Announcement

Due to monasic circumstances, we are not able to offer the Sanzen program for international visitors from this spring through fall.

We will post an update here once we are able to resume accepting participants.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Spring 2026

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

You are able to stay at Eiheiji for one night with the “Sanzen” program.
However, this program is only available on limited dates.

Therefore, we recommend that you make a reservation at “Hakujyukan” below if you would like to have a wealth of possibilities for your schedule. Hakujukan is a new hotel promoted by Daihonzan Eiheiji in front of Eiheiji temple as a part of the 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 though there are limited possibilities, if you would like to stay at Eiheiji as a participant of the “Sanzen” program, please follow the information below.

SANZEN PROGRAM

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

Three to Four 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

Practice Zazen

One-Night Stay

SANZEN PROGRAM

International Zen Workshop

IZW PROGRAM

Three nights and four days