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Daihonzan Eiheiji main complex viewed across the temple groundsLay practitioners sitting zazen meditation at EiheijiChoka morning service inside the Eiheiji Hatto (Dharma Hall)Sutra copying (shakyo) practice during a sanro stayIndividual sanzen / Zen practice program at EiheijiEiheiji temple grounds in winter under snowDaily monastic practice (gyoji) at Eiheiji
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Budget| Eiheiji

Eiheiji Sanro (Kissho-kaku)

大本山永平寺 参籠（吉祥閣）

A one-night Zen retreat inside the head temple of Soto Zen Buddhism, with pre-dawn zazen, choka service, and shojin ryori.

Staff speaksEnglish · 日本語
SectSoto Zen (曹洞宗)
Zazen meditation
Cultural property
from$55 /per night
Check Availability

Features

English FriendlyVegetarian Meals

Highlights

Stay Inside the Head Temple of Soto Zen

Sanro is an authentic overnight retreat held inside Eiheiji, the head temple of Soto Zen founded by Dogen Zenji in 1244. Lay guests follow a simplified version of the resident monks' practice schedule for one night and two days.

Pre-Dawn Wake-Up at Shinrei

Guests are woken before 4:00 by the shinrei hand-bell — the same call the practicing monks (unsui) hear daily — and proceed to morning zazen and the choka morning service in the Hatto (Dharma Hall).

Two Sessions of Zazen and Shojin Ryori

The program includes two 40-minute zazen sessions (one each evening and morning), formal shojin ryori meals taken in the temple style, a Dharma talk, and a guided tour of Eiheiji's seven main halls.

About

Eiheiji Sanro is the official overnight Zen retreat held inside Daihonzan Eiheiji, the head temple of Soto Zen founded in 1244 by Dogen Zenji deep in the cedar forests of Fukui. Lay guests are lodged in Kissho-kaku, the temple's training hall completed in 1971, where Soto Zen and non-Soto practitioners alike are welcomed for sanro (literally "secluded retreat"). The 1-night, 2-day program follows a simplified version of the monastic schedule. After check-in at 13:30, the afternoon includes zazen instruction, an evening medicinal meal (yakuseki), a Dharma talk and a film about monastic life, with lights-out at 21:00. Guests are woken before 4:00 by the shinrei hand-bell and proceed to morning zazen, the choka service in the Hatto (Dharma Hall), a guided tour of the seven main halls, and breakfast (shojiki). The program costs 8,000 yen for adults including two meals. Sanro is currently bookable for international visitors with applications at least one month in advance; English information is provided on the temple's official site, though the Sanzen short course is suspended for foreign guests during certain seasons. Eiheiji has been a living monastic university for nearly 800 years, and a stay here is widely considered one of the most authentic Zen experiences available in Japan.

Details

Check-in: 13:30
Check-out: 08:00
Eiheiji-guchi Bus Stop / Fukui Station (5 min walk)
From $55 - $70/night

Frequently Asked Questions

9 questions about Eiheiji Sanro (Kissho-kaku)

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn featuring tatami-mat rooms, futon bedding, communal or private baths, and multi-course kaiseki meals. Guests typically wear yukata (cotton robes) provided by the inn. A ryokan stay is one of the most authentic cultural experiences Japan has to offer.

Upon arrival, you'll be provided with a yukata (light cotton robe) and a pair of slippers. You can wear the yukata throughout the ryokan — to dinner, to the onsen, and even for a stroll in the neighborhood. Indoor slippers should be removed before stepping on tatami mats.

Yes, Eiheiji Sanro (Kissho-kaku) has English-speaking staff who can assist with check-in, dining reservations, and local recommendations. Communication should not be an issue for international guests.

Check-in is from 13:30 and check-out is by 08:00. If you arrive early, most ryokans can store your luggage while you explore the area. Late check-in may be possible — contact the ryokan in advance to arrange.

Yes, Eiheiji Sanro (Kissho-kaku) can prepare vegetarian meals. Japanese Buddhist cuisine (shojin ryori) is naturally plant-based and beautifully presented. Please inform the ryokan of your dietary requirements at least 2 days before arrival so the chef can prepare accordingly.

Yes, most ryokans including Eiheiji Sanro (Kissho-kaku) offer luggage storage for guests arriving before check-in time. You can also use coin lockers at the nearest station or luggage delivery services (takkyubin) to send bags directly from the airport or previous hotel.

Eiheiji Sanro (Kissho-kaku) may have limited credit card acceptance. We recommend having Japanese yen (cash) available. ATMs at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) accept international cards.

The nearest station is Eiheiji-guchi Bus Stop / Fukui Station, approximately 5 minutes on foot. You can reach it by local train, subway, or taxi. The ryokan can provide detailed walking directions upon request.

You can book Eiheiji Sanro (Kissho-kaku) through trusted platforms like Booking.com or Expedia. Click the "Check Prices" button on this page to check availability and rates. We recommend booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (cherry blossom in March-April and autumn leaves in November).

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