Eiheiji Temple
A serene 13th-century Zen Buddhist monastery nestled in ancient cedars, offering a profound spiritual retreat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Eiheiji Temple
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 13th-century Zen Buddhist monastery nestled in ancient cedars, offering a profound spiritual retreat.
"The energy you feel at Eiheiji is unmatched; a truly magnificent and peaceful place."
Modest Dress Code
Wear respectful attire; avoid shorts or revealing clothing. :dress:
Book Monk Experience Early
The one-day monk experience requires advance application, often a month ahead. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Cedars
Temple grounds
Towering ancient cedar trees create a mystical, serene atmosphere, enveloping the temple in nature's embrace.
Monastic Life
Various halls
Witness monks in training and experience the rigorous yet peaceful daily routines of Soto Zen Buddhism.
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Covered Walkways
Connecting temple buildings
Explore the interconnected buildings via charming covered walkways, offering shelter and unique perspectives.
Winter Wonderland
Temple grounds
Experience the magical beauty of Eiheiji blanketed in snow, creating an ethereal and unforgettable scene.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
Plan Your Visit Ahead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Modest Dress Code
Wear respectful attire; avoid shorts or revealing clothing. :dress:
Book Monk Experience Early
The one-day monk experience requires advance application, often a month ahead. :ticket:
Embrace the Quiet
Silence is golden here. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and mindful moments. :personinlotus_position:
Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on stone paths and stairs. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Modest Dress Code
Wear respectful attire; avoid shorts or revealing clothing. :dress:
Book Monk Experience Early
The one-day monk experience requires advance application, often a month ahead. :ticket:
Embrace the Quiet
Silence is golden here. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and mindful moments. :personinlotus_position:
Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on stone paths and stairs. :athletic_shoe:
Travel Time
Allow ample travel time from major cities like Kyoto or Osaka. :train:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Eiheiji Temple for its unparalleled peace and serene atmosphere, often calling it the most beautiful temple they've visited. The active monastic life and the natural surroundings contribute to a deeply spiritual and reflective experience. While some find the rigorous schedule of programs challenging, the overall sentiment is one of profound gratitude and a highly recommended visit for its unique energy.
"This is one of the most beautiful places I have been in my entire life. If this place was in Kyoto it would be absolutely overrun by tourists. The somewhat obscure location is pretty easy to get to via an hourly direct bus from Fukui station, and the town below the temple is lovely (and don't miss the soy sesame soft serve at the cafe on the highway)!
Entering the temple grounds, the beautiful setting of an old growth cedar forest is breathtaking, particularly the mossy but well maintained cemetery. The interior is just as incredible. The room of gorgeous ceiling paintings was entrancing, but the highlight was probably being able to witness the mesmerizingly beautiful chanting and meditations of the monks. The thick (and enforced) silence of the monastery add to the literal zen atmosphere.
The best thing I can say about Eiheiji is that it would fit right into a movie like "Baraka" or "Samsara". If you ever find yourself in this part of Japan, this is an absolute must see."
Evan Perkins
"A truly beautiful Buddhist temple, I’m so grateful I could come and be blessed with the incredible views of the nature and temple buildings. I really appreciated the Dharma teachings hung up in the corridor near the main entrance as these lessons mean a lot to me and it was so nice being in an environment with great energy as people who practice the same lessons can come together and cultivate the peaceful atmosphere. It was truly a joy for me to walk through the temple and gaze upon all the sights, plus read about the history and meaning behind certain halls on their wooden information tablets."
mai
"Daihonzan Eiheiji is a vast complex for zen teachings situated in Fukui. I arrived there early winter last December but was surprised to still see the moss-covered surroundings. The place is very serene although timing in terms of transportation needs to be considered because of its limited schedule."
Vita Catherine Isaac
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen Kagayaki to Fukui Station (approx. 3 hours 15 minutes). From Fukui Station, you can take a local bus or taxi to Eiheiji Temple.
Yes, Eiheiji Temple is accessible from Kyoto and Osaka. It's about a two-hour Shinkansen ride from Kyoto/Osaka to Fukui Station, followed by a bus or taxi.
The most common way is by bus from Fukui Station to Eiheiji Temple. Taxis are also available but will be more expensive.
If you have a JR Pass, you can use it on the Shinkansen to Fukui Station. However, local buses to the temple are typically not covered. Consider the Hokuriku Arch Pass for broader coverage.
