Eirin-ji Temple

Overview

Eirin-ji is a temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism in Hachioji, Tokyo. Set in the eastern part of the Tama area of the former Musashi Province, it has long been cherished locally as an old temple of Hachioji. Its precincts, filled with the stillness unique to Zen, offer a composed space apart from the crowds of tourist spots. Paired with a walk through the history of Hachioji, which once flourished as a castle and post town, it is a temple where you can settle your mind.

Highlights

• ●Historic precincts handed down as an old temple of Hachioji
• ●The simple, dignified temple buildings in the Soto Zen style
• ●A location easy to combine with a historical walk of the post town of Hachioji
• ●A Zen space, away from tourist bustle, to quietly settle the mind

History

Eirin-ji is an old temple that has long been maintained in Hachioji as a Soto Zen temple. The Soto school is a form of Zen centered on seated meditation, and its spirit shows in the simple yet dignified temple buildings. Because the exact date of founding, the line of head priests, and traditions about temple treasures may vary among accounts, it is best to confirm the precise history through on-site guides or official information. The seasoned appearance of the precincts itself quietly tells of the temple's long past.

Map

35.6312, 139.3822 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Set out from the Hachioji townscape toward Eirin-ji in the east
2. 2Bow at the gate, pray at the main hall, and quietly join your hands
3. 3Walk slowly through the old-temple precincts and feel the weight of the years
4. 4Afterward, stroll the townscape and traces of the Hachioji post town

Did you know?

💡 Hachioji flourished as a post town on the Koshu Kaido during the Edo period, and many historic temples and shrines are scattered across the city. Eirin-ji is one such old temple of Hachioji. To avoid confusing it with other Soto Zen temples within the same city, confirm its location on a map before visiting.

Nearby spots