Soji-ji

Soji-ji Review

The Zen temple complex at Monzen once served as the Soto sect's headquarters. Though a fire destroyed most of the buildings in 1818 and the sect moved its headquarters to Yokohama in 1911, this is still an important training temple. As at major Zen temple Eihei-ji in Fukui, near the Kansai region, lay practitioners may stay for a few days (although the temple hesitates to accept lone female travelers since room doors don't lock). Strolling paths traverse the lush grounds, where you can see some spectacular red maples and an elaborately carved gate. The Soji-ji-mae bus stop is in front of the temple; use a bus or walk 10 minutes from Monzen Station to reach it. It also can be accessed from the Anamizu bus station on the Noto Chuo bus bound for Monzen (32 minutes).