Founder's Hall of Eiheiji Temple

Eiheiji Guide 06: The mausoleum of the founder 'Dogen'

Takako Sakamoto Jul 30, 2014 - 2 min read

<p>'Jōyōden', the mausoleum where the ashes of Eiheiji Temple's founder, Dogen Zenji, rest</p>

<p>Wooden sign explaining the Founder's Hall, 'Jōyōden', the mausoleum of Dogen Zenji, who founded Eiheiji Temple in 1244</p>

<p>Inside view of 'Jōyōden', the mausoleum of Dogen Zenji. The wooden signage hung in the center was written and dedicated to Dogen by Meiji Emperor</p>

<p>The gate of the mausoleum, 'Jōyōmon Gate'. This gate is closed to the public and you can only view it from the mausoleum</p>

<p>Front view of 'Jōyōmon Gate'. You can see through the gate the other buildings lined up straight</p>

<p>Closer look at 'Jōyōmon Gate' and other temple buildings seen from it</p>

<p>Close-up of a bronze lantern in the courtyard inside 'Jōyōmon Gate'</p>

<p>Wooden carvings and roof tile ornament in the forest</p>

<p>Beautiful wooden carvings of 'Jōyōden', the Founder's Hall</p>

This photo story is to guide you step-by-step as you explore Eiheiji Temple in Fukui, the Zen temple of 'Eternal Peace'. The sixth guide focuses on 'Jōyōden', the mausoleum of Eiheiji's founder, Dogen Zenji, and 'Jōyōmon', the gate of the mausoleum. This building was rebuilt in 1841 and contains the ashes of Dogen Zenji, who founded Eiheiji Temple in 1244, as well as other distinguished master priests in the past. Meiji Emperor (1852 to 1912) wrote and dedicated the huge wooden signage hung in the center of the building to honor Dogen, the founder. 'Jōyōmon' is a small but beautiful gate of the mausoleum, from which you can view the other temple buildings lined up straight ahead.

For other photos, please see these other photo stories, a detailed history, this article, and the other entries to this guide, the links below.

Complete Guide to Eiheiji Temple Series

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Find out more about Eiheiji Temple.

Eiheiji Temple Guide

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...