One of Japan’s most important and welcoming Buddhist temples, Zenkoji Temple is the spiritual heart of Nagano and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Central Japan. Founded in the 7th century and housing the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan, Zenkoji is both a pilgrimage site and a vibrant cultural hub. Every morning, monks perform a centuries-old sunrise ritual, while the temple’s approach is lined with traditional shops, cafés, and local specialties.
Open all year round, the temple grounds and the surrounding area offers rich cultural experiences, from tasting local sake and regional cuisine to participating in matcha tea ceremonies along with traditional Buddhist rituals. With Snow Monkey Resorts, you can explore Zenkoji and its surroundings on guided group tours, private day trips, fully customized charters, or even special event tours that include local festivals. Whether you’re interested in temple history, hands-on cultural activities, or combining Zenkoji with other highlights of Nagano, we ensure a safe, comfortable, and rewarding experience that is sure to impress any type of traveler.
Getting to Zenkoji Temple with Snow Monkey Resorts
Located in the center of Nagano City, Zenkoji is easy to reach by train from Tokyo and other major cities. From Nagano Station, the temple is just a 10–15 minute drive or 25-minute walk. With Snow Monkey Resorts, you can make this walk into a whole tour experience, seeing all of what Nagano has to offer along the way, or it can just be one stop on a private bus tour or charter service.
If you're planning to travel from one of the many ski resorts Nagano has to offer, or just another popular location, to Zenkoji Temple, we can cover that too with our vehicles that help you travel in style, comfort, and convenience. This way you can start your travel with us in one city, visit Zenkoji and other locations, and end in a different final destination. This is why many people use our services to transfer to ski resorts from Nagano or vice versa while doing a guided bus tour to Zenkoji Temple and other locations like the Snow Monkey Park.
From Nagano City
Starting from Nagano Station, our group walking tours, bus tours, and private tour and charter services provide convenient and varied ways to reach Zenkoji, that allow for different levels of immersion within the city and temple itself, so you can enjoy the best of Nagano in a single day.
Group Tours
Our guided group tours from Nagano Station make visiting Zenkoji easy and engaging, with an English-speaking guide to share the temple’s deep history and ensure a smooth experience. Please note that some of these tours are walking tours that allow for a deeper exploration as a city center, while some are two-day tours that allow for an overnight stay in the Zenkoji Temple district at one of their 'Shukubo' Temple Lodgings. Other tours just have Zenkoji Temple as one stop of many along the way as part of the itinerary, but all have something to offer for those who wish to deepen their enjoyment of the region.
Zenko-ji Temple and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Tour / all year round
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Including what is perhaps Nagano's biggest international attraction, the snow loving primates of Jigokudani, this tour ranks amongst our most popular for good reason. Starting with a morning visit to the Zenko-ji Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples not only in Nagano but in all of Japan, you will be treated to lovely architecture and informative talks about the history of Japanese Buddhism. After the temple trip, your guide will lead to you a well-respected Sake brewery just outside of the temple grounds, with numerous types of sake to try as well as non alcoholic drinks and even miso soup on the menu. With a taste of the finer side of life still on your tongue, the next stop will be lunch, where tour guests will be treated to fine Japanese cuisine utilizing local ingredients. And last but certainly not least, you will be taken to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park! With ample time in the park to watch these silly creatures bathe, play, eat and engage in their daily antics, there is little more you could ask for in a single day.
Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station, Hotel Kokusai 21, Hakuba (multiple locations, winter only)
Half-Day Zenkoji Tour with Tea Experience / all year round
Half-Day Zenkoji Tour with Tea Ceremony
- Spots:
- Nagano
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
Discover the spiritual heart of Nagano on this half-day cultural tour centered around the historic Zenkoji Temple. Walk the traditional streets of Nagano with a local guide, sampling regional specialties like freshly made oyaki dumplings and award-winning sake specific to Nagano. Learn the 1,400-year story of Zenkoji through an engaging guided tour and take part in a powerful goma fire prayer ceremony, an unforgettable ritual where written wishes are symbolically sent to the heavens.