The journey from Tokyo to Fukui by Shinkansen takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an admission fee to enter the temple grounds. It's advisable to check the official website for current pricing.
Eiheiji Temple is generally open from morning until late afternoon. Specific hours can vary by season, so it's best to check their official website before your visit.
Yes, Eiheiji offers a one-day monk experience that includes zazen (seated meditation) and other practices. This requires advance application and approval.
Eiheiji offers guest meditation programs that include an overnight stay in monastic accommodations. This is a treasured experience for many visitors.
It is recommended to apply for the one-day monk experience at least a month in advance, as applications need to be approved by the temple.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Eiheiji is known for its deeply peaceful and serene atmosphere, often described as a place where silence speaks volumes. It's an active monastery, so expect a tranquil environment.
Visitors are expected to dress modestly. Avoid shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll be exploring the grounds.
Eiheiji is generally less crowded than major tourist hubs, especially on weekdays, contributing to its peaceful ambiance. Weekends might see more visitors.
Key highlights include the ancient cedar forests, the active monastic life, the interconnected covered walkways, and the unique Zen architecture.
Photography is generally allowed in designated areas, but be mindful of monks and their practices. Some areas might have restrictions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there might be limited options within the temple complex, it's advisable to check for available dining facilities or plan to eat before or after your visit.
The 'Eiheiji diet' likely refers to the simple, vegetarian meals served to monks and participants in meditation programs, emphasizing mindful eating.
If you participate in the monk experience or an overnight stay, you will likely be served vegetarian meals as part of the program.
📸 📸 Photography
The moss-covered stone paths, the ancient cedar trees, the temple buildings with their unique architecture, and the serene atmosphere offer many picturesque opportunities.
Photography may be restricted in certain sacred areas or within active monastic quarters. Always look for signage or ask for guidance.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful light. Consider visiting during different seasons for varied photographic opportunities, like snow in winter.
Focus on capturing the serene atmosphere, the interplay of nature and architecture, and the details of the temple's design. Wide-angle lenses can be useful for the grand scale.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the visual aspects: the grand architecture, the moss-covered paths, and the towering cedars. If participating in any programs, ensure they are suitable for the children's age and temperament. A day visit focusing on exploration might be more manageable than an overnight stay or intensive program.
🧘 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
As an active monastery, Eiheiji provides an authentic setting for those looking to connect with Buddhist traditions. The less crowded nature of the temple, especially on weekdays, allows for uninterrupted personal exploration and meditation.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Capture the grandeur of the cedar forests, the intricate details of the temple buildings, and the quiet moments of monastic life. +1Consider visiting during different seasons to capture unique perspectives, such as the snow-covered landscapes in winter or the vibrant foliage in autumn.
Be mindful of photography restrictions in certain areas and always respect the sacred nature of the site. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Essence of Soto Zen at Eiheiji
+1 It's renowned for its rigorous training practices, making it a significant center for monastic life in Japan. The temple complex is designed to foster a deep connection with nature and promote mindfulness, with monks living and training there much as they have for nearly 800 years. The atmosphere at Eiheiji is one of profound peace and stillness. Visitors often describe a feeling of stepping into another world, where the quiet surroundings allow for introspection and a sense of calm. The temple's architecture, nestled within a dense forest, complements this serene environment.
For those interested in experiencing Zen firsthand, Eiheiji offers opportunities like the one-day monk experience or overnight stays. These programs provide a glimpse into the disciplined lifestyle, including meditation, mindful eating, and participation in morning services.
Experiencing the One-Day Monk Program
Participants often highlight the profound impact of the meditation sessions, which teach practitioners to observe their thoughts and emotions with open eyes. The mindful eating, preceded by a touching chanting ceremony, emphasizes gratitude.
It's important to note that this program requires advance application and approval, often needing to be submitted at least a month prior. The cost is around ¥15,000.
Seasonal Beauty of Eiheiji
The contrast of the white snow against the dark temple structures and the surrounding evergreen trees is particularly striking. During spring and autumn, the temple grounds are enveloped in lush greenery or vibrant fall foliage, respectively. The ancient cedar trees and the natural landscape provide a stunning backdrop for the historic buildings.
+1Even on a rainy or thundery day, the atmosphere at Eiheiji can be incredibly dramatic and atmospheric, adding to its mystical allure.
Regardless of the season, the temple's serene setting and the presence of nature contribute to its enduring appeal. 
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