The Head Temple of Soto Zen Founded by Dogen
The Eiheiji Temple (永平寺, Eiheiji) is the head temple of the Soto school of Zen in Shibi, Eiheiji Town, Yoshida District, Fukui Prefecture, where 15 buildings including the dharma hall, Buddha hall and main gate were designated an Important Cultural Property in 2019.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs explains that the temple was founded by Dogen in 1244. It stands on the upper reaches of the Eiheiji River, a tributary of the Kuzuryu, its extensive precinct following the valley.
Fire has repeatedly destroyed its buildings, and the present halls were built between the early modern and modern periods. The owner is the head temple Eiheiji.
The Layout
According to the Agency, the main gate, the inner gate, the Buddha hall and the dharma hall stand in a line, linked by corridors to the great kitchen-office and the monks' hall. The Joyoden is the mausoleum of the founder Dogen.
Of the 15 designated buildings, the core halls are the main gate of 1747, a two-storey gate five bays wide with three openings; the dharma hall of 1842; the Buddha hall of 1902; and the monks' hall of 1901.
The inner gate dates from about 1852; the Joyoden sanctuary and worship hall and the Joyo gate from 1881; the sutra repository from about 1851; the imperial messenger gate from 1844; and the Matsudaira mausoleum gate from about 1647. The great kitchen-office, the Daikomyozo hall and the superintendent's quarters date from 1929, the corridors from 1930, and the relic and memorial halls from the late Edo period and 1926.
Why It Matters
The Agency notes that every hall is grand in scale, with fine interiors and details that show the skill of Eiheiji's own carpenters.
It values the group as a magnificent ensemble that creates a sublime setting at one with its mountain surroundings and still serves as the model for Zen monastery layout.
The great kitchen-office combines reinforced concrete and timber in three storeys over a basement, and the sutra repository holds an octagonal revolving sutra case, so the techniques of each era from the Edo period to the early Showa years stand side by side in one precinct.
Visiting Eiheiji Temple
According to Eiheiji, the gates open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m.; visitors are asked to arrive by 4:00 p.m. Times may change for temple ceremonies.
Admission is 700 yen for adults and 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students and holders of a disability certificate, free for preschool children. The buildings have many stairs, so strollers are not permitted. The reception office is at 5-15 Shibi, Eiheiji Town; telephone 0776-63-3102.
Q&A
- When were the Eiheiji Temple buildings designated?
- Fifteen buildings, including the dharma hall, Buddha hall and main gate, were designated an Important Cultural Property on 30 September 2019.
- Who founded Eiheiji Temple?
- Dogen, in 1244.
- When was the main gate of Eiheiji Temple built?
- In 1747; it is a two-storey gate five bays wide with three openings.
- What are Eiheiji's visiting hours and fees?
- 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (arrive by 4:00 p.m.); 700 yen for adults, 300 yen for children.
- How is the Eiheiji precinct laid out?
- The main gate, inner gate, Buddha hall and dharma hall stand in a line, linked by corridors to the kitchen-office and monks' hall.
Basic Information
| Name | Eiheiji Temple (永平寺) |
|---|---|
| Location | Shibi, Eiheiji Town, Yoshida District, Fukui Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (building) |
| Year Designated | Designated 2019/9/30 (Reiwa 1) |
| Quantity | 15 buildings |
| Dimensions | Dharma hall: 32.3 metres wide, 23.2 metres deep, single storey, hip-and-gable, and others |
| Owner | Eiheiji (head temple) |
| Public Access | Open from 8:30 a.m.; adults 700 yen |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Eiheiji Dharma Hall (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/00005071
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Eiheiji Main Gate (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/00005072
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Eiheiji Monks' Hall (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/00005074
- Cultural Heritage Online: Eiheiji (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/444383
- Eiheiji: Visiting the Temple (Japanese)
- https://daihonzan-eiheiji.com/sanpai.html
Last verified: 2026.09.28
Cultural Treasures in the Same Area
All are within walking distance in the same area, so we recommend visiting them together.
- Eiheiji Temple corridor 0.00 km
- Eiheiji Temple Shoyoden main hall and worship hall 0.00 km
- Eiheiji Temple Joyomon Gate 0.00 km
- Eiheiji Temple scripture repository 0.00 km
- Eiheiji Temple Matsudaira Mausoleum Gate 0.00 km
- Eiheiji Temple Reliquary Hall and Shrine Hall 0.00 km
- Eiheiji Temple Imperial Envoy Gate 0.00 km
- Eiheiji Temple Buddhist temple 0.00 km
- Eiheiji Temple Dharma hall 0.00 km
- Eiheiji Temple Sanmon 0.00 km
- Eiheiji Temple Nakajakumon 0.00 km
- Eiheiji Temple monastery 0.00 km
- Eiheiji Temple Daikuin 0.00 km
- Eiheiji Temple Daikomyozo 0.00 km
- Eiheiji Temple Superintendent's Dormitory 0.00 km
