Founded in 1244 by the Buddhist scholar Dogen Zenji, Daihonzan Eihei-ji Temple is one of Japan’s most impressive temple complexes – comprising 70 structures connected by covered walkways. Eihei-ji is one of two main temples of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism in Japan, functioning as a training monastery for more than two hundred resident monks and nuns. When you are in the temple complex you can see the trainees moving around, cleaning, praying and practicing rituals. Surrounded by nature with an inexorable air of spirituality, feel exactly why people think that Japan is that special kind of place.

Visitors to the temple will encounter a beautiful setting and serene atmosphere, as they are free to move around the complex once they have listened to a brief introduction video and orientation in the reception hall. Notable buildings within the complex include the Sanmon Gate, Buddha Hall and the Hatto (Main Lecture Hall). The buildings are set up in the shape of the Buddha sitting cross-legged with the Main Hall being the “head” or brain of the temple. The graves of the Matsudaira family are also at the complex. They were the daimyo family of the region now known as Fukui as well as close relatives of the shogun. The first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, placed his second son as the first daimyo of the region.

Daihonzan Eihei-ji is one of Central Japan’s most engaging and worthwhile destinations, which by itself, is reason enough to travel to Fukui. While it can be busy when large tour buses arrive, its relatively distant location prevents the congestion of the famous temples of Kyoto and other popular destinations, while the beautiful natural setting rewards visitors with a deep sense of peace and serenity. For accommodation listings nearby the temple, see our ‘Daihonzan Eihei-ji Temple Area’ hotel page.

If you are interested in seeing it for yourself with a guide who can help you understand the temple and the history of it, join us! Below is a tour that includes a half day in Fukui city and the afternoon at Eiheiji.

EIHEIJI & FUKUI CITY FROM KANAZAWA / all year round

1 Day Tour

1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Eiheiji Temple and Fukui City Castle Town
Period	All Year Round
Time	08:30 – 18:00
Meeting Place	Kanazawa Station Fukui Station
Adult Rate	¥25,300 / 17,800
Child Rate	¥14,500 / 11,000

As one of the head temples of the world famous Japanese Zen Buddhist sect, Eiheiji Temple is a place where you can feel the mystery and beauty of traditional architecture hidden in a natural paradise. On this tour you can choose start from either Kanazawa Station or Fukui Station. After grouping up at Fukui Station, we will take a tour of the city in the morning, seeing the castle walls, the “rainbow” shrine, and views of the city from the Atagozaka Slope. We will eat in the city before heading out on a direct bus to Eiheiji Temple. The ride into the mountains is about 30 minutes and we will arrive near the temple grounds. This area has had groupings of temples for over 500 hundred years and at its peak had thousands of monks living in the area. We will walk through the temple and learn about the history as we climb up deeper into the temple. There are many excellent photo spots to discover, too. The are so many interesting angles that catch the intertwining of nature and architecture all over the complex. Try to find the one that touches you the most!