Finish your afternoon with a hands-on matcha tea experience, combining elegance and tradition as you whisk your own green tea in a serene setting. Blending history, local flavors, and authentic cultural moments, this compact tour offers a memorable introduction to Nagano in just a few hours.
Zenkoji Tour and Tea Experience with 'Shukubo' Temple Lodging Stay / all year round
Tea Ceremony and Zenkoji Experience Tour with 'Shukubo' Temple Lodging Stay
- Spots:
- Nagano
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
Based around the 1,400 year old Zenko-ji Temple, this tour includes a stay at a Shukubo, or pilgrim's inn, one of many to be found around the temple serving the needs of religious visitors. However, one does not need to be Buddhist to book a room and the experience is open to anyone regardless of their religion. With a guided walk around the temple on the first day by one of our friendly guides, including a sampling of local delicacies, sake, and even a Buddhist Fire Ceremony and Tea Experience, you will check into your traditional Japanese room for the night once everything is finished. The Shukubo will provide you with both dinner and breakfast, and if you choose you may partake in an optional morning ceremony experience early on the second day. Perfect for those with an interest in Buddhism or just Japanese religion in general, there is no better way to get close to the temple and its ancient traditions.
Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station
Special Event Tours
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Zenkoji Tomyo Lantern Festival / February
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Zenkoji Tomyo Lantern Festival
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Experience the magic of Nagano’s winter with a visit to the world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park followed by the enchanting Zenkoji Tomyo Lantern Festival, held annually during the second week of February. This beautiful festival features the Zenkoji Dream Night-lights, where temple buildings are illuminated in five colors dedicated to peace, along with numerous smaller lights known as Tomyo, a sacred offering of light to the gods. The festival sends a powerful message of world peace from Nagano, the proud host of the 1998 Winter Olympics. As you explore the historic temple precinct glowing with thousands of colorful lanterns, you’ll be immersed in a breathtaking celebration of tradition, light, and hope. This unique winter event promises an unforgettable experience you’re sure to cherish.
Private Tours
Our private tours to Zenkoji are ideal for those wanting a more personal experience with more flexibility. With a dedicated guide and private vehicle, you will travel privately with your own group in one of our coaches, with direct hotel pick-up and drop-off at desired locations, making it a tour and transfer all in one! We can handle all of your luggage make sure that your experience in Nagano is unforgettable and includes the amazing Zenkoji Temple.
[START FROM NAGANO CITY] Private Snow Monkey Tour / all year round
Based in Central Japan and operating all-year-round, we offer a highly entertaining private tour of Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, the Historic Zenko-ji Temple, and the charming town of Obuse so that you can experience the best of what Nagano has to offer in the company of your friends and family. All tours are led by locally-based guides and combine a visit to several places-of-interest in Nagano City from the mischievous monkeys to grandiose temples. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner or button below.
Recommended
[START FROM NAGANO CITY] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow Monkey
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, and this private tour allows you to be picked up anywhere in Nagano city, and be dropped off at any location in Nagano City, as well as any of the 5 major ski resorts of Shiga Kogen, Myoko Kogen, Hakuba, Madarao, and Nozawa Onsen! All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going.
Got a question about visiting the different areas of Nagano City? Click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
Private Charters
If you are okay without a guided tour and just wish to see Zenkoji Temple on your own from Nagano, we can save you the walk if you wish to add on other destinations like the Snow Monkey Park, Togakushi, or other must-see destinations in Nagano! We have vehicles that suit up to 14 with luggage, so you can travel directly from Nagano Station or a nearby hotel worry free, and head onto your next destination once you have fully explored the area. Click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
However, if you are staying in Nagano and just wish to walk to the temple, that is perfectly fine as well, as it is only around a 25-minute walk.
From Nozawa Onsen
Nestled in the mountains of northern Nagano, Nozawa Onsen is known for its hot spring culture and vibrant ski slopes. Located about an hour’s drive from Nagano City, the village offers a perfect balance of traditional charm and modern adventure. Traveling from Nozawa Onsen to Zenkoji Temple connects the peaceful atmosphere of a historic onsen town with the spiritual heart of Nagano, where one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples has welcomed pilgrims for over 1,400 years, making it a perfect rest day from the slopes!
