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 grounds of Eiheiji Temple encompass more than 70 halls and towers. Among them, the seven halls, or the “Shichido Garan,” namely: “Sanmon, Butsuden, Hatto, Sodo, Kuin, Yokushitsu, and Tosu” are considered especially important buildings. At Eiheiji Temple, many monks still practice Zen according to the strict rules of etiquette prescribed by Zen Master Dogen.

Dogen Zenji, the founder of Eiheiji Temple, was born in Kyoto in 1200. At the age of 14, he attained enlightenment on Mt. Hiei, and at the age of 24, he traveled to China during the Song dynasty (960-1279) with the monk Myozen (a disciple of Zen Master Eisai, who had studied Zen teachings in the Song dynasty before Zen Master Dogen) to pursue the path of Buddhism. While touring the temples of the Song Dynasty, Zen Master Dogen met Zen Master Nyojo, who became his regular teacher. After returning to Japan at the age of 28, he wrote "Fukan Zazengi" to transmit the correct zazen method and teachings. At the age of 34, he built Kosho-ji Temple in Fukakusa, Kyoto, and began training practitioners and teaching others. Later, at the age of 45, he was invited by Hatano Yoshishige to Echizen, where he built Daibutsuji Temple (renamed "Eiheiji Temple" two years later) and continued the teaching and training of his students. The Shobogenzo, which he continued to write until his death in 1253 at the age of 54, has become a scripture of the Soto sect.

Among the many historic buildings within the precincts of Eiheiji Temple, seven halls: the Sanmon (gate), Butsuden (Buddha hall), Hodo (lecture hall), Sodo (preists’ hall), Kuin (office/kitchen), Yokushitsu (bathhouse), and Tosu (toilet) are known as "Shichido Garan" and are considered especially important as austere places where monks practice their asceticism.
The Sanmon Gate, rebuilt in 1749, is the oldest building in Eiheiji Temple. It is the entrance to the temple, and the Four Heavenly Kings, the guardian deities of Buddhism, are enshrined on the sides of the building.
The “Butsuden” is the central building of the “Shichido Garan.” It is a beautiful building with a double roof in the Chinese Song style and a cobblestone floor, and you can admire sculptures wrought in the Zen Buddhist style.
The “Hodo” corresponds to the main hall of a regular temple and is the place where morning lessons and memorial services are held. The main deity, “Sho-Kannon Bosatsu” is enshrined in the center. It is the highest of the seven temple complexes and offers beautiful views.
The “Sodo” is the place for monks to practice Zen meditation, eat, and sleep, while the “Kuin,” “Yokushitsu,” and “Tosu” are the kitchen, bathroom, and lavatory, respectively.

At Eiheiji Temple, many monks are still practicing daily. Among the daily disciplines practiced by Eiheiji monks, zazen, the primary Zen meditation practice, morning chanting performed daily for a year, and sutra copying can be undertaken by visitors, allowing them to strengthen their minds and bodies by performing the practices of Eiheiji monks in the very place where they dedicate their lives to daily devotions at the temple. Eiheiji Temple also has a lodging house where visitors can experience a full day of ascetic training and taste authentic Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. There is also a training plan for foreigners, and English interpretation is available.
*At present, due to CIVID-19, lodging and training experiences have been suspended. For the latest updates, please check the official Eiheiji Temple website.