Eihei-ji temple is one of the head temples of the Soto Zen Buddhism sect and the temple grounds contain over 70 buildings housing up to 250 monks. Located in Fukui Prefecture, the area would not receive a lot of tourism if not for Eihei-ji’s tourist friendly policies and information. Tourists can explore much of the temple grounds unescorted after receiving a brief orientation and information about the temple is available in many languages. For a modest cost, you can partake of a typical monk’s meal consisting of local mountain root vegetables and other ingredients (except meat, of course). Visit Eihei-ji in the autumn for the beautiful fiery foliage.