Hakujukan
Room Types
1
Established
1244
Water
Hot Spring
Cuisine
Kaiseki
About
Hakujukan is a modern Zen-inspired inn opened in July 2019 at the entrance to Eiheiji Temple, one of Japan's two head Soto Zen temples in Fukui Prefecture. Built using Eiheiji cedar from the temple grounds, it offers 18 spacious Japanese-Western rooms, communal baths, and a unique blend of Zen spiritual experiences with comfortable ryokan hospitality.
Ideal For
Key Experiences
Gallery
Ready to experience Hakujukan?
See Prices on AgodaRoom Types
Japanese-Western Style Room
Spacious room combining Western-style twin beds with Japanese tatami areas, built using Eiheiji cedar. Each room features a shower booth with modern amenities. Futons available for additional guests.
- Twin beds
- Tatami area with optional futons
- Shower booth (no in-room bath)
- Warm water wash toilet
- Refrigerator
- Flat-screen TV
- Free Wi-Fi
- Safe
- Eiheiji cedar wood interiors
From ¥25,000/night
Onsen & Baths
Spring Type
Natural hot spring (Eiheiji Onsen)
Indoor Baths
- Kosui-kai communal indoor bath (men's and women's)
Outdoor Baths
- Kosui-kai open-air bath connected to indoor bath
- Wash thoroughly at shower stations before entering the bath
- Do not bring towels into the bath water
- Maintain quiet to preserve the meditative atmosphere
- Listen for the distant temple bells while bathing
- Rooms have shower booths only - use communal bath for full soaking
Dining
Restaurant Suisen
Specialty Dishes
Dietary Options
Select meal type at time of booking
Amenities
Premium
Best Times to Visit
Spring (Mar–May)
- Fresh green cedar forests around Eiheiji
- Pleasant walking weather along the temple approach
- Spring ingredients in shojin ryori
- Golden Week crowds at Eiheiji Temple
- Book ahead for April-May
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Lush forest canopy provides natural cooling
- Summer zazen retreats
- Vibrant green temple grounds
- Humid weather
- Temple grounds can be busy with domestic tourists
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Stunning fall foliage framing Eiheiji Temple
- Autumn harvest ingredients in cuisine
- Comfortable meditation temperatures
- Peak foliage season is very popular
- November weekends are busy
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Snow-covered temple grounds create a profound atmosphere
- Quiet and contemplative season
- Hot baths contrast with cold temple halls
- Very cold, especially in meditation halls
- Bring warm clothing for temple activities
Local Knowledge
Insider Tips
Hidden Gems
- The open-air bath at Kosui-kai lets you hear Eiheiji's temple bells in the distance
- The building's Eiheiji cedar construction fills rooms with a subtle, calming wood fragrance
The Zen Concierge can arrange personalized spiritual experiences beyond standard offerings
Restaurant Suisen's menu was created in direct collaboration with Eiheiji Temple
Must-Try Experiences
- Morning service participation at Eiheiji Temple with the monks
- Shojin ryori dinner supervised by Eiheiji's Tenzo (head temple cook)
Zazen meditation session for profound stillness and reflection
Experience Tips
- Wake early for the morning service at Eiheiji - it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience
- Try the shojin ryori dinner to experience the temple's culinary tradition
Speak with the Zen Concierge early in your stay to plan your spiritual activities
Walk the temple approach in the early morning or late evening for maximum serenity
Cultural Notes
- Eiheiji Temple was founded in 1244 by Dogen Zenji, the father of Soto Zen in Japan
- The Tenzo (head cook) holds one of the most respected positions in Zen monasteries
Shojin ryori is not just vegetarian food but a spiritual practice of gratitude and mindfulness
Zazen practice emphasizes shikantaza - just sitting - as a path to awakening
Ready to experience it yourself?
Check Availability & Book on AgodaPractical Information
Stay Details
Recommended Stay
1-2 nights to participate in evening zazen, morning service, and explore Eiheiji Temple at leisure
Getting There
- Direct bus from Fukui Station east exit (approximately 30 minutes)
- City bus from Eiheijiguchi Station to Eiheiji stop, then 5-minute walk
- Parking available (no private garage or covered lot)
- Staff can assist with taxi arrangements on departure
Before You Go
Dietary Options
Select meal type at time of booking
Booking Tips
- Book the plan that includes zazen and morning service for the full Zen experience
- Select your dinner preference (shojin ryori or Japanese set meal) at booking time
- Choose your dinner start time (18:00, 18:30, or 19:00) when reserving
- Solo traveler plans are available - a rarity among ryokans
Preparation Tips
- Wear comfortable, modest clothing for zazen and temple visits
- Bring warm layers as the temple approach and meditation halls can be cool
- Research basic Zen etiquette before participating in temple activities
- Rooms have showers only - plan to use the communal bath for full bathing
Quick Facts
Nearest Station
Eiheijiguchi Station (Echizen Railway)
History
Hakujukan is intimately connected to Eiheiji Temple, founded in 1244 by Zen master Dogen as one of the two head temples of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism. The inn was purpose-built in 2019 to provide visitors an accessible gateway to Zen practice, using cedar timber harvested from the temple's own grounds and offering experiences supervised by the temple itself.
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