Meditation in the heart of the magnificent landscape of the Zen region of Japan
Between the prefectures of Ishikawa in the north and Kyoto in the south, the prefecture of Fukui is the cradle of Zen culture and the meditation of Japan. The region is also appreciated for the sublime landscape along the sea and the mountains. It is not difficlt to go there by shinkansen from Osaka. Then, there are many JR lines to go to the north side or south side of Fukui prefecture.
Rural landscape of the region of Fukui and the Echizen Katsuyama castle
In this region, you can go to the oldest Zen temples of Japan. Between the city of Fukui and the mountains of Daibutsu Jisan and Kengadake running in the east, you will find so many Buddhist temples lost in the forest and in large parks. One of the oldest temple is Eiheiji established in 1244 by Dogen Zenji, the founder of Zen Soto Bouddhism and he defined also: "The Zen, it is simply sitting without thinking, forgetting the body and the spirit. Abandon the body and the spirit, and leave yourself in the Bouddhism in practice with other people without any preconceptions, and then you will reach to the way". So it will be your willingness when you enter in this forest of big and majestic sequoias surrounding the temple, it is leading you that you would try the experience of the meditation inside the temple.
Entrance of the myserious Eiheiji temple in the middle of the giant trees of the forest
Take some time to walk and to visit also other marvels nearby. Walking toward south and you will reach easilly to the Aiiwayama park which is hidden in the forest and you will see the ancient vestiges as engraved stones, and also wonderful temples and bonshō (large bells for telling the monks for praying). The city of Katsuyama conserves one of the biggest statues of Buddha in Japan, higher than 17m (taller than the Daibutsu of Nara) and the temple standing on the hill provides a wounderful view of the city and of the mountains surrounding yourself.
Face of the big Buddha of Fukui
Don't miss the opportunity to taste the traditionnal cuisine Zen "Shojin Ryori", vegetarian cuisine. You should try also the "gomadofu", which is a kind of tofu made by sesame seeds which may go with miso (fermented soya beans paste). You may find also the grilled tofu called "aburaage" the pricipal food of "Kitsune Udon" (kitsune signifies fox). It is said in the Japanese fairy tale that the aburaage is the favorite food of the fox.
Traditionnal Zen cuisine, the Shojin Ryori
Located by the sea, the city of Obama providing one of the most beautiful natural landscapes with the unique shapes of cliffs, the waterfalls and the cavern which is more than 6km length. You can enjoy the cruising with a gread view of the beautiful Japanese coasts from the boat. (N.B: the cruising cannot be ran from December to February.) It is also recommended to try the kayak in the sea from the "Ano" beach located in 7km from the Obama station. You can also enjoy many other activities like hot springs of Echizen, the onsen with sea sight which is open until 10pm so that you can take your time to be relaxed by seeing the magnificent sunset.
