[2025 Nagano Attraction] Travel Guide for Zenkōji Hondō (Main Hall) (Updated Jul)

A place with a mysterious atmosphere that makes you forget the busyness of everyday life and the confusion in your heart. Zenkoji Temple in Nagano Prefecture is not just a tourist attraction, but has been loved by many people as a "spiritual anchor" that accepts everyone without discrimination. Here are 5 reasons why you should visit Zenkoji Temple. ⸻ ✅5 reasons why you should visit Zenkoji Temple ⸻ ① [A "non-sectarian" temple that can save anyone] Zenkoji Temple is a "non-sectarian" temple that accepts everyone regardless of sect. It has a tolerance that transcends the boundaries of faith. 📎Trivia: It is a historic temple that attracts pilgrims from all over Japan, so much so that it is said that you should visit Zenkoji Temple at least once in your lifetime. ⸻ ②【Experience walking in complete darkness on the "Okaidan Tour"】 Walk through the corridors beneath the main hall in complete darkness, searching for the "lock of paradise" that connects you to the principal image... a time to truly face your inner self. 📎**Trivia:** This experience of moving forward without using your eyes, only feeling your way, is said to symbolize "rebirth." ⸻ ③【National Treasure Main Hall and a wooden building with over 350 years of history】 The imposing wooden main hall is a national treasure built during the Edo period. Its size and beauty are overwhelming. 📎Trivia: The main hall is one of the largest wooden buildings in Japan, and was rebuilt over a period of 20 years in the mid-Edo period. ⸻ ④【A rare temple where you can climb to the top of the mountain gate】 At Zenkoji, you can enter the mountain gate (an important cultural property) and climb it, offering a panoramic view of Nagano city. 📎**Trivia:** Inside the temple gate, the "Sixteen Arhats" are enshrined, allowing you to experience the world of Buddhism up close. ⑤ [Purify your soul with an early morning morning service] Anyone can freely participate in the "morning service" held at around 7am every morning, where the monks chant sutras and perform a solemn ritual. The chanting echoes through the clear air, like music that penetrates into the soul. 📎**Trivia:** After the morning service, the head priests gently stroke the heads of worshippers with Buddhist altar implements, known as "Ojuzuchodai," which is said to bring good luck and ward off evil. ⸻ 🛕Summary Zenkoji is not just a tourist spot, but a place to touch the soul. With its unusual non-sectarian stance, its attitude of accepting all kinds of people gives important hints even to modern people. The experiences themselves, such as the pilgrimage to the altar where you “go through the darkness to find the light” and the early morning service, have deep meaning and will take you on a journey of the heart. Why not spend some time “facing yourself” at Zenkoji Temple on your next day off? You may find a quiet and warm realization within yourself. #Nagano #DomesticTravel #ZenkojiTemple

#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.

