Eiheiji Temple was founded in 1244 by the monk Dogen, founder of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism, and remains one of the school’s two head temples and an active training monastery today, home to monks who follow a strict daily schedule of meditation, chores and study. The temple’s numerous wooden halls are connected by a network of covered wooden corridors deep within a towering cedar forest, and visitors can walk the same corridors used by resident monks, while a scenic valley nature trail nearby offers a quieter forest walk beyond the temple grounds themselves.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Eiheiji Town, Fukui |
| Hours | ~8:30–16:30 |
| Admission | Around ¥500 |
| Time needed | 1–2 hours |
| Best time | Year-round; autumn for foliage in the cedar forest |
What to See
- Numerous wooden halls connected by covered corridors.
- An active Zen training monastery, still home to practising monks.
- A towering cedar forest surrounding the temple grounds.
- The scenic Eiheiji Valley nature trail nearby.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins for more regional history.
- Pair with Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum for a fuller day.
- Read our Fukui overview .
Getting There
- By bus: direct buses run from JR Fukui Station, roughly 30 minutes.
- By car: roughly 30 minutes from central Fukui.
Tips
As an active monastery, visitors are asked to remain quiet and respectful while walking the corridors, since monks are often nearby engaged in daily training. The temple can feel notably cool even in summer given its shaded forest setting, so bring a light layer regardless of season.
