Daihonzan Eiheiji is a Zen Buddhist Temple in Fukui Prefecture which has been awarded 2 stars by the French travel guide “Michelin Green Guide Japon”, propelling it to international renown. The temple was established in 1244 by Zen Master Dogen Zenji as the first dojo of the Nihon Soto Sect, and now houses around 200 practicing monks. Its layout is based on the Shichido Garan, a typical layout for Buddhist temples, and incorporates more than 70 halls of varying sizes within the complex. Daihonzan Eiheiji is home to many important cultural assets, including books, paintings, scriptures, vessels and more. Particularly noteworthy is the National Treasure “Fukan Zazengi” These treasures are displayed in the Ruri Shobo Kaku (treasure house), a must-see for any visitor to the temple. Many restaurants nearby specialise in Shojin Ryori, a style of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine consumed in Buddhist temples. Of these, Eiheiji Soba and Gomadofu (sesame tofu) are delectable dishes not to be missed!
Katsuyama City in Fukui Prefecture is known as the "Kingdom of Dinosaurs" and is home to many dinosaur fossils. Its Dinosaur Museum is recognized as one of the top dinosaur museums in the world and is an extremely popular destination with foreigners, young and old alike. Its vast exhibition room of 4500 square meters houses thousands of specimens including 44 dinosaur skeletons, large-scale restored dioramas and images. Do pick up some original dinosaur souvenirs at the museum shop before you leave.
Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple
Access :Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple Japan, 〒910-1228, Fukui-ken, Yoshida-gun, Eiheiji-cho, Shihi 5-15
Operating hours :8am to 5.30pm (May to Oct), 8.30am to 5pm (Nov to Apr) * The timing may change due to ordinances.
How to get there :From Tokyo, take the Tokaido or Sanyo Shinkansen to JR Maibara Station. From JR Maibara Station, take the Limited Express Shirasagi to JR Fukui Station. From JR Fukui Station, take the Limited Express Eiheiji Liner that stops directly in front of Eiheiji Temple. (Alternatively, from JR Fukui station, take the Echizen Railway Dozan Eiheiji line to Eiheiji-guchi Station before changing to Keifuku bus bound for Eiheiji Mon-mae or Eiheiji. Alight at the last stop for a 5 minutes’ walk to Eiheiji.)
Website :https://daihonzan-eiheiji.com/en/
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
Access :Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum Japan, 〒911-8601, Fukui-ken, Katsuyama-shi, Muraoka-cho, Terao 51-11
Operating hours :9am to 5pm (Last entry at 4:30pm, Closed every second and fourth Wednesday. In the case of a public holiday, the museum will be closed the following day. Also closed from 29th Dec to 2nd Jan except for 2019 when it is closed from 31st Dec to 1st Jan.) *Varies depending on the season
How to get there :From Tokyo, take the Tokaido or Sanyo Shinkansen to JR Maibara Station. From JR Maibara station, take the Limited Express Shirasagi to JR Fukui Station. From JR Fukui Station, take the Eichizen Railway Katsuyama-Eiheiji Line bound for Katsuyama. Alight at Katsuyama Station and take the Community Bus for about 15 minutes.
