It is located in Fukui prefecture and one of the two head temples of the Soto Sect of Zen Buddhism. It was founded in 1244 by Dogen Zenji, the Buddhist scholar who introduced Soto Zen to Japan in 1228 after studying in China for several years.
It consists of over 70 buildings and structures, connected with each other by covered walkways.
The temple is still an active monastery with around 150 practicing Zen
monks. Soto Zen Buddhist organization offered foreign visitors to stay
at the temple for one or more nights and experience the monks' daily
routine.