Eiheiji, the "temple of eternal peace" is one of Soto Zen's two head temples. It is located deep in the mountains near the rugged west coast of Japan, not far from Fukui City.

Dogen zenji, the founder of Eiheiji, was born in 1200 A.D. When he was 24, he went to China and devoted himself to true Zen practice under the strict guidance of Nyojo zenji at Mt.tendo. After having "dropped off both body and mind,"realizing the way of the Buddha, he returned home in 1228. He lived at Kenninji temple for 3 yers, then founded his first temple, Kosho-Horinji, in Uji, Kyoto.
In 1244 Dogen zenji and his followers visited Shii-no-sho in Echizen (now Fukui prefecture) to build a mountain temple. He was offered land and other help for this by Yoshisige Hatano, a samurai who was one of his most devoted lay followers. Dogen thus founded Eiheiji, where he devoted himself to training his followers in the perfection of Zen practice in every action of daily life.

He died on September 29, 1253, leaving a number of noted books including the Shobogenzo, Gakudo Yojinshu, and Eihei Dai Shingi.

Dogen zenji's authentic Zen has been scrupulously observed by his successors. Even today, both priests and lay people devote themselves to his practice of Shikan-taza ("just sitting").

Noto Peninsula Quasi-National Park

This gently curving peninsula has 2 different faces. The outer seashore on the northwest side of Noto is characterized by spectacular rock formations made by wave erosion, while submerged shorelines can be seen on the inner (southeast) side. The rural scenery, old buildings, and unique festivals in Noto still preserves and maintains a traditional Japanese atmosphere which can be found nowhere else in Japan today

(Gan-mon)

Noto Kongo

(Togi)

This beautiful stretch of coastline is sometimes described as male, because of its rugged, masculine cliffs and rock formations, and its fierce ocean waves. The name Kongo comes from a similarly beautiful and admired coastline in Korea. The Ganmon and Seki-no-hana rock formations are of particular interest.

Myoujoji temple (Hakui)

Most of the buildings in the precinct were made by the 3rd feudal lord Maeda, for his mother. Some of the buildings are designated as an important cultural property. The 5-story pagoda is the most famous among all the others in this temple and can be seen from a distance.

Chirihama Beach Drive (Nagisa Driveway) (Hakui)

Along the coast of the Noto Peninsula are many lovely beaches, and for the eight kilometers between Hakui and Oshimizu, the sand is so fine and so packed down that when it is damp even large buses can safely drive along it. Experience the thrill of speeding along the beach within meters of the waves, and enjoy the vibrant glowing sunsets.