Eiheiji Temple: Head Temple of Soto Zen Founded by Dogen Zenji

Dogen Zenji and Eiheiji

Eiheiji Temple is the head temple of Soto Zen located in Eiheiji Town, Fukui, founded by Dogen Zenji in 1244. A Zen training monastery with over 770 years of history, still visited by many novice monks from across Japan for rigorous training.

Temple Grounds in Deep Cedar Groves

Eiheiji Temple grounds are surrounded by deep cedar groves, with the solemn Seven Hall Monastery of main gate, Buddha hall, dharma hall, memorial hall, east hall, bath hall, and kitchen connected by corridors. The majestic atmosphere created by cedar trees hundreds of years old naturally evokes reverence in visitors.

Zen Experiences

Eiheiji Temple offers zen meditation and sutra copying experiences for general visitors. Many tourists visit as an opportunity to leave daily bustle and touch the world of Zen. Shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine) at the temple grounds is also popular, with overnight Zen experience plans at accommodation facilities cooperating with Eiheiji also available.