Eihei-ji Temple

A Soto school Buddhist temple located in Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida District, Fukui which is also the head temple of over 15 thousand branch temples scattered across Japan. The temple was founded as a meditation hall by Dogen in 1244. The grounds are enclosed by ancient Japanese cedars over 600 years old and are dotted with over 70 structures centering around a complete seven-structure temple compound. Some of the temple’s many highlights include numerous delicate sculptures housed in various buildings around the grounds; a stunning decorated ceiling inlaid with 230 images; and an original copy of the “Fukan zazengi” which is registered as a National Treasure and kept in the temple’s treasure house.