Eiheiji

The Karmon Gate of Eiheiji Temple is a symbol of the temple that often appears in the news. Originally called the "Chokushi Gate," it was a gate used to welcome members of the imperial family and their messengers. Even today, it is only opened on special occasions such as the appointment of a new head priest of Eiheiji Temple or when members of the imperial family, including the Emperor, visit. It is not open to the public on a regular basis and can only be viewed from a distance.

Karamatsu Pavilion is a huge facility that includes a waiting room for visitors, among other things, and is entered at the beginning of a visit to Eiheiji Temple. The ceiling paintings in the 160-tatami-mat hall on the second floor of this pavilion are a must-see! The ceiling is covered with 230 paintings of birds and flowers, which were painted by Japanese painters representing the Showa era. By the way, only five paintings of squirrels, carp, and Karajishi (a mythical creature) are included, and it is said that your wish will come true if you find them, so please try to find them!

Eiheiji Temple is a place where many modern-day cloud monks (Zen Buddhist trainees) still practice. Sometimes, you can even receive explanations of the facilities directly from the cloud monks themselves. (Photographing the cloud monks is strictly prohibited!) At Eiheiji Temple, even the general public can experience Zen meditation without a reservation. If you're interested in mindfulness, it's recommended that you visit Eiheiji Temple with plenty of time before the Zen meditation experience is held. You can also participate in a one-night, two-day Zen training program, but please note that reservations are required for this.

Shoyoden is a place revered as a holy site of the Soto Zen school, where the statue of the founder of the Soto Zen school, Dogen Zenji, and the memorial tablets of successive Kanju (chief priests) are enshrined. The statue of Hatanoyoshi Shige, who was deeply involved in the construction of Eiheiji Temple, is also enshrined here. Although it was once destroyed by fire during the Meiji period, it was rebuilt by gathering the wisdom of Buddhist architecture at that time. Photography is prohibited in this sacred place of Shoyoden. Please feel the sacred atmosphere with your own skin!

In the temple town of Eiheiji, there are many shops lined up. It takes quite a bit of time to leisurely stroll through, so it's recommended to secure enough time for your walk. In particular, "Eiheiji soba," which is a specialty with a deep history among Echizen soba, a local specialty of Fukui, is worth trying at least once. There are also shops selling other Eiheiji specialties such as sesame tofu.