Established in 1244 by Zen Master Dogen – who brought Zen teachings and practice to Japan from China－Eihei-ji, “The Temple of Eternal Peace”, is one of the two head temples of Soto Zen Buddhism. Surrounded by 600 years-old cedar trees, the temple grounds are comprised of over 70 buildings and pavilions－the oldest of which dates from 1749 that are connected by gable－roofed－corridors surrounding the temple’s seven main buildings.
It has been rumored that Steve Jobs dreamed of studying Zen at Eihei-ji. Zen Master Dogen’s devotion of teachings which carefully transmitted by his successors that every action of daily life towards Zen is still taught and being practiced by over one hundred monks at Eihei-ji. Practicing what is called Shikantaza (single-minded sitting) these monks continue to devote themselves wholeheartedly to Zen Master Dogen’s authentic form of Zen teachings.
Providing a taste of the Zen monastic life, visitors to the temple who opt to spend a night have an opportunity to experience Shojin-ryori (Zen Buddhist Cuisine) and take a part in a zazen session. Currently, a new hotel “Hakujyu-kan” with 18 Japanese – Western style rooms are being built－schedule for open in July 2019－along the old road to the temple for those interested in experiencing a taste of Zen.
5-15 Shihi Eiheiji-cho Yoshida-gun Fukui
【Access】
There is a bus from JR Fukui station’s east gate.
You can check the fee and the time table here.
Or you can take the Echizen Tetsudo Line from Fukui Station then get off the Eiheiji-guchi station then take a bus to the temple.
You can check the fee and the time table here but only in Japanese.
【Fee】
Adult : 500 yen
Elementary and junior high school students : 200 yen
Seven years old or under : free
【Business hours】
8:00 – 17:30 (May – Oct)
8:30 – 17:00 (Nov – Apr)
【Web site】
https://daihonzan-eiheiji.com/en/
