[2025 Nagano Attraction] Travel Guide for Sammon Gate, Zenkōji temple (Updated Jun)

Name📝: Zenko-ji Omotesando 善光寺表參道 Nearest train station 🚉: Zenkojishita 善光寺下 Address📍: Nagano, 381-0841, Japan Famous for✨: The cultural architecture on the street The many local restaurants and street food stalls The various small temples that lead to the main Zenkoji Temple Tourist spots nearby 👀: ⛩️Zenko Ji Temple -25 minutes walk 🐻 Jooyama Zoo - 17 minutes walk #nagano #Zenkoji #Zenkojitemple #japan

Name📝: Zenko-ji Omotesando 善光寺表參道 Address📍: Japan, 〒380-0853 Nagano Nearest train station 🚉: Zenkojishita 善光寺下 Famous for ✨: the many souvenir shops and local delicacies all the way leading up to the Zenko-ji Temple Tourist spots nearby 👀: ⛩️ Zenko Ji Temple (from the beginning of the shopping Street it’s about 25 minute walk, but time passes quickly when you are shopping) 🐵 Joyama Zoo (from the end of the street at Zenko Ji Temple only 10 minute walk) #nagano #Zenkoji #japan

Walking into Zenkōji felt like stepping gently into a spiritual haven nestled in the heart of Nagano. The temple’s grand entrance and long wooden corridor immediately set a tone of quiet reverence, inviting us to slow down and soak in the atmosphere. We visited in the afternoon, and the temple grounds were peaceful despite being a popular spot. Bakers of light streamed through the temple halls, illuminating carved pillars and ancient statues. The main hall is impressive—not overbearing, but commanding enough to remind you of centuries of devotion and history. We even opted for the optional underground passage tour, guided by touch in pitch-black darkness. It was a fascinating, tactile way to connect with the temple’s spiritual roots. Outside, the temple gardens were beautifully kept, with seasonal flowers and lush greenery softly framing the buildings. We also joined a short chanting session—simple, rhythmic, and oddly calming. It was one of those unexpected, meditative moments that stay with you. Zenkōji isn’t just a beautiful sight—it’s a place you feel, breathe, and connect with. It offers layers of experience: history, architecture, spirituality, and nature, all woven together. A visit here feels like giving yourself a moment of mindful reflection in the middle of your travels. #summervacay #ZenkōjiTemple #SpiritualNagano #MindfulTravel #AncientTemplesJapan #TempleChanting #HistoricNagano #ZenMoments #TravelReflection #TempleGardensJapan #japan #japantrip

#cherryblossom25 Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City is one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples — and when the sakura bloom, it feels straight-up sacred. Walking the wide, stone-paved avenue lined with blossoming trees up to the massive main hall is goosebump-inducing. Monks in saffron robes move quietly around while petals drift down — it’s cinematic without even trying. I arrived just as early morning prayers ended, and the combination of temple bells and birdsong was unforgettable. There's a small, beautiful garden to the side that becomes a pink oasis. For #cherryblossom25, my post captured a single monk crossing the square under a blizzard of blossoms — simple but powerful. If you’re craving a deep spiritual atmosphere wrapped in sakura beauty, Zenkoji is a must-visit.

#Spring0yentravel Nagano's Zenkoji Temple is so famous that it is said that you should visit Zenkoji Temple at least once in your life. It is a power spot where you can feel the solemn atmosphere and history! The main hall is designated as a national treasure, and the pilgrimage to the altar is a slightly thrilling experience of feeling your way through the pitch-black corridors. There are also sweet shops and souvenir shops lined up within the temple grounds, making it the perfect place for a leisurely stroll! And after visiting the temple, you should definitely try the long-established eel restaurant in front of the gate. The fragrantly grilled eel rice bowl is a treat that will soothe your travel fatigue! 📍Basic information (check the website for the latest information) ✴︎Address: 491 Motozencho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture ✴︎Access: Take a bus from JR Nagano Station for about 15 minutes and get off at "Zenkoji Daimon" stop ✴︎Fee: Free entry to the grounds (there is an admission fee for the main hall and the ordination platform) ✴︎Opening hours: Main hall is open from 5:00 to 17:00 (subject to seasonal changes)

#Spring0yenTrip In Nagano, we first visited Zenkoji Temple and were overwhelmed by its majesty and tranquility. Zenkoji Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, and walking along the approach to the temple, we couldn't help but feel the depth of history. We experienced the Okaidan pilgrimage and felt a spiritual sense of peace and wonder as we groped our way through the pitch black space. Afterwards, we walked through the city, surrounded by abundant nature, and the scenery along the Chikuma River was particularly pleasant. Nagano City is also rich in hot springs, and we were able to spend a fulfilling time relaxing in the surrounding hot springs and enjoying delicious local cuisine. In winter, the snowy scenery was beautiful, and it was a place where you could feel the charm of each season.

