Background

Yokushitsu: Cleansing Ritual at Eiheiji Temple

Discover the unseen rituals at Eiheiji Temple's Yokushitsu, a key to understanding Zen monastic life and its emphasis on purification.

5

The Yokushitsu, or bathhouse, at Eiheiji Temple is one of the seven essential structures in this significant Zen Buddhist monastery. While visitors cannot enter, understanding its role highlights the importance of purification in Zen practice.

A brief summary to Yokushitsu

Local tips

  • Remember that Eiheiji is an active monastery; dress modestly and maintain silence to respect the monks' practice.
  • While you cannot enter the Yokushitsu, observe its location in relation to the other key buildings to appreciate its importance.
  • Consider visiting during the warmer months to see the lush vegetation surrounding the temple grounds.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Fukui Station, take the hourly direct bus to Eiheiji Temple. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs ¥750. Alternatively, take the Echizen Railway to Eiheiji-guchi Station (25 minutes, ¥490), then transfer to a bus to Eiheiji (15 minutes, ¥430). From the Eiheiji bus stop, it's a short 5-minute walk to the temple entrance.

  • Walking

    From Eiheiji-guchi Station, it is approximately a 10 minute walk uphill to Eiheiji Temple. Upon exiting the station, turn right and follow the road.

Unlock the Best of Yokushitsu

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Yokushitsu

The Yokushitsu at Eiheiji Temple, located in Fukui Prefecture, is a vital, though unseen, component of monastic life. As one of the Shichido Garan—the seven essential buildings—it underscores the significance of ritual cleansing in Soto Zen Buddhism. Founded in 1244 by Dogen Zenji, Eiheiji is a working monastery where approximately 150 monks train rigorously. Every aspect of their day, from meals to cleaning, is part of their Zen practice. The Yokushitsu provides a space for monks to purify themselves physically, which is considered integral to spiritual cleansing. Although visitors cannot enter the Yokushitsu, knowing its function enriches the understanding of Eiheiji's layout and the monks' daily discipline. The seven key buildings are arranged to replicate a monk in zazen (meditation), reinforcing the temple's dedication to Zen practice. The Yokushitsu, along with the Tosu (toilet), is symmetrically placed, reflecting the balanced approach to monastic life. Historically, Zen temples like Eiheiji included bathhouses as essential for monks' well-being and spiritual practice. These bathhouses, while simple in design, were functionally important, facilitating the monks' commitment to both physical and mental purity.

Popular Experiences near Yokushitsu

Popular Hotels near Yokushitsu

Select Currency