Jul 29, 2014 - 1 min read

The Iconic Karamon Gate of Eiheiji

Eiheiji Guide 03: Chinese gate to the entrance

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Tall stone lantern standing with giant cedar trees in the background

Divine view of Kara-mon Gate, stone lanterns and ancient cedar trees

Stone lantern and Kara-mon gate just after rain. The white dot on the stone lantern is not a halo, but a rain drop on my camera lens

Tall, ancient cedar trees stand in the temple grounds, everywhere

View of the Hoonto (two-storied pagoda) in the forest, and one of the gardens

This beautiful garden spreads out beside the stone stairs leading to the entrance gate

Ancient-looking entrance gate of Eiheiji temple

According to the sign, Eiheiji temple is open from 4 a.m. - 5 p.m. through May to Oct., and from 5:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. through Nov. to April ... Does it open so early?!

This photo story is to guide you step-by-step as you explore Eiheiji Temple in Fukui, the Zen temple of 'Eternal Peace'. The third leg of the guide focuses on the famous Kara-mon (Chinese gate). This gate, for its significance and beauty, is often used as a symbol picture of the temple. It's also called 'Chokushi-mon', which means the gate for the 'Imperial envoy', and as the word indicates, it's only opened when receiving messengers from the Imperial family. Aside from them, only the master priest of Eiheiji temple can enter it. Rebuilt in 1839, it stands deep in the forest surrounded by ancient cedar trees, and looks simply divine.

For other photos, please see these other photo stories or browse the list below: