Eisho-ji Zen Monastery
Discover serenity at Eisho-ji Zen Monastery, a peaceful sanctuary with beautiful waterfalls, lagoons, and tranquil hiking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Eisho-ji Zen Monastery
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover serenity at Eisho-ji Zen Monastery, a peaceful sanctuary with beautiful waterfalls, lagoons, and tranquil hiking trails.
"A beautiful, well-preserved place with impressive natural beauty and a serene atmosphere."
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
The 15km dirt road can be bumpy; consider a vehicle with higher clearance.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
No food or drinks available on-site. Bring your own water bottles to refill at the fountain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Zen Monastery Grounds
Main monastery area
Experience profound peace amidst meticulously maintained gardens and traditional Zen architecture.
Waterfall Trails
Various marked trails
Hike through lush nature to discover a sequence of beautiful waterfalls and serene lagoons.
Tranquil Lagoons
Designated bathing areas
Enjoy a refreshing dip in clear lagoons, perfect for a calm and natural swimming experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Tranquility and Nature
Logistics for Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
The 15km dirt road can be bumpy; consider a vehicle with higher clearance.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
No food or drinks available on-site. Bring your own water bottles to refill at the fountain.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance via the website to ensure entry and a smoother experience.
🚭 Respect Smoking Rules
Smoking is prohibited on trails. Help maintain the serene atmosphere for everyone.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
The 15km dirt road can be bumpy; consider a vehicle with higher clearance.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
No food or drinks available on-site. Bring your own water bottles to refill at the fountain.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance via the website to ensure entry and a smoother experience.
🚭 Respect Smoking Rules
Smoking is prohibited on trails. Help maintain the serene atmosphere for everyone.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The trails are easy, but good footwear is essential for enjoying the hike. [:athletic_shoe:]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Eisho-ji Zen Monastery for its stunning natural beauty, well-maintained trails, and serene atmosphere, making it a perfect escape into nature. The easy hiking paths leading to waterfalls and lagoons are a major highlight. However, some guests have encountered issues with other visitors not respecting smoking bans, and a few mention an unpleasant interaction with a staff member.
"Top"
Cruz Paulo Rogério
"Visitei o local ontem para fazer uma trilha e a experiência foi muito boa. O caminho até lá está bem sinalizado, e mesmo com trechos de estrada de chão (ripio), foi fácil de dirigir, então não tive nenhum problema para chegar.
Dentro do espaço, tudo é muito bonito, bem cuidado e limpo. A trilha está bem demarcada, e na minha opinião, tem nível de dificuldade fácil, perfeita para quem quer caminhar com calma e aproveitar a natureza. Na recepção fui muito bem atendida, e os banheiros estavam limpos, o que sempre é um ponto positivo.
O ambiente transmite tranquilidade e organização.
A única observação que faço — e que não é culpa do lugar — é que algumas pessoas estavam fumando durante a trilha, mesmo com a sinalização indicando que é proibido fumar. Acredito que respeitar essa regra é importante para manter o espaço agradável para todos.
Fora isso, foi uma visita muito agradável e recomendo o passeio."
Camila de Asis
"Lugar com acesso por estrada de terra 15 km . Vale a pena o local é bem organizado com sequência de cachoeiras e lagoas para banho .
Valor de 70 reais por pessoa.
Tem o site para comprar antecipadamente.
Abertura 09:00
Local possui sanitário limpos.
Bebedouro para abastecer as garrafas antes de iniciar a trilha.
Recomendado voltar antes das 16:00 .
Mosteiro fecha as 17:00 ."
José Junior
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access involves a 15km stretch of dirt road. While manageable, a vehicle with good clearance is recommended. The path is generally well-signposted, making it relatively easy to navigate.
The road is unpaved and can have potholes, but many visitors find it manageable with careful driving. +1
While sedans can manage with caution, SUVs or vehicles with higher ground clearance are often preferred for the 15km dirt track.
GPS is generally reliable, but it's always good to have a general sense of direction as cell service can be spotty on the dirt road.
