Zenkoji Temple
491 Naganomotoyoshichō, Nagano, Nagano Prefecture, 380-0851
Among the most important religious sites in Japan, the renowned Zenkoji Temple houses one of the first Buddhist statues brought to the country after the introduction of the religion in the 6th century. For hundreds of years, the city of Nagano developed around the temple, which shows a replica of the statue to the public every six years.
The basics
The temple is a top attraction on many Nagano sightseeing and walking tours. Visitors can enter the temple precincts and outer sanctuary for free but need a ticket to enter the main hall. This structure dates to the 18th century and contains Buddhist statues, an altar, and an underground passage that visitors can traverse in complete darkness, feeling for a key that’s believed to grant salvation. Behind the main temple, a pagoda houses the Zenkoji History Museum with more Buddhist statues.
Things to know before you go
Admission is ¥600; students and seniors receive discounts; pre-schoolers enter for free.
Restaurants and shops selling specialties and souvenirs line the path to the temple.
There are public restrooms just north of the main hall entrance.
How to get there
The temple is in northwest Nagano, next to Jōyama Park and the Prefectural Art Museum. Nagano is about 1.5 from Tokyo by train on the Nagano Shinkansen line. From Nagano Station, it's a 15-minute ride on any bus departing from bus stop #1 in front of the Zenkoji exit. On foot from the station, it's about a 30-minute walk north.
When to get there
The temple opens daily one hour before sunrise and closes at various hours depending on the time of year. During winter, from December through February, the temple closes at 4pm; in March and November, it closes at 4:15pm; at all other times, the temple closes at 4:30pm. Sunrise religious services are open to the public. The museum is open daily from 9am to 4pm.
Religious services at Zenkoji Temple
Visiting Zenkoji during public religious services is a great way to experience the temple. The morning service, or o-asaji in Japanese, takes place in the main hall (*hondo) at sunrise—visitors who wish to attend should arrive before sunrise. The Rosary Blessing, called o-juzu chodai, takes place at the same location four times a day, beginning before sunrise and the first o-asaji of the day. Neither of these services requires tickets or reservations.
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