Group Tours
We do have a group tour that includes Zenkoji, that also allows for direct drop-off at Nagano Station once the tour concludes, which makes it perfect for your day of departure from Nozawa Onsen!
1-Day Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake / December to March
Recommended
(Winter Only) 1-Day Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyNozawa Onsen
- Pick-up:
- Nozawa Onsen
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityNozawa Onsen
Starting right from Nozawa Onsen, this tour takes you to some of Nagano’s most iconic sights in the comfort of a locally guided day trip. The morning begins with a scenic ride to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where you’ll walk the forest trail into the valley and see the world-famous monkeys soaking in their hot spring. With no barriers separating you from them, it’s one of Japan’s most unique wildlife experiences.
Afterwards, warm up with a hearty winter lunch highlighting Nagano’s seasonal ingredients before heading into Nagano City. There you’ll explore Zenkoji, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, with your guide explaining its deep history, legends, and cultural importance. The day concludes with a guided sake tasting experience where you can sample Nagano’s celebrated varieties (with non-alcoholic options available).
At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped back at Nozawa Onsen, with the option of disembarking at Nagano Station if continuing onward for travel. This makes it an ideal tour to join on the day of your departure from Nozawa, seamlessly combining sightseeing with convenient onward access. Available from December through March, this seasonal tour is the perfect way to enjoy the best of Nagano in winter.
Private Tours
If you wish to travel with just your own group with a full day tour that includes Zenkoji Temple with the option to directly transfer to a different ski resort in Nagano, or to Nagano Station directly afterward, we offer this private tour starting from Nozawa Onsen (please note that depending on your hotel, we may not be able to provide direct hotel pick up due to the narrow roads in Nozawa Onsen, so if that is the case we will contact your party and recommend a central area nearby for pickup).
[START FROM NOZAWA/MADARAO] Private Snow Monkey Tour / all year round
Based in Central Japan and operating all-year-round, we offer a highly entertaining private tour of Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, the Historic Zenko-ji Temple, and the charming town of Obuse so that you can experience the best of what Nagano has to offer in the company of your friends and family. All tours are led by locally-based guides and combine a visit to several places-of-interest in Nagano City from the mischievous monkeys to grandiose temples. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner or button below.
Recommended
[START FROM NOZAWA/MADARAO] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow Monkey
- Pick-up:
- Nozawa OnsenMadarao
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadarao
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, and this private tour allows you to be picked up anywhere in Nozawa Onsen or Madarao, and be dropped off at any location in Nagano City, as well as any of the 5 major ski resorts of Shiga Kogen, Myoko Kogen, Hakuba, Madarao, and Nozawa Onsen! All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going.
Got a question about visiting the different areas of Nagano City? Click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
Private Charters
If you just wish to explore on your own from Nozawa Onsen to Zenkoji Temple, we offer round-trip instantly bookable services that allow you to explore Zenkoji on one of your rest days with our private vehicles and drivers.
NOZAWA ONSEN → ZENKOJI (2HR) → NOZAWA ONSEN
- Duration:
- 4-5 Hours
- Spots:
- Nagano, Nozawa Onsen
If you would like to add on other destinations like the Snow Monkey Park (including entry tickets), or have direct drop off at Nagano, you can click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and we can make a quotation for your custom request right away!
From Hakuba
Set deep in the Northern Alps, Hakuba is one of Japan’s most famous ski destinations, known for its towering peaks, deep powder, and lively international atmosphere. While the village is celebrated for world-class winter sports, it also makes the perfect base for cultural discovery. Just over an hour from Nagano City, a day trip from Hakuba to Zenkoji Temple takes you from high alpine scenery into the spiritual heart of the region. Linking the excitement of the slopes with the timeless traditions of one of Japan’s most important temples, it’s an ideal way to experience both sides of Nagano in a single day.
Group Tours
We offer a group tour that visits Zenkoji as part of the itinerary from Hakuba in winter only, but also offer two separate special event tours that highlight Zenkoji's light up event in February, so please see the following options below if you are staying in Hakuba during the winter!