Located in the center of Nagano Prefecture, Zenkoji Temple is known as one of the most important temples in Japanese Buddhism, and attracts many people with its majestic appearance and historical value. In this article, we will introduce the charm of Zenkoji Temple and its history. History of Zenkoji Temple Zenkoji Temple was founded approximately 1,400 years ago, during the Asuka period. According to legend, the Buddha statue "Amida Nyorai" came from the Pure Land in the west and performed many miracles. This temple has been a Buddhist holy place where believers from all over the country gather from the Heian period to the Middle Ages and up to the present day. In particular, visiting Zenkoji Temple has become so widespread that it is said that "you must visit Zenkoji Temple at least once," and visiting the temple has become a proof of faith. The Great Main Hall and its Power The Great Main Hall of Zenkoji Temple is characterized by its magnificent architecture. The large main hall, decorated with luxurious ornaments, leaves an overwhelming impression on the viewer. Inside the main hall, the principal image of the temple, "Amida Nyorai," is enshrined, and believers and tourists quietly place their hands together and offer prayers. The exterior of the main hall is also beautiful, and you can enjoy the scenery that harmonizes with the scenery of the four seasons, so you can feel different charms every time you visit. Worship rituals and "Okaidan pilgrimage" The famous "Okaidan pilgrimage" is a ritual in which you go around the "Okaidan" (altar) located underground of the main hall and touch the hand of the principal image in a pitch black space. This experience is considered to be a very important event for believers, as it is said that "if you can touch the Buddha's hand without getting lost, you will be freed from the worries and confusion of life." Even with your eyes open, it is pitch black, and the time you spend moving forward relying on your five senses will be a special moment to calm your mind. Zenkoji temple gardens and surrounding scenery Beautiful gardens and tasteful scenery are spread around the area of ​​Zenkoji temple, where you can feel the beauty of nature in each season. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, autumn leaves decorate the grounds, so you can enjoy different scenery no matter what season you visit. Especially in the autumn, when the leaves change color, the trees in the temple grounds turn red, creating an elegant and calm atmosphere. Things to do around Zenkoji Temple When visiting Zenkoji Temple, we recommend stopping by the surrounding tourist attractions. The area around Zenkoji Temple is dotted with long-established Japanese confectionery shops, traditional hot springs, and tourist spots in Nagano City. On the approach to Zenkoji Temple, there is Nakamise-dori, where you can enjoy souvenirs and local specialties. In particular, one of the pleasures is enjoying delicious local cuisine such as Nagano's specialty "oyaki" and "Shinshu soba". Summary Zenkoji Temple is a historic and majestic temple that can be said to be a symbol of Nagano. You can calm your mind through quiet worship, and feel the deep meaning of Buddhism through special experiences such as "Okaidan Meguri". The historical charm and beautiful scenery in harmony with nature will heal visitors and provide you with a moment of peace of mind. If you visit Nagano, be sure to stop by and feel spiritual peace. #Zenkoji Temple #Nagano #Temple #Okaidan Pilgrimage #Tourism #History #Shinshu #Japanese Culture #Healing the Soul #Spring 0 Yen Trip

Zenkoji Temple is located in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture! The main hall of Zenkoji Temple is designated as a National Treasure of Japan! The temple enshrines the 'Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai,' said to be the oldest Buddha statue in Japan, attracting around 7 million visitors annually! I visited early on a weekday morning and had a wonderful experience witnessing the morning service in the clear air! The morning service starts at sunrise, from around 5:30 AM to 7:00 AM! Additionally, during the head priest's journey to and from the main hall for the service, visitors can receive the 'Ojuzu Chodai,' where the priest blesses them by touching their heads with prayer beads📿 I highly recommend visiting during the early morning service time! The clear air of Nagano and the fewer visitors make it an ideal time to calm your mind and experience something unique!😌 🕰️Hours: Open 24 hours for worship ※The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: Multiple restrooms available 💰Price per person: Free

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

#0yentravelJanuary2025 📍Location: Nagano Motozencho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, 380-0851 🕰️Business hours: Open until 4pm 💞Recommended reasons: In addition to eating and walking around, you can also get fortune-telling slips, goshuin stamps, and walk around the stairs! ＼This is an introduction to the nationally famous Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City! ／ Zenkoji Temple is known as a non-sectarian temple, and anyone can visit💖 It gets very crowded during the public viewing and New Year's holidays, but it's usually not crowded and is an easy place to go☺️ On the way to the main hall, there are many places to eat and walk around! My particular recommendation is Fujiya Gohonjin☺️✨ All the food is delicious, whether it's lunch, dinner, or cafe❕ At Zenkoji Temple, you can experience a variety of things, such as praying, fortune telling, and walking up the stairs✨ It's sure to be a valuable experience❕ Please come and enjoy the fresh air of Nagano and Zenkoji Temple on a relaxing trip💖✨

Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City is a very famous Buddhist temple, and is a spot loved by both tourists and locals. This temple is so popular that it is said that you should visit it at least once in your lifetime. In particular, the "principal image" is a secret Buddha, so you cannot see it in person, but its mysterious atmosphere is attractive. The grounds are filled with beautiful gardens and buildings that exude history. In particular, the plaza in front of the main hall has a sense of openness, making it perfect for relaxing after worship. In the surrounding area, there are delicious Shinshu soba restaurants and shops selling local specialties, so you can enjoy eating your way around. Zenkoji Temple is also beautifully lit up at night, so it is recommended to visit in the evening. It is a place where you can feel a little history and nature, and you are sure to feel at ease in your heart! If you visit Nagano, be sure to stop by. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Name: Zenkoji Temple Address: 491-I, Motozencho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture Transportation: Take the bus from Nagano Station to Zenkoji Daimon Gate (approximately 15 minutes) Opening hours: 9:00-16:30 Closed: None - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - #0 Yen Travel Autumn #Zenkoji Temple #Nagano Tourism

"Zenkoji" in Nagano is a Buddhist temple founded in the 7th century and has a long history! It is famous not only in Nagano but also nationwide as a power spot👍 It is said to bring eternal youth and longevity, protection from disasters, fulfillment of wishes, academic improvement, safety of the family, improvement of financial luck, and bountiful harvests, and the impressive building was impressive👀 It is a straight line from Nagano Station, but there is a gentle uphill slope, so it is recommended to take a taxi or bus on the way there and walk on the way back! 📍Address: 491 Motozencho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, 380-0851 I #Domestic travel record line #Nagano #Nagano sightseeing #Nagano trip #Zenkoji #Visiting shrines and temples

Zenkoji Temple is one of Japan's most famous temples with a history of 1400 years! Zenkoji Nyorai has a warm body just like a living person, and is said to be a Buddha who promises all those who rely on him to go to paradise☺️ To get there, take a local bus from Bus Stop 1 (towards Zenkoji) at the Zenkojiguchi bus rotary at Nagano Station and it's about a 15-minute ride away🚌 After passing Nakamise Street, you'll see the Sanmon Gate, which is an important cultural property. You can climb to the top of the building for a 500 yen admission ticket! The main hall is the fourth largest wooden building designated as a national treasure🤔 Inside the main hall, there is a tour called the Okaidan Meguri, where you can walk around the corridor directly below where the principal image is enshrined. You'll have to crawl along the wall in pitch darkness to find the lock! The lock is said to be connected to the principal image of Zenkoji, and by touching it you will form a connection with it and be able to go to the Pure Land ✨It was really pitch black and a little scary, but it was a rare experience 😂This ticket includes a pilgrimage around the temple and an admission ticket to the Zenkoji Historical Museum for 600 yen! The recommended food on Nakamise Street is Nagano's specialty oyaki 🥰, perfect for when you're feeling a bit hungry! There were also lots of other shops selling apple pie and souvenirs💕 📍Zenkoji Temple Address: 491-I, Nagano Motozencho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture Opening hours: The inner sanctuary of the main hall opens one hour before the morning service and closes April to October until 4:30 p.m. March and November until 4:15 p.m. December to February until 4:00 p.m. Cost: 1,200 yen for a combined ticket for the three halls (main hall inner sanctuary, mountain gate viewing, sutra repository viewing) #Nagano sightseeing #Nagano trip #Nagano sightseeing spots #Zenkoji Temple #Goshuin #Nagano #Furitabi

I went to Zenkoji Temple in Nagano Prefecture on a solo trip! Zenkoji Temple is a temple with 1400 years of history, and the main hall is a temple worth seeing that has been designated a national treasure! There is a bus from JR Nagano Station to Zenkoji Temple, but I walked there and enjoyed the approach to the temple.😊 It is about 15 minutes by bus or 30 minutes by foot.👌 I recommend eating your way around the approach to the temple, and there are various gourmet foods such as oyaki and apple pie made with Nagano Prefecture's specialty, so please try eating your way around! Address: 491-I, Nagano Motozenmachi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture Opening hours 1 hour before the morning service Closing hours April to October until 16:30 March, November until 16:15 December to February until 16:00 #Zenkoji Temple #Nagano Trip #Nagano Sightseeing #Solo Trip