Eiheiji Temple Complete Travel Guide
Founded by Zen Master Dogen in 1244, Eiheiji is an active Soto Zen training monastery near Fukui City, where more than one hundred monks continue the practice of shikantaza.
Quick Facts
Best Things to Do
- Follow the visitor route through the wooden corridors, keeping to the left indoors and outdoors.
- See the Sanmon, Butsuden and Hatto while remembering that Eiheiji is a working monastery, not a museum-style attraction.
- Stop at the Sanshokaku reception hall to see its ceiling of 230 painted panels.
- Keep voices low, do not photograph priests or monks, and stay on the wooden corridors rather than entering gardens.
Tickets and Fees
Checked in August 2026: adult admission is 700 yen; elementary and junior high school students pay 300 yen, and children aged seven and under enter free. Eiheiji is open 8:30–16:30 year-round except January 1, but hours can vary with the monastic schedule, so check the temple before setting out.
How to Get There
From JR Fukui Station East Exit, the Keifuku Bus Eiheiji Liner runs directly in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, take the Echizen Railway to Eiheiji-guchi Station, change to a Keifuku bus for Eiheiji, then walk about five minutes from the terminus (about 45 minutes in total). Drivers can use Eiheiji-sando IC; the temple says it is about 10 minutes away and asks visitors to use nearby village parking rather than temple parking.
Nearby Attractions
Combine this with Maruoka Castle or Tojinbo Cliffs for a fuller day out from Fukui City.
Book Before You Go
Use official information for opening hours and ticket rules, then book tours or tickets only when they fit your route.