Zenko-ji Temple and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Tour / all year round
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Including what is perhaps Nagano's biggest international attraction, the snow loving primates of Jigokudani, this tour ranks amongst our most popular for good reason. Starting with a morning visit to the Zenko-ji Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples not only in Nagano but in all of Japan, you will be treated to lovely architecture and informative talks about the history of Japanese Buddhism. After the temple trip, your guide will lead to you a well-respected Sake brewery just outside of the temple grounds, with numerous types of sake to try as well as non alcoholic drinks and even miso soup on the menu. With a taste of the finer side of life still on your tongue, the next stop will be lunch, where tour guests will be treated to fine Japanese cuisine utilizing local ingredients. And last but certainly not least, you will be taken to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park! With ample time in the park to watch these silly creatures bathe, play, eat and engage in their daily antics, there is little more you could ask for in a single day.
Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station, Hotel Kokusai 21, Hakuba (multiple locations, winter only)
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Zenkoji Tomyo Lantern Festival / February
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Zenkoji Tomyo Lantern Festival
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Experience the magic of Nagano’s winter with a visit to the world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park followed by the enchanting Zenkoji Tomyo Lantern Festival, held annually during the second week of February. This beautiful festival features the Zenkoji Dream Night-lights, where temple buildings are illuminated in five colors dedicated to peace, along with numerous smaller lights known as Tomyo, a sacred offering of light to the gods. The festival sends a powerful message of world peace from Nagano, the proud host of the 1998 Winter Olympics. As you explore the historic temple precinct glowing with thousands of colorful lanterns, you’ll be immersed in a breathtaking celebration of tradition, light, and hope. This unique winter event promises an unforgettable experience you’re sure to cherish.
Private Tours
If you wish to travel with just your own group with a full day tour that includes Zenkoji Temple with the option to directly transfer to a different ski resort in Nagano, or to Nagano Station directly afterward, we offer this private tour starting from any area in Hakuba!
Private Snow Monkey Tour from Hakuba / all year round
Recommended
[START FROM HAKUBA] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Hakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko
Want to enjoy door-to-door service from your hotel, while appreciating the Snow Monkeys and some of Nagano's other top attractions with the full attention of your guide? Look no further than our private tour with pickup from one of Nagano's top ski resorts, Hakuba. Once you have informed us of your hotel, our guide will be there at the arranged time on the day to escort you first to the Monkey Park, and afterwards to the charming town of Obuse and the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City. Even more, you will be treated to a great Japanese style lunch that may end up being one of your favorite meals of your trip. Our private tour vehicle will be with you all day, giving you a place to store luggage as necessary while you are enjoying the sights, and also offering you the option to end the tour at Nagano Station if you have already checked out of your hotel and are looking to catch a train to your next destination. This is your best way to enjoy the Snow Monkeys and much more at your own pace.
Private Charters
If you just wish to explore on your own from Hakuba to Zenkoji Temple, we offer round-trip instantly bookable services that allow you to explore Zenkoji on one of your rest days with our private vehicles and drivers.
If you would like to add on other destinations like the Snow Monkey Park (including entry tickets), or have direct drop off at Nagano, you can click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and we can make a quotation for your custom request right away!
From Lotte Arai, Akakura Onsen, and Madarao Kogen
Tucked into the mountains straddling Nagano and Niigata, the ski resorts of Lotte Arai, Akakura Onsen, and Madarao Kogen each offer their own distinct charm, whether it’s world-class powder, historic hot springs, or family-friendly slopes. Less than an hour from Nagano City, these resorts provide easy access for a cultural escape on a day off. Traveling from the highlands of Myoko and Madarao to Zenkoji Temple brings together exhilarating alpine adventure with the calm and tradition of one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites, making for a rewarding balance of snow and spirituality.
Group Tours
We do have a group tour that includes Zenkoji, that also allows for direct drop-off at Nagano Station once the tour concludes, which makes it perfect for your day of departure from any of the above locations!
1-Day Tour From Myoko & Madarao: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake / December to March
New Tour
(Winter Only) 1-Day Tour From Myoko & Madarao: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyMyokoMadarao
- Pick-up:
- MyokoMadarao
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityMadaraoMyoko
Starting right from Myoko or Madarao—including pickup options at Lotte Arai, Akakura Onsen, and Madarao Kogen—this tour brings you to some of Nagano’s most iconic sights in the comfort of a locally guided day trip. The morning begins with a scenic ride to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where you’ll walk the forest trail into the valley and see the world-famous monkeys soaking in their hot spring. With no barriers separating you from them, it’s one of Japan’s most unique wildlife experiences.
