also sits on the Board of Asia Pacific Mission Ltd / Bethany International University in Singapore.

In 2015, responding to a burden and call for Japan, Thomas decided to explore the possibility of bringing the gospel to the land of the rising sun.

Following a period of around 10 years including the global covid-19 pandemic, Thomas have made a few in-roads into Japan. In 2024, through a series of miraculous way, he was given the former “Torchbearers Yamanakako Bible School” in Lake Yamanakako, Yamanashi Prefecture.

In Japan, he also sits on the Board of Alpha Japan and a Director of a BAM, House of Creators in Okinawa. Thomas is married to Jun and they have been ministering together in the last 30 years

For Reference:

      Trustee and Director

      Jimmie Lee

      Trustee & Director, IDO Yamanakako

      Jimmie Lee and his wife Annie Sun are active in market place ministry for the Lord. In 1989, he founded the Dynaforce Group, a leading player in the regional wellness business, servicing customers in the Asia-Pacific region. As a disciple of Jesus, his mission is to point people to the Lord and help them in their sanctification journey. So, when approached by Thomas to help kick start this project at Yamanakako, he did not hesitate. The goal was, together with Thomas, to provide the resources to transform the two buildings: one into a retreat centre for believers and pre-believers, and the other into a training centre for church leaders. His hope is to offer Ido@Yamanakako as a place for every visitor to encounter, worship and honor God.

      Advisor

      Tanazawa Hideki

      Founder Torchbearers Yamanakako Japan

      Resume

      1967 October. At age of 23, he left Japan to Europe for a self searching journey.
      1970 June. Became a Christian at torchbearers Bible school, England
      1971 to 73. Studied at Bible training institute in Glasgow.
      1973 October. Returned to Japan, after seven years journey
      1976 to 78 . Studied at Kansai Bible College in Kobe
      1978 to 83. Worked as a pastor at church in Aichi pref.
      1987 May. Established Torchbearers Yamanakako.
      2012 May. Retired from Torchbearers ministry.

       

      Currently he has been serving as a traveling preacher among five churches in Kanto area. Now 82 years old, he is physically and mentally strong and spiritually uplifted. He very much enjoys his present ministry and also his easy life with his wife . He is truly thankful to the Lord for all His provisions.

       

      履歴書
      1967年10月　自分探しの旅でヨーロッパに出発。
      1970年6月　トーチベアラーズ聖書学校(英国)にて新生する。
      1971年から73年　BT I神学校(スコットランド)で学ぶ
      1973年10月　　7年ぶりに帰国
      1976年から78年、関西聖書神学校(神戸)で学ぶ
      1978年から1983年　愛知県の教会で牧師として奉仕。
      1987年5月　トーチベアラーズ山中湖設立。
      2012年5月　トーチベアラーズ山中湖退任

      依頼今日まで巡回説教者として、関東地域の5つの教会で礼拝の奉仕をしております。
      肉体的には健康、精神的にも正常、霊的にはとても燃えております。与えられた奉仕を喜び、また現在家内とのゆっくりとした生活も大いに楽しんでおります。今までの神の豊かな恵みに心から感謝しております。

      Reserve Your Spiritual Getaway

      Experience tranquility and spiritual renewal at IDO @ Yamanakako Retreat Center. Discover our tailored packages designed to rejuvenate your soul and spirit. Reach out today to learn more about our offerings and secure your spot in this serene sanctuary.