Eiheiji Temple - Shinzennoyado Hakujukan

Both zazen at Eiheiji and the morning service were truly invaluable experiences. The shojin-ryori was even more delicious than I expected, and it sparked an even deeper interest in Zen—I’ve been recommending it to lots of people since I got back. The staff were all kind, and they can also assist in English. I think it offers excellent value for money. I had seen a Review saying the building and the Room were cold, so I was a little worried January would be even colder, but that wasn’t the case at all—I stayed very comfortably. The morning service at Eiheiji was cold (I recommend dressing warmly), but it helped me understand the rigor of the training even more. Eiheiji covered in snow was beautiful and had a wonderful atmosphere. Thank you very much.

We had the pleasure of staying at Hakujukan to experience New Year's Eve at Eiheiji Temple in winter. Participating in zazen meditation and morning rituals was a decision we are truly glad we made. The early morning service, especially, was a bit challenging for our family both physically and mentally, as we barely slept after hearing the New Year's Eve bell. However, it turned out to be an incredibly valuable experience. From the moment we stepped out of the accommodation into the darkness and began walking... witnessing the dignified presence of numerous monks and hearing their chants resonate through the solemn Dharma Hall—it was an awe-inspiring, extraordinary world that left us deeply moved. As mentioned in other reviews, the shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at Hakujukan exceeded all expectations with its incredible flavors and beautiful presentation—another unforgettable highlight of our stay. The staff's warm hospitality, smiles, and attentiveness made our time at Hakujukan even more enjoyable. We are also grateful for their assistance with arranging a taxi on our departure despite their busy schedule—thank you so much! On our way home, my family talked about how much we're looking forward to visiting Eiheiji Temple and Hakujukan again during different seasons throughout the year. Thank you for giving us such wonderful New Year's memories!