[2025 Nagano Hotels] Travel Guide for Zenkoji Temple Yakuoin (Updated Jul)

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

Zenkoji Temple, an important temple and a symbol of Nagano It is a very old Buddhist temple, built around the 7th century. The main temple of Zenkoji Temple was rebuilt in the middle of the Edo period. It is the largest wooden temple in eastern Japan. Photography is prohibited inside the temple. In addition, Omotesando Street in front of the temple also has many shops to choose from to eat and shop. #VisaFreeTravel #TravelJapanByYourself #TravelJapan #Nagano #Nagano #Nagano

#aprilblooms #travel #japan Day 1: Narita Tobu Hotel Day 2: Hakuba Happo One Snow Resort Day 3: Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park [Must-Visit Attractions] 1. Nagano City Center + Zenkoji Temple, Olympic Memorial Park, Nagano Station, Donki 2. Hakuba + Skiing, outdoor activities, Onsens 3. Narita + Sakura season, mall shopping, airport Recommended Area for Accommodation Hotel Name: Shakespear Hotel Hakuba Echoland Photo Spots 1. Zenkoji Temple + Beautiful temple located in Central Nagano 2. Oide Park + small nature park with a suspension bridge over the river located in Hakuba, Northern Nagano Prefecture 3. Nagano Station + Train station with shopping and dining located in Central Nagano

It's a relaxing trip, not going to famous places, but focusing on traveling to see the way of life of the people, surrounded by mountains. 💞Reason for recommendation: It's a clean city, looking everywhere is pleasing to the eye and relaxing. People are not as busy as in the city. Most of the attractions are natural. The weather is nice and not too hot. Mountains surround almost every direction, but it's quite far from the city. But traveling is very convenient. #TravelJapan

#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.

Nagano Prefecture 🫧 Nagano City Zenkoji Temple I went to Zenkoji Temple, which has the oldest Buddha statue in Japan as its principal image, and where tales and historical records tell the story of Buddhism's introduction to Japan. The main hall, designated as a national treasure, has a unique and wide space with depth. It is a non-religious temple, so anyone can visit regardless of religion, which is probably why there are so many visitors. The sutra storehouse contains the "Issaikyo," which covers all Buddhist scriptures, and it is said that if you push and turn the arm of the octagonal wheel storehouse inside the hall, you will receive the same merit as if you had read the entire "Issaikyo"! There are many historical buildings, and the sutra storehouse, the "Sanmon" gate, is registered as an Important Cultural Property, and the "Shoro" and "Niomon" gates are registered as National Tangible Cultural Properties. There were so many types of amulets, which were cute! Business hours⏰/9:00-16:30 (service hours) Access🚗/491-I, Nagano Motozencho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture #tripdomestictravel #NaganoPrefecture #NaganoCity

Zenkoji Temple is located in Nagano, Japan. It is an important and ancient Buddhist temple with a history of over 1,400 years. It stands out for its traditional wooden architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Inside the temple, there is the Buddha statue “Amidani Raibutsu”, which is believed to be the first Buddha statue to be brought to Japan. Another highlight is the underground tunnel “Okaidanmen”, where tourists can walk in complete darkness to find the key to enlightenment. Around the temple, there is also Nakamise Street, full of shops and local food, perfect for strolling and experiencing traditional Japanese culture. Suitable for those who want to immerse themselves in Buddhist history and faith in a quiet and magical atmosphere. Located at: Japan 〒380-0851 Nagano, Motoyoshicho, 491番地 イ #TravelJapan #Japan #100WaysToVisit #SensojiTemple

Zenkoji Temple, located in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous temples, boasting a history of over 1,400 years. It is a non-sectarian temple, and people of any sect can visit, which is why it is widely loved. It is particularly famous for the legend that "you cannot go to the Pure Land unless you visit at least once." The main hall is designated a national treasure, and its majestic appearance is an attractive feature. Many worshippers visit every year, and can enjoy unique experiences such as "Okaidan Meguri" and "Gokaicho". We recommend a set ticket that includes the inner sanctuary of the main hall, a tour of the inner sanctuary Okaidan, the mountain gate, the sutra repository, and the historical museum! ○Main Hall Inner Sanctuary Opening hours: 1 hour before the morning service Closing hours: April to October: 4:30 p.m. March and November: 4:15 p.m. December to February: 4:00 p.m. (December 31st: 1:00 p.m. / December 28th: ​​8:30 a.m.) ○Mountain Gate, Sutra Repository, and Historical Materials Museum Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. Closing hours: 16:00 (until 13:00 on December 31st) ○Access Nearest station: JR Nagano Station To get from JR Nagano Station to Zenkoji Temple, take the bus from Zenkojiguchi bus rotary "Platform 1 (towards Zenkoji Temple)" (Nagano Station → Zenkoji Daimon, takes about 15 minutes, fare 190 yen) It is a 5-minute walk from the Zenkoji Daimon bus stop to the Zenkoji Main Hall Parking is also available You can check the availability in real time on the official website! #0yentravelautumn

#0yentravel #solotravel #templevisit Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, has a history of about 1,400 years since its founding. It is a representative tourist spot in Nagano City, and even today it attracts faith as a temple for the common people that accepts everyone regardless of sect. On the road leading to Zenkoji Temple from Nagano Station, the largest station in Nagano City, there are many different foods and local Nagano products for sale, and it is very interesting to walk to Zenkoji Temple while enjoying these things. Of course, there are buses, so transportation is convenient.

🙏🏻 Zenkoji Temple Zenkoji Temple in Nagano is a temple with a history of about 1,400 years. We came to Nagano as the first place after getting off the plane. We arrived in the evening, so we came to visit and pay homage once before starting our trip to Japan. The walk from the hotel to the temple took quite a while and was an uphill walk the whole time. But the atmosphere was great. There were flowers and trees on both sides of the road. The weather was cool. People were exercising or traveling home. It gave a very warm feeling to this city. We arrived at the temple at around 6 pm. We walked through Zenkoji Street, Nakamise. The shops were all closed. When we walked into the temple, we found that it was about to close. We prayed for a little and then walked back. If anyone wants to visit this temple, come before 5 pm. There should still be shops open on the street for you to choose to shop after leaving the temple. 📍Zenkoji Temple 📍GPS https://maps.app.goo.gl/LgiWdjWYosvaHy3A8 #zenkoji #nagano #traveljapan #japantourism #trip

#2024wish If you come to Zenkoji, I recommend that you go to the east side. It is a garden in the direction of the prefectural art museum. I was very impressed to be able to take such a beautiful photo during the rainy season. In the compact garden, there was also amazake, oden, tokoroten, rest area, vending machine, and smoking space, and it seemed to be made as a place for everyone to relax. Above all, I was impressed by the arrangement of the picturesque plants. I really want to come again in another season. I wish to go to south korea in 2024