Afterwards, warm up with a hearty winter lunch highlighting Nagano’s seasonal ingredients before heading into Nagano City. There you’ll explore Zenkoji, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, with your guide explaining its deep history, legends, and cultural importance. The day concludes with a guided sake tasting experience where you can sample Nagano’s celebrated varieties (with non-alcoholic options available).
At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped back at their pickup point in Myoko or Madarao, with the option of disembarking at Nagano Station if continuing onward for travel. This makes it an ideal tour to enjoy as a rest day from the slopes while still making the most of your time in Nagano.
Private Tours
If you wish to travel with just your own group with a full day tour that includes Zenkoji Temple with the option to directly transfer to a different ski resort in Nagano, or to Nagano Station directly afterward, we offer this private tour starting from any area in Myoko, Madarao, or Akakura Onsen:
Private Snow Monkey Tour from Myoko Kogen / all year round
Recommended
[START FROM MYOKO] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyMyoko
- Pick-up:
- Myoko
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko
Want to enjoy door-to-door service from your hotel, while appreciating the Snow Monkeys and some of Nagano's other top attractions with the full attention of your guide? Look no further than our private tour with pickup from one of Nagano's top ski resorts, Myoko Kogen. Once you have informed us of your hotel, our guide will be there at the arranged time on the day to escort you first to the Monkey Park, and afterwards to the charming town of Obuse and the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City. Even more, you will be treated to a great Japanese style lunch that may end up being one of your favorite meals of your trip. Our private tour vehicle will be with you all day, giving you a place to store luggage as necessary while you are enjoying the sights, and also offering you the option to end the tour at Nagano Station if you have already checked out of your hotel and are looking to catch a train to your next destination. This is your best way to enjoy the Snow Monkeys and much more at your own pace.
Private Charters
If you just wish to explore on your own from Nozawa Onsen to Zenkoji Temple, we offer round-trip or one way services that allow you to explore Zenkoji on one of your rest days with our private vehicles and drivers. If you would like to add on other destinations like the Snow Monkey Park (including entry tickets), or have direct drop off at Nagano, you can click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and we can make a quotation for your custom request right away!
From Shiga Kogen
High in the mountains of Joshinetsu National Park, Shiga Kogen is Japan’s largest ski resort, famous for its expansive terrain, reliable snow, and stunning highland scenery. It is only an hour and a half away from the Zenkoji Temple, still making it possible to visit this area during your rest day from the lifts.
Private Tours
While we have no group tours that go to Zenkoji Temple from this area, we can still entertain your party staying in Shiga Kogen with the following private tour:
Private Snow Monkey Tour from Shiga Kogen / all year round
Recommended
[START FROM SHIGA KOGEN] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyShiga Kogen
- Pick-up:
- Shiga Kogen
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko
Want to enjoy door-to-door service from your hotel, while appreciating the Snow Monkeys and some of Nagano's other top attractions with the full attention of your guide? Look no further than our private tour with pickup from one of Nagano's top ski resorts, Shiga Kogen. Once you have informed us of your hotel, our guide will be there at the arranged time on the day to escort you first to the Monkey Park, and afterwards to the charming town of Obuse and the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City. Even more, you will be treated to a great Japanese style lunch that may end up being one of your favorite meals of your trip. Our private tour vehicle will be with you all day, giving you a place to store luggage as necessary while you are enjoying the sights, and also offering you the option to end the tour at Nagano Station if you have already checked out of your hotel and are looking to catch a train to your next destination. This is your best way to enjoy the Snow Monkeys and much more at your own pace.
Private Charters
If you just wish to explore on your own from Shiga Kogen to Zenkoji Temple, we offer round-trip instantly bookable services that allow you to explore Zenkoji on one of your rest days with our private vehicles and drivers.
