Zen Program
in Fukui , Japan
Scroll
ZEN Program (a fusion of natural and spiritual experiences) that provide the essential experiences of Zen culture that are unique to the region at the center of Zen, in which Zen culture is used as a cutoff point for Zen culture, and Zen culture (experience of farming, making local cuisine, etc.) is used in accordance with a special guide with experience of Eihei-ji Temple.
Location
Location
Yoshimine District
Yoshimine District as a whole has advanced with Zen culture and is an unknown region with real value that has been rooted in Zen culture since ancient times, and the entire region is regarded as the place for training.
Location
Eiheiji Temple
Eihei-ji Temple, literally “the temple of eternal peace,” was founded by Dogen in the Kamakura period. It is one of the most frequently visited temples in the Hokuriku region. Spreading over the serene hillside and shaded by majestic cedar trees, it is one of the two headquarters of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. Both domestic and foreigners have a chance to stay overnight at this Zen monastery to get a glimpse of monks’ daily training such as Zen meditation and sutra transcription.
Location
Kippoji Temple
The place where Dogen trained for his first time in Echizen Area (Fukui Prefecture) . It is the temple for monks of Soto school.
縁の旅
Journey of "Connection"
~From “Three-Way Satisfaction”
to “Ten-Way Satisfaction”~
We would like not just our company, the customers and the local residents to be satisfied but we aim to spread the happiness further as you take back the spirit of Zen home and share it with people around you.
Eiheiji Town has spontaneously absorbed the teachings and spirit which derive from the head temple Eiheiji Temple, which is renowned as a Zen training monastery, and has cultivated them as a culture. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will be introduced to the local way of living and you will make your own connection with the “connection” that have been fostered here and be led into a world of infinite connection. We will provide you with a journey that will transform your sense of being in the connection into gratitude.
The main highlight of this journey is a visit to Kippoji Temple, where Zen master Dogen spent a year before moving from Kyoto to Echizen(old name of Fukui)to establish Eiheiji Temple as the center for spreading Zen. Even now, several trainee monks at Eiheiji Temple are diligently in practice while cherishing their connection with the local residents. Immerse yourself in this place, experience Zen meditation and Buddhist vegetarian cuisine as you interact with the local residents and be embraced in the world of rich connection.
Learning the Good Old Life in Satoyama (woodland near a populated area)
Japanese good old way of life in the satoyama has been passed down through generations. Learn about the local way of life and culture (such as experiencing farming, local cuisine cooking and traditional events according to the season and time of year) while interacting with the local people.
Appreciating the Life of Cloths through Zen meditation Cushion Making Experience
At a local textile company, create your own Zen meditation cushion from cloths and threads that would otherwise be discarded in the manufacturing process. In this special experience program, you will practice one of the teachings of Zen to “cherishing the life of things”. You can take home your one and only original handmade Zen meditation cushion in the world and use it in your daily life.
Dialogue with Monk at Kippoji Temple while Reflecting on Food
“Itadakimasu” (said before a meal to express appreciation) and “Gochisousamadeshita” (said after a meal to express gratitude) are familiar phrase and idea for Japanese people. Through the “Gokan no Ge” (Sutra of Five Reflections) chanting of Zen monk, you will learn a more practical way of approaching food. This will be an opportunity to review your attitude towards food and your eating habits and learn how to live a better daily life through dialogue with the monk.
※We offer custom-made plans ranging from half-day to multi-day experiences. The plan may include visits to head temple Eiheiji Temple (morning service, Zen meditation experience and more), Kippoji Temple, sake brewery, accommodation, etc.
ACCESS
CONTACT
We accept inquiries and applications regarding tours by email.