Zenko-ji Temple, located in Nagano, is one of Japan's most significant temples, known for housing the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan. The temple was founded in the 7th century and has been a major pilgrimage site ever since. To enter the main hall, you need to buy a ticket. Inside, you can book a separate ticket to experience a unique journey through a dark passageway. This pitch-black path symbolizes the journey after death, emphasizing the solitude and darkness one might feel. The temple guides explain that this experience represents what one may encounter after death, providing a profound and contemplative experience. The serene temple grounds, beautiful architecture, and deep spiritual significance make Zenko-ji Temple a must-visit site for those interested in Japan's cultural and religious heritage.

#Get a discount without relying on luck #Zenkoji Temple is a temple that is a symbol of Nagano. It is important in the history of Buddhism in Japan. It is a temple that many people say "You must go once in your life" and I got it. The atmosphere inside the temple has a main hall, Sanmon Gate is considered the main gate of the temple, and there are 6 Jizo statues near Sanmo Gate. The day I went, it was snowing lightly, but I didn't give up on going to worship. The inside is very beautiful and magnificent. When I finished worshiping and walked out, I saw that this place was surrounded by mountains. #Travel Take the bus in front of JR Nagano Station. There will be an Alpico Kotsu Bus stop. Get off at Zenkoji Daimon stop. It takes 15 minutes, about 5 stops, and then walk for another 5 minutes. Before reaching the temple, there will be an area of ​​Nakamise Street. (Nakamise-dori Street) which stretches to the front of the temple is also a street lined with many shops where you can stop by to buy delicious food and enjoy walking around. 🕰️ Opening hours: The main hall closes at 4:30 p.m. Other areas are open 24 hours a day.

Visiting Zenkoji Temple in Nagano is a deeply moving experience, blending history, spirituality, and serenity. As you step through the grand entrance, the scent of burning incense and the gentle ringing of bells create a peaceful atmosphere. The ancient wooden temple, standing strong for over 1,400 years, radiates a sense of timelessness. One of the most profound moments is walking through the Okaidan Meguri, the pitch-black underground passage beneath the main hall. Feeling your way in complete darkness, searching for the “key to paradise,” is both humbling and symbolic—reminding you to trust in the unseen. Outside, the temple grounds offer a perfect blend of history and seasonal beauty. Whether it's cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, fiery foliage in autumn, or a blanket of snow in winter, Zenkoji remains breathtaking year-round. Strolling through the bustling Nakamise Street, enjoying local specialties like oyaki (steamed dumplings) and warm soba, completes the experience. Zenkoji Temple is more than a destination—it’s a place of reflection, cultural richness, and spiritual renewal. A must-visit for anyone seeking a deeper connection to Japan’s heritage. #ZenkojiTemple #Nagano #TempleVibes #JapanTravel #travelfreak

I drove from Tokyo to Nagano to eat soba noodles 🍇 It wasn't just a side trip, but when you're in Nagano, you have to visit Zenkoji Temple 😀 There was the oldest Buddha statue in Japan and a Buddha statue that is said to heal your body if you rub it. There was also Nakamise Street. The Starbucks there was designed for tourists and was cute. The stores started to close after 3pm, so it's best to visit earlier 😊 #0 yen trip February 2025 #Zenkoji Temple #Nagano sightseeing #Drive from Tokyo

Zenkoji Temple is a non-sectarian Buddhist temple located in Motozenmachi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture. The temple is jointly managed by two head priests: the 'Daikanjin Kanshu' and the 'Daihongan Shonin.' The principal image enshrined here is the Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai, said to be the oldest in Japan, and it is a hidden Buddha that is never shown to the public. The Zenkoji Nyorai, the principal image of Zenkoji Temple, is considered a symbol of authority and has a storied history. During the Sengoku period, various feudal lords competed to relocate the Zenkoji Nyorai to their own territories, causing it to move from place to place. To get to Zenkoji Temple from JR Nagano Station, please take the bus from the Zenkoji Exit Bus Rotary, Platform 1 (bound for Zenkoji). The journey from Nagano Station to Zenkoji Daimon takes approximately 15 minutes and costs 190 yen.