---
title: 'The Kiseki Writing Residency, May 2027'
description: >-
  One-month self-directed writing residency in a 110-year-old kominka near
  Himeji, Japan, for writers in any genre. £1600 fee covers private room,
  workspaces and wifi.
url: 'https://www.artsume.com/programs/6a4e7e62-4462-44db-9336-a42ca291423e'
type: program
status: open
createdAt: '2026-09-04'
updatedAt: '2026-10-09'
programType: Residency
organization: The Kiseki Writing Retreat
organizationUrl: 'https://www.artsume.com/o/kiseki-writing-retreat'
deadline: '2026-12-01'
location: 'Matogata, Matogata, Hyogo, Japan'
isOnline: false
compensationRange: >-
  No compensation; participants pay a fee of £1600 covering one month of
  self-catered tenancy with private room, shared work and living spaces,
  utilities and wifi. Flights, travel, insurance, meals and housekeeping not
  included.
disciplines:
  - writing
  - creative writing
---

# The Kiseki Writing Residency, May 2027

**Hosted by:** The Kiseki Writing Retreat

**Type:** Residency | **Location:** Matogata, Matogata, Hyogo, Japan | **Deadline:** December 1, 2026

## About This Program

An author-led creative residency established by Sarah Holding, open to writers at any stage of their careers working in any genre. Successful applicants get to spend one month living and working at the author's restored Japanese house, in a village near Himeji, surrounded by mountains on the Seto Inland Sea.

Your time in Matogata is totally your own. No pressure to perform or share if you don't want to, no requirement to submit your work or seek feedback. Just 24 hours a day for an entire month dedicated to your creative life, allowing you to come and go as you please at the house, and spend your time as you see fit.

### Duration of residency

30 days

### Accommodation

Accommodation in private tatami-matted rooms with futons, in a 110 year old kominka with access to shared modern bathroom, toilet, and kitchen facilities.

### Disciplines, work equipment and assistance

Open to writers working in any genre and at any stage of their careers. Workspaces and wifi provided.

### Studio / Workspace

Participants can work in their own room or choose from a variety of shared workspaces around the house.

### Fees and support

Fee of £1600 payable to cover 1 month self-catered tenancy, with own private room, shared work & living spaces, utilities and wifi included. Flights, travel, insurance, meals and housekeeping not included.

### Expectations towards the artist

There will be occasional events, workshops, outings and daily meditation sessions which you can join if you wish.

### Application information

Apply by completing the form on this page of the Kiseki website.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Career Stage:** Open to all
- **Geographic Eligibility:** International
- **Disciplines:** writing, creative writing
- **Note:** Open to writers working in any genre and at any stage of their careers. This month-long residency will inevitably lie somewhat outside most applicants' comfort zone, both in terms of workflow and lifestyle: applicants who find sleeping and sitting on the floor challenging, or for whom Japanese food or quiet social etiquette are not their thing, are told the residency may not be right for them.

### Additional Requirements

- A short application explaining your creative practice and what you hope to achieve during your month in Japan

## Compensation & Benefits

No compensation; participants pay a fee of £1600 covering one month of self-catered tenancy with private room, shared work and living spaces, utilities and wifi. Flights, travel, insurance, meals and housekeeping not included.

Fee of £1600 (¥350,000) payable to cover 1 month self-catered tenancy, with own private room, shared work & living spaces, utilities and wifi included. Flights, travel, insurance, meals and housekeeping not included. Once accepted, a 20% deposit (£320) secures the residency place and requires signing a tenancy agreement; the balance of £1280 is due 30 days before the start date.

## What's Provided

- **Housing:** Provided - Accommodation in private tatami-matted rooms with futons, in a 110 year old kominka, with access to shared modern bathroom, toilet, and kitchen facilities. Own private room, shared work & living spaces, utilities and wifi included.
- **Studio Access:** Provided - Participants can work in their own room or choose from a variety of shared workspaces around the house. Workspaces and wifi provided.

## Timeline

- **Opens:** September 4, 2026
- **Deadline:** December 1, 2026
- **Program Start:** May 1, 2027
- **Program End:** May 30, 2027

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://www.thekisekiwritingretreat.com/contact