A new "Zen Retreat Plan" has launched at Kanshukuen ESHIKOTO, an onsen auberge situated in Eiheiji, Fukui Prefecture — the home of the Soto Zen sect's head temple, Daihonzan Eiheiji. Available from April 13 to August 31, 2026, with stays limited to Wednesdays and Thursdays, the program weaves together Zen meditation, early-morning prayers at Eiheiji Temple, and shojin (Buddhist vegetarian) cuisine into a single immersive overnight experience.
In-Room Zen Experience
Guest rooms are thoughtfully set up to invite quiet self-reflection. Meditation cushions (zazen zabuton) and a curated selection of books on Eiheiji's Zen philosophy are provided in each room, creating a space where guests can sit in stillness at their own pace.
The plan is available in rooms with tatami flooring — RYU I, II, and III, as well as ZEN I and II — which lend themselves naturally to seated meditation practice.
Morning Prayers at Daihonzan Eiheiji (Choka Experience)
The following morning, guests are transported to Daihonzan Eiheiji before dawn. The experience begins with a dharma talk by a monk on the teachings of Zen founder Dogen Zenji, followed by the morning chanting ceremony (choka fugin) — a deeply solemn ritual in which the resonant voices of monks fill the hall. After the ceremony, a monk guides guests through a tour of the temple grounds.
Photo courtesy of Daihonzan Eiheiji
Photo courtesy of Daihonzan Eiheiji
Photo courtesy of Daihonzan Eiheiji
Plan-Exclusive Shojin Cuisine
Dinner is a shojin cuisine course at "Nihon Ryori En," the Japanese restaurant at Kanshukuen ESHIKOTO, crafted using seasonal Hokuriku ingredients. Prepared without animal products and centered on the natural flavors of each ingredient, the meal embodies the quiet nourishment that runs through Zen philosophy.
After returning from the morning prayers, breakfast is served at "Apéro & Pâtisserie acoya" — a rice porridge based on the same menu eaten by the monks in training at Eiheiji, offering a gentle, grounding close to the morning.
Plan Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Reservations | Via the official website (https://kanshukuen.com/). Advance booking required at least 7 days prior. |
| Period | April 13 – August 31, 2026 (Wednesdays and Thursdays only) |
| Price | From ¥73,000 per person (2 guests per room, tax included) |
| Availability | 2 rooms per day |
| Schedule | Day 1: 3:00 PM Check-in / In-room Zen practice / 5:30 PM Dinner at "Nihon Ryori En" Day 2: 3:40 AM Departure for Daihonzan Eiheiji (shuttle provided) / 4:10 AM Morning prayers begin (approx. 3 hours) / 7:30 AM Return to Kanshukuen ESHIKOTO / 8:00 AM Breakfast at "Apéro & Pâtisserie acoya" / 11:00 AM Check-out |
Notes on the morning prayers experience:
- The start time may be delayed or the program shortened depending on circumstances. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated, so strict punctuality is required.
- Please be well-rested and avoid excessive alcohol the evening before. Guests showing signs of a hangover may be asked not to participate.
- Wear clean, modest clothing. Socks are required as shoes are removed inside the temple.
- The experience may be cancelled due to special services or events at Eiheiji Temple. Refunds will be issued for pre-paid experience fees in such cases.
About Kanshukuen ESHIKOTO
Opened in November 2024, Kanshukuen ESHIKOTO is an onsen auberge in Eiheiji, Fukui Prefecture, designed to celebrate the food and culture of Hokuriku. The property draws on the culinary heritage of "Kokuryu" sake — brewed for over 200 years using the pristine subterranean water of the nearby Kuzuryu River — alongside the kaiseki artistry of "Nihon Ryori En" and the contemporary French flair of "cadre." The property sits on approximately 18,000 square meters and offers 8 guest cottages.
Access: Approximately 6 minutes by taxi from Eiheiji-guchi Station (Echizen Railway Katsuyama-Eiheiji Line) / Approximately 27 minutes by car from JR Fukui Station / Approximately 10 minutes by car from Eiheiji-sando IC (Chubu Jukan Expressway)
About Daihonzan Eiheiji
Photo courtesy of Daihonzan Eiheiji
About 15 minutes by car from Kanshukuen ESHIKOTO, Daihonzan Eiheiji is a landmark Soto Zen temple where visitors can enjoy seasonal scenery and historic architecture along the approach, and experience the temple's serene atmosphere upon arrival. Activities available to visitors include architectural tours and zazen (seated meditation) sessions.
