2-Night, 3-Day Private Zen Retreat in Fukui – Experience Zen, Traditional Echizen Crafts, and Cuisine Amidst Nature

【OUTLINE】

This tour offers you an opportunity to experience Zen training and spirituality at Eiheiji Temple, a Zen dojo founded by Zen master Dogen in 1244.
Stay at a temple lodging, savor Shojin Ryori (traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), and visit normally closed workshops for craft experiences.
You will also enjoy a special menu of Shojin Vegan French cuisine prepared by local chefs.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• ZEN: Experience Zazen (seated meditation) in the private space of Eiheiji Temple and stay at the Zen-themed lodging "Hakuju-kan".
• CRAFT: Special access to traditional craft workshops that are usually closed to the public, and engaging with master artisans.

• FOOD: Savor Shojin Vegan French cuisine developed by three renowned local chefs.

【PRICES】

500,000 yen (tax included)  per person

【DETAILS】

◆Day 1 Highlights
Eiheiji Temple is a Zen dojo founded by Zen master Dogen in 1244, where many monks continue their rigorous training to this day.
This tour allows you to experience Zen training and spirituality through Zazen and meals.
Enjoy a special plan that combines Zen and cuisine with a guided tour of Eiheiji Temple by monks, Zazen experience, and Shojin Ryori dinner supervised by Eiheiji.

◆Day 2 Highlights
After staying at the temple lodging "Hakuju-kan" within the Eiheiji precincts, join the morning service with monks. 
Then, visit the exclusive "Shitsurindo", a patronized workshop of Eiheiji, not usually open to the public. 
"Shitsurindo" has been inheriting "Echizen lacquerware" for over 200 years in Echizen, Japan's oldest lacquerware production area. 
Experience the charm and history of Japan's lacquer culture at "Shitsurindo", which continues to preserve and pass down the world's finest lacquer and techniques nurtured by Japan.

◆Day 3 Highlights
Fukui Prefecture boasts seven traditional crafts that are recognized globally.
On Day 3, you will visit "Echizen Washi" (traditional Japanese paper) and "Echizen Uchihamono" (cutlery).
You will enjoy dialogue with artisans, observe the production process, and experience the unique craftsmanship culture of Sabae.
(Some visits might be scheduled for Day 2 depending on the itinerary.)

【SCHEDULE】

Note: The following schedule is an example. Some parts may change depending on the overall schedule.

◆Day 1
[14:30] Meet at Fukui Station, transfer (taxi or hire)
[15:00] Zazen experience at Eiheiji Temple

[17:20] Transfer (on foot)
[17:30] Dinner at the temple lodging "Hakuju-kan": Experience Shojin Ryori supervised by Eiheiji
[20:00] Overnight at the temple lodging "Hakuju-kan"

◆Day 2
[07:00] Participate in the morning service with monks
[09:00] Meet in the lobby of the temple lodging "Hakuju-kan", transfer (taxi or hire)
[10:00] Visit "Shitsurindo"  for a workshop tour and lacquerware experience
[11:30] Transfer (taxi or hire)
[12:00] Lunch
[13:00] Transfer (taxi or hire)
[14:00] Visit "Ryusen Hamono" for an Uchihamono (cutlery) experience
[15:30] Transfer (taxi or hire)
[16:00] Arrive at the temple lodging "Hakuju-kan", rest
[18:00] Dinner at the temple lodging "Hakuju-kan": Enjoy Shojin Vegan French dinner
[20:00] Overnight at the temple lodging "Hakuju-kan"

◆Day 3
[09:00] Meet in the lobby of the temple lodging "Hakuju-kan", transfer (taxi or hire)
[10:00] Visit "Iwano Heisaburo Seishisho" for a factory tour and Washi experience
[11:00] Transfer (taxi or hire)
[11:15] Visit "Komamoto Maki-e Workshop" for a factory tour and lacquerware experience
[12:00] Transfer (taxi or hire)
[13:00] Disband at Echizen Takefu Station or Fukui Station

【ACCOMMODATIONS】

Eiheiji Shinzen-no-Yado Hakuju-kan (Shihi 6-1, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1228)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check-in: 14:00～／Check-out: 10:00

【Room Type】
All rooms feature twin beds and tatami mat spaces

【Bath Type】
All guest rooms come with a shower room (no bathtubs).
Guests can use the separate male and female large communal baths (including open-air baths).

【Meals】
Shojin Ryori (traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) made with seasonal and local ingredients

【Amenities】
Toothbrush / Body sponge / Hairbrush / Razor / Cotton swabs / Shampoo / Body soap / Conditioner / Bath towel / Face towel / Yukata (casual kimono) / In-room slippers

【In-Room Facilities】
Free Wi-Fi / TV / Electric kettle / Japanese tea set / Refrigerator / Safe / Hairdryer / Internal phone (with wake-up call function) / Toilet with bidet function / Shower booth / Smartphone speaker / Reading light / USB outlets

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：2 nights, 3 days
• Minimum number of participants：1 person
  
• Meeting Point: Fukui Station　[MAP]
  Central 1-1, Fukui-shi, Fukui, 910-0006
  
• Access：
  ◆Train:
  Tokyo Station → Fukui Station: Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki/Hakutaka)
  Osaka (Thunderbird) → Tsuruga (Tsurugi) → Fukui Station
  ◆Air:
  Haneda Airport (ANA/JAL) → Komatsu Airport (Airport shuttle bus) → Komatsu Station (JR Limited Express Shirasagi) → Fukui Station
• Tour conductor for 24 hours：No
• Language support：English
• Meals (included in a tour fee)：Yes（Breakfast：2, Lunch：1, Dinner：2）
• Included：
  ・Experience fee
  ・Meal cost
  ・Transportation during the tour
  ・Guide fees
  ・Accommodation cost
• Excluded：
  ・Transportation to the site
  ・Souvenirs purchased locally
• Participation requirements：10 years and older
• Free Wi-Fi：Yes
• Toilet: Yes (Western-style)
• Other things to note：Please inform us of any food allergies in the reservation form.

【TOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS】

Before booking the tour, please confirm the Tour Terms & Conditions and save the document.

Check [TOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS]（Japanese）

【TOUR PLANNER AND CONDUCTOR】

Regional Branding Institute Co., Ltd.
Aqua Terrace UⅡ Bldg., 8F, 2-20-3 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0034
Travel Agency registered with a Tokyo Governor 2-7547
A regular member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

20 to 8 days before the departure date of the tour　20%
7 to 2 days before the departure date of the tour　30%
The day before the departure date of the tour　40%
On the day of the departure date of the tour　50%
After the tour departed, No show　100%