Heirinji Temple

Heirinji Temple is a Rinzai Zen temple of the Myoshinji school located in Niiza City, Saitama Prefecture. With a monks’ training hall used as a practice dojo, it is a rare temple that specializes in formal Zen training. The temple’s woodland precinct is famous for preserving rich natural scenery and is designated as a National Natural Monument. It is a venerable temple with deep history, respected enough to be visited by the Emperor, and it preserves numerous cultural assets within its grounds, including Suisoku-ken, which is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. There are also many events such as celebrations for the birth of Buddha, so it is worth checking the schedule when planning sightseeing. The grounds cover a total area of 130,000 tsubo (about nine Tokyo Domes) and include a 2.5 km walking path that can be completed in about 1.5 hours, making it a rewarding place to explore as time allows. Because it is a nationally designated natural monument, there are no vending machines, shops, or dining facilities. Smoking is prohibited throughout the woodland precinct, and the use of monopods or tripods, sketching, eating or drinking, and bringing pets are prohibited. The grounds also include the Okouchi Matsudaira family cemetery and the graves of Matsudaira Izu-no-Kami Nobutsuna and his wife. Access to Heirinji Temple is easy by bus from various train stations—get off at “Heirinji,” right nearby.