Discovering Japan's Roots: Eigen-ji Temple and Mandokoro Tea Experience
Known as a popular spot for autumn foliage, Daihonzan Eigen-ji is a temple in Shiga Prefecture that draws countless worshippers and tourists from both within Japan and abroad. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the unique ways of ancient temples, like "zazen" meditation—where one learns to regulate breathing and posture to confront oneself in silence—and savoring "shojin ryori" or traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, which offers insights into the teachings of Buddha.
To spice up your trip, make your way over to Oku Eigen-ji, a village nearby that brings visitors to the forefront of "Mandokoro tea," a harvest made entirely organic and pesticide-free. Take this tour and see into untouched naturescapes, old-world lifestyles that took root as the natural model of SDGs, truly in tuen with the natural resources of the land.
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How to get to Daihonzan Eigen-ji
- From Kansai International Airport = Approximately 4 hours via the JR Kansai Airport Line express, the JR Tokaido Line rapid service, and the Omi Railway Yokaichi Line.
- From Yokaichi Station = About 35 minutes on the Omi Railway Bus, Misono Line.
Scenery for every season. Special viewings and illumination during the autumn foliage season.
Starting with spring cherry blossoms, early summer greenery, autumnal colors, and winter's snowfall, Daihonzan Eigen-ji temple enchants visitors in every season. Among them, the peak autumn foliage from early to late November is particularly recommended. Around 3,000 trees, including Japanese maples, paint the mountainside and temple grounds in autumnal hues in a pure visual delight to behold.
The temple approach and areas around the main gate resemble tunnels of radiant autumn leaves. The beauty of the elegant gardens, historical pagodas, and reflection halls, all contrasted with the mesmerizing colors of the leaves, can only be described as exquisite.
Every year from November for about a month, special viewings and nighttime illuminations are available to see. Here you’ll have the chance to join a guide and explore the precious cultural assets that are typically closed to the public as you take in the view of foliage at night. The illuminated temple gives off a dreamlike mystique and vibe that simply cannot be found if you visit during the day.
This season is also the time for exclusive mini-concerts on set days, in addition to other events like special exhibits and special product sales. Just be prepared, the temperature is known to drop at sunset so you’ll want to bring something warm to wear.
Pure tranquility through a menu of Buddhist practices.
Indulge in age-old traditions passed down from the ancients at Eigen-ji Temple
Try a time experiencing "Zazen," a meditation practice of Zen monks. Starting with guidance on posture and approach from the monks, immerse yourself in the serenity, confront your inner self, and tap into a state of egolessness, giving you a precious moment of mental clarity.
Taste "Shojin Ryori," an indispensable vegetarian cuisine in Buddhist practices. With no meat or seafood, these dishes, incorporating vegetables, seaweed, and fruits, exude simple deliciousness that makes you appreciate nature's bounty. As you savor each bite, understand the Buddhist teachings of refraining from taking life and escaping worldly desires.
Moreover, the temple is renowned for its exposure to "Mandokoro tea," one of the three great teas of Omi, and the traditional Japanese tea culture, "Senchado," which emerged around the mid-Edo period (1710-1790).
Venture to a village nestled between valleys rich in local culture.
While Eigen-ji Temple offers a snapshot of Japan's natural beauty, extending your journey to the area known as "Oku Eigen-ji" reveals even more. In this village, nestled within mountain valleys, time-honored, unwavering cultures await you.
Of particular note is the cultivation of "Mandokoro tea," benefiting from the region's pristine spring waters. Produced under stringent organic and pesticide-free standards and fostered by the region's climatic variations, this tea has a flavorful depth with a touch of sweetness that has captivated power brokers throughout history. The vast tea fields, vibrant in their green hues, complement the serene surroundings, providing a soul-soothing panorama.
Visitors can not only stroll through these tea fields and sample the tea, but depending on the season, they might also partake in tea-picking experiences. Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of this "phantom tea," produced with an eye on sustainability. Visitors here will also love initiatives like the preservation of thatched roofs and other unique local cultural offerings that wait in Oku Eigen-ji.