Public transport is not a common or practical option for reaching Eisho-ji Zen Monastery due to its remote location and the unpaved access road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is R$45 per person. It's recommended to purchase tickets in advance through their official website to secure your spot. +1
While it's best to buy online, it may be possible to purchase tickets at the entrance depending on availability. Booking ahead is advised.
The monastery opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. Visitors are advised to plan their departure before 4:00 PM.
Arriving in the morning, especially on weekdays, is recommended to enjoy the tranquility and avoid larger crowds.
Information on discounts is not widely available. It's best to check the official website or contact them directly for any potential offers.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking on well-marked trails leading to waterfalls and lagoons, explore the serene monastery grounds, and practice mindfulness in nature. +1
The trails are generally considered easy to moderate, making them suitable for most fitness levels. They are well-demarcated.
Yes, there are designated lagoons where visitors can swim. The water is described as clear and refreshing.
Cell service can be intermittent, especially on the access road. Wi-Fi is typically not available within the monastery grounds.
The monastery is known for its tranquility, organization, and natural beauty, offering a peaceful retreat.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
No, there is no restaurant on-site. Visitors must bring their own food and drinks for their visit.
Absolutely! Bringing your own picnic is highly recommended. There are areas where you can enjoy your meal.
The monastery is quite secluded, so there are no convenient food vendors immediately surrounding it. Plan to bring everything you need.
Yes, there is a drinking fountain available to refill your water bottles before starting your hike.
While not directly accessible to visitors, the monks follow a vegetarian diet, typical of Zen Buddhist traditions.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography inside the main temple buildings is generally not permitted, respecting the sacred nature of the space.
Yes, the natural landscapes, waterfalls, lagoons, and the exterior of the monastery offer many beautiful photographic opportunities. 
The trails leading to the waterfalls and the serene spots around the lagoons are particularly picturesque. The monastery's architecture from the outside is also a great subject.
There are no specific mentions of drone usage, but it's generally advisable to avoid flying drones in religious or natural conservation areas without explicit permission.
Morning light offers soft, beautiful illumination for the natural scenery. Late afternoon can also provide lovely golden hour shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and allow children to explore more freely. The serene atmosphere can also be a calming influence. While the monastery itself is a place of quiet contemplation, the natural surroundings provide ample space for children to enjoy themselves responsibly.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Remember to inform someone of your plans and estimated return time, especially given the 15km dirt road access. Bringing your own provisions is essential, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience without needing to worry about external services. The early morning hours are perfect for a quiet, personal exploration.
🧘♀️ Spiritual Seekers
+2Visitors can find solace in the natural beauty, which often serves as a metaphor for inner clarity. The emphasis on finding one's 'own path' encourages personal reflection. Respecting the quietude and the sacred nature of the site will enhance the spiritual experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Zen Experience at Eisho-ji
+1For those interested in the deeper aspects of Zen, understanding that the monastery is a functioning spiritual center is key. While social media often highlights the natural beauty, the core purpose of Eisho-ji is spiritual cultivation. This is reflected in the quietude and the respect for the environment. The mention of 'Zazen' (seated meditation) in relation to similar Zen centers suggests that the practice is central to the monastery's identity, even if not always a public-facing activity.
Travelers seeking a truly immersive experience might look for opportunities to learn more about Zen Buddhism, perhaps through local guides or by observing the respectful conduct of other visitors. The emphasis on finding one's 'own path' resonates with the core teachings of Buddhism, encouraging introspection and personal discovery within the serene setting.
Navigating the Trails and Waterfalls
The natural beauty of the waterfalls and lagoons is a highlight, providing opportunities for both peaceful contemplation and refreshing dips. Visitors often praise the cleanliness and preservation of these natural features. It's important to note that while the trails are easy, wearing appropriate footwear is still recommended for comfort and stability.
Remember to bring ample water and snacks, as amenities are limited. The monastery closes at 5 PM, so planning your hike to allow ample time for exploration and return before closing is crucial. The early morning hours are often recommended to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the most serene atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit