• Meditation. Visitors can apply to attend a two-day (sanrosha) or three-day (sanzensha) meditation training program [1] at Eiheiji Monastery. Since the 3-day program is quite strenuous, applicants must have long Zazen (meditation) experience to gain admittance. While the program is advertised as 2 or 3 days, it is in fact less as the first day activities start 4PM with those on the final day ending at 10AM. During the full days there is 3:30AM wakeup until 9:30PM lights out. Gaining admission for the program requires faxed permission from the temple before arriving, and applications must be made at least a month in advance. There are several possible dates in any month for a stay.

• Eiheiji Temple. An extremely impressive structure totally constructed from wood and with intricate frescoes decorating the inner walls. The atmosphere of tranquility is further enhanced by a stream that flows through the inner court yards. The temple is a true testament to the ability of the ancient Japanese to fuse architecture and nature in a seamless and timeless endeavor.

Eiheiji is located about 15 km from Fukui City; either take a direct bus from Fukui Station (4 daily, 30 min, 720¥) or a train to Eiheiji-Guchi (25min, 440¥) and then a connecting bus (15min, 410¥). It's possible to leave Kanazawa (north) or Kyoto (southwest) in the early morning by train and get to the temple by noon. Ask the bus driver to notify you when you arrive; there are several stops called "Eiheiji-something", which can be confusing.

Anything of interest to travelers is within walking distance of the monastery.

• Books and esoteric stuff can be bought at the temple.
• Souvenir biscuits, cakes and trinkets related to the temple are available in the town.

• There are several small restaurants on the main streets.