Practice Zazen

Eiheiji is not just a tourist spot. Since 1244 and down to this very day, its halls have been filled with the sincere atmosphere of Zen practitioners unceasingly carrying out the Buddha’s teachings as they were transmitted by Zen Master Dōgen. There is nothing special about this practice: We just eat, clean up, chant, sleep and sit zazen, wholeheartedly and in accordance with the pure standard.
You too can stay and practice zazen here, through these following programs.

One-Night Stay

Please note that accommodation will be available only when this temple can provide rooms and an English interpreter.
We have only one night stay program as SANZEN and SANRO(see below). Even if you wish to stay longer than one night, we are not able to accept.

SANZEN PROGRAM

The Sanzen program is for people who wish to practice sitting Zen (“zazen”) intensively. All participants in this program will stay in communal rooms and use communal baths (men and women in separate facilities).
The program includes:

Four to five 40-minute periods of zazen (shikantaza, "single-minded sitting").
Participation in the morning service.
Watching a movie about Eiheiji.
A guided tour of the historical temple facilities.
Meals of traditional temple cuisine eaten in the traditional manner.
According to circumstances, further activities may be included as well.

FIND DETAILS

APPLY TO THE SANZEN PROGRAM

SANRO PROGRAM

You are able to stay at Eiheiji for one night with “Sanro” program.
However, this program is only available on limited dates and a group of 10 or more in order to protect our traditional monastic practice.
Therefore, we recommend for you to make a reservation at “Hakujyukan” below if you would like to have wealth of possibilities for your schedule. Hakujukan is a new hotel which promoted by Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple in front of Eiheiji as a part of Zen village Project. If you stay at the Hotel, you may attain some of Eiheiji’s activities.

Please see the Hakujukan website for the details:

https://www.hakujukan-eiheiji.jp/en/index/

Even it is limited possibilities, if you would like to stay at Eiheiji as “Sanro” program, please following below information.

You can stay at Eiheiji and experience zazen, monastic meals and the morning service through the one-night stay “Sanro” program. All visitors are expected to follow the schedule and rules of the temple.
The program includes:

Two 40-minute periods of zazen (shikantaza, “single-minded sitting”).
Participation in the morning service.
Watching a movie about Eiheiji.
A guided tour of the historical temple facilities.
Two meals of traditional temple cuisine.
According to circumstances, further activities may be included as well.

FIND DETAILS

APPLY TO THE SANRO PROGRAM

International Zen Workshop

The International Zen Workshop (IZW) offers several days of genuine Zen practice. Participants experience zazen, lectures on the teachings of Zen Master Dōgen, formal meals, eaten in the traditional manner, and morning service.

Currently, we don't have any schedule for the IZW program this year. When we decide to start again, we will announce it on this home-page.

IZW PROGRAM

Three nights and four days

You are expected to follow the schedule and rules of the temple.
The workshop includes:

Eight to ten 40-minute periods of zazen per day (shikantaza, “single-minded sitting”).
Participation in morning service, including chanting, bows and further practices.
Work practice, including cleaning.
Lectures and dharma talks on the teaching of Zen Master Dōgen and Buddhism.
Formal meals, eaten in the traditional manner with special bowls (oryoki).
According to circumstances, further activities may be included as well.

Please read the details before applying.

FIND DETAILS