This temple is magical. You can feel a sense of calmness and peace when you enter. The Eiheiji Temple, also referred to as the “The Temple of Eternal Peace,” is just a 20-minute car ride from Fukui City and yet it feels a world’s away. Founded by Zen Master Dōgen in 1244, over 100 monks still practice zazen there today.
You can visit this temple all year round. The only day it’s not open is January 1st. A few inches of snowfall changed the usually green look of this incredible place. I think the snow enhanced its peaceful atmosphere. (I’m not sure if due to the snow visitors were not allowed to tour the whole complex as the stairs may have been a safety hazard. This shouldn’t be a problem in the spring and summer.)
The entrance fee for the 775-year-old temple is ¥400. That also includes parking. If you drive, you’ll have to park at the entrance of the little town before Eiheiji Temple. It’s about a five-minute walk from there. Either way, the parking area is where you’ll need to buy your ticket to enter. Once you’ve finished exploring, you can grab a bite to eat or purchase omiyage (souvenirs).
You can also visit the zazen, and lecture and ceremony halls. If you’re looking for a guided English tour, Fukui’s Tour Guides Association offers reasonably priced ones. I highly recommend that you visit the temple as soon as it opens. I had the whole place to myself for about 30 minutes before a tour group showed up.
There are a few rules you should keep in mind when visiting Eiheiji Temple (taken directly from their website):
- Wear modest clothing
- Be quiet at all times
- When walking indoors and outdoors, keep to the left
- Photographing monks is prohibited
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