A Place of Peace: Discover Zen Rituals in Fukui Prefecture
The purity of Zen traditions in Japan are nowhere more prominent than the central prefecture of Fukui, located on the wintery waters of the Sea of Japan in Honshu’s Chubu Region. Ancient temples are nestled within the landscape, flanked by abundant nature and snow-blanketed mountains, and a local sake brewery embraces the concept of ‘shizen’ to create a holistic product inspired by the land.
Destination Highlights
Eiheiji Temple, Fukui – Engage in a quiet meditation session at Eiheiji Temple, a center for Zen Buddhism, where resident monks guide you through practices like sutra reading and incense burning amid cedar-covered mountains.
Hakujukan Ryokan, Fukui – Stay at Hakujukan Ryokan, located near Eiheiji Temple, with access to Zen experiences led by a Zen Concierge. The ryokan offers Buddhist vegetarian cuisine and a connection to the spiritual essence of the region.
Eshikoto Sake Brewery, Fukui – Visit Eshikoto Brewery, where sake is made using water from the Kuzuryu River, embodying the philosophy of ‘shizen.’ Explore their varieties of sake, guided by a sommelier in a minimalist space reflecting the simplicity of Zen.
Pay a visit to Eiheiji Temple, Japan’s leading temple of Zen Buddhism, and follow the sound of local monks from the active monastery as they tip-toe up the cedar-covered slopes to share a morning meditation. During our visit, we were guided by a young monk through the practice, surrounded by Buddhist artifacts in this serene location. The temple itself, staggered over 70 buildings, sees heavy snow in the winter, and the warmer months bring dense flora to the grounds, in particular during October and November for vibrant autumn colors.
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Aspects of Zen have been handed down from generations as part of everyday life in Fukui, and local sake brewer Eshikoto has been deeply inspired by Eiheiji’s practices, as well as the concept of ‘shizen’ (nature), by filtering water from the neighboring Kuzuryu River. An expert sommelier will guide you through the brand’s three signature sake varieties: Eshikoto Awa (sparkling sake), Tokoshie (aged sake) and Umeshu (plum wine) in a modern minimalist architectural space, and allow this new feeling of zen to rediscover your inner balance. At night, continue to immerse yourself in the essence of Fukui, at a ryokan where you can feel the spirit of Zen.
Highlight
Eiheiji Temple Zen Experience
In one of Eiheiji Temple’s grand halls, among the beauty of mountainous cedar-covered grounds, experience a private meditation guided by a resident monk. As the monk walks you through the practice, including sutra reading, and burning incense, you will be immersed into the foundations of Zen meditation in order to reconnect your mind, body and soul.
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Stay
Hakujukan Ryokan
Located a stones throw from the Eiheiji Temple, guests of Hakujukan have unrivaled access to the spiritual sites, as well as ‘Zen Concierges’ providing guidance for Zen experiences at both the temple and within the hotel. Guests are invited to take part in an intimate morning service directly with the monks of Eiheiji Temple, whilst the in-house restaurant serves authentic Buddhist vegetarian cuisine and local Sake from Echizen.
How to Get There
Fukui Prefecture can be accessed via train from Tokyo along the JR Tokaido Shinkansen, transferring from Tokyo at Maibara Station and then transferring to JR Shirasagi Limited Express bound for Fukui. From Kyoto, take a JR local line to Maibara Station (taking about 70 minutes) and rest is the same. By air, flights run daily from Tokyo’s Haneda airport and also Ishikawa’s nearby Komatsu airport. Upon arrival in Fukui, the easiest way to travel around is by car, and several rental car options are available in the area. with a visit to nearby World Heritage sites Shirakawago and Gokayama.
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