Eiheiji Temple
The head training monastery of Soto Zen Buddhism — founded by Dogen Zenji in 1244, still home to 150–200 trainee monks undergoing rigorous daily practice. The 70 temple buildings are connected by wooden corridors through ancient cedar forest. Visitors enter freely but must observe strict silence — this is a living, active monastery, not a museum.
1.5–2 hours
Adults ¥700, children (elementary/junior high) ¥300
8:30–16:30 (last entry 16:00) year-round; earlier access for zazen participants.
Year-round (winter snow is most atmospheric)
Bus from Fukui Station (30 min)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
An active Zen monastery: 150 trainee monks performing zazen, cleaning, and ceremony 24 hours a day
- 2
Founded by Dogen in 1244 — the meditation practice taught here traces directly to 13th-century China
- 3
The corridor network through ancient cedar forest connects 70 buildings — a complete monastic world
Local Tips
An active Zen training monastery — monks in training move through the corridors in silence and should not be photographed or approached. The cedar-forest approach path sets the contemplative mood before you even arrive. Stay overnight as a temple lodger (shukubo) for the 3:30am morning ceremony — book months ahead.
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