Eiheiji Town is famous for being home to Eiheiji Temple, the head temple of the Soto sect of Buddhism in Japan, from which the town takes its name. In ancient times, the town flourished as the “Monzencho” (gateway town) to Eiheiji Temple and is dotted with landmarks related to Dogen Zenji, the founder of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. Even today, many people visit the town every year to worship at Eiheiji Temple. Located around the Kuzuryu River, the largest river in Fukui Prefecture, Eiheiji Town is also known as the “Town of Clear Streams” and is a place that anglers from all over the country admire and enjoy.

Train

*From JR Nagoya Station, take the Hokuriku Line “Limited Express Shirasagi” to Fukui Station, and transfer to the Echizen Railway Katsuyama Eiheiji Line to Eiheiji-guchi Station.
*From JR Nagoya Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Maibara Station, transfer to the “Limited Express Shirasagi” at Maibara Station to Fukui Station, and transfer to the Echizen Railway Katsuyama Eiheiji Line to Eiheiji-guchi Station.

*From JR Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Maibara, transfer at Maibara Station to the “Limited Express Shirasagi” to Fukui Station, and transfer to the Echizen Railway Katsuyama Eiheiji Line to Eiheiji-guchi Station.

Top Attractions

The main attraction of Eiheiji Town is its namesake: Eiheiji Temple. Founded more than 700 years ago by Zen Master Dogen, it is the head temple of the Soto sect and reposes in a fittingly austere setting. Visitors can experience Zen meditation, morning chanting, and sutra copying. In the Eiheiji area, tourists can enjoy unique local cuisine and buy souvenirs.

Eiheiji／永平寺（Fukui）

• Eiheiji-cho
• Fukui
• Cultural Experience
• Temples & Shrines
• Historical Sites

Eiheiji Temple, founded in 1244 by Zen Master Dogen, is a Zen training center and the head temple of the Soto sect of Buddhism in Japan. Located deep in the mountains in a verdant natural setting, the...

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