Postcard from - Eiheiji Shrine, Fukui

Toilet slippers = carry shoes and take photos?!

While I was massively disappointed with Fukui castle, I was just as massively surprised with the magnificence of this shrine complex, which dates back to 1244...the year King Henry III decided York needed a stone castle to thwart the Scots. 

This is Daihonzan Eiheeji - The Temple of Eternal Peace. It is nestled into the foothills of western Fukui, and an easy 30 minute bus ride from Fukui station + a gentle stroll up the hill. You have to pay to get in, and then follow the zazen trail through the maze of buildings - a very peaceful, respectful shuffle (generic toilet slippers required footwear).

There were lots of monks politely ignoring the punters; this is very much a Zen in action shrine. As such, buildings such as the kitchen & bath house part of the infrastructure still very much in use. The main buildings are also in use daily for...being very quiet in, as well as for lectures on how to meditate, I guess.

Joyomon, with Joyoden behind

The complex is simply beautiful. The grounds are meticulously groomed - not a fallen leaf out of place, a cobweb in sight nor a pebble misplaced. Moss covered rocks, mature woodland surrounding, weathered beams and precious relics everywhere you look. 

And preciously, no suitcase bearing, skin-baring, tiktok blaring influencers (so I hope they're not reading this for inspiration!)...I've lived in Japan most of my life, and I love 'finding' hidden gems such as this. And I really want to go back and trudge around in the snow, with my real camera (I was not tooled up for this last-minute side trip!).

Moss park