ICHINOSE/TAKAMAGAHARA → ZENKOJI (2HR) → ICHINOSE/TAKAMAGAHARA (SHIGA KOGEN)
- Duration:
- 5-6 Hours
- Spots:
- Nagano, Shiga Kogen
f you would like to add on other destinations like the Snow Monkey Park (including entry tickets), or have direct drop off at Nagano, you can click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and we can make a quotation for your custom request right away!
From Karuizawa
Set at the foot of Mt. Asama, Karuizawa is a stylish mountain resort town known for its blend of natural beauty, modern shopping, and Western-influenced heritage. Easily accessible from Tokyo by bullet train, Karuizawa attracts visitors year-round with its cool summer climate, autumn colors, and nearby ski resorts. From Karuizawa, a journey to Zenkoji Temple connects the town’s elegant, contemporary charm with the deep history and spirituality of one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites. It’s an inspiring way to complement Karuizawa’s leisurely atmosphere with a cultural experience at the very heart of Nagano.
Private Tours
While we have no group tours that go to Zenkoji Temple from Karuizawa, we can still entertain your party staying in this area with the following private tour:
Private Snow Monkey Tour from Karuizawa / all year round
Recommended
[START FROM KARUIZAWA] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyKaruizawa
- Pick-up:
- Karuizawa
- Drop-off:
- Karuizawa
Want to enjoy door-to-door service from your hotel, while appreciating the Snow Monkeys and some of Nagano's other top attractions with the full attention of your guide? Look no further than our private tour with pickup from one of Nagano's most popular resort areas, Karuizawa. Once you have informed us of your hotel, our guide will be there at the arranged time on the day to escort you first to the Monkey Park, and afterwards to the charming town of Obuse and the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City, or another location of your choice (after all, it's your private tour!). Even more, you will be treated to a great Japanese style lunch that may end up being one of your favorite meals of your trip. Our private tour vehicle will be with you all day, giving you a place to store luggage as necessary while you are enjoying the sights, and also offering you the option to end the tour at Nagano Station if you have already checked out of your hotel and are looking to catch the Shinkansen to Tokyo or other destinations. This is your best way to enjoy the Snow Monkeys and much more at your own pace.
Private Charters
If you just wish to explore on your own from Karuizawa to Zenkoji Temple, we offer round-trip or one way services that allow you to explore Zenkoji on one of your rest days with our private vehicles and drivers. If you would like to add on other destinations like the Snow Monkey Park (including entry tickets), or have direct drop off at Nagano, you can click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and we can make a quotation for your custom request right away!
From Matsumoto and Azumino
Home to one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles, Matsumoto blends samurai history, a vibrant arts scene, and easy access to the Northern Alps. Just over an hour from Nagano City, the journey from Matsumoto to Zenkoji Temple links two of Nagano Prefecture’s most iconic destinations. Moving from the black-and-white elegance of Matsumoto Castle to the timeless spiritual atmosphere of Zenkoji offers travelers a deep dive into both the warrior and religious traditions that have shaped the region, making for a culturally rich day of discovery.
Private Tours
While we have no group tours that go to Zenkoji Temple from Matsumoto, we can still entertain your party staying in this area with the following private tour:
Private Snow Monkey Tour from Matsumoto or Azumino / all year round
Recommended
[START FROM MATSUMOTO/AZUMINO] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyMatsumoto
- Pick-up:
- Matsumoto
- Drop-off:
- Matsumoto
Want to enjoy door-to-door service from your hotel, while appreciating the Snow Monkeys and some of Nagano's other top attractions with the full attention of your guide? Look no further than our private tour with pickup from one of Nagano's most visited regions, the Matsumoto/Azumino area. Once you have informed us of your hotel, our guide will be there at the arranged time on the day to escort you first to the Monkey Park, and afterwards to the charming town of Obuse and the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City. Even more, you will be treated to a great Japanese style lunch that may end up being one of your favorite meals of your trip. Our private tour vehicle will be with you all day, giving you a place to store luggage as necessary while you are enjoying the sights, and also offering you the option to end the tour at Nagano Station if you have already checked out of your hotel and are looking to catch the Shinkansen to Tokyo or other destinations. This is your best way to enjoy the Snow Monkeys and much more at your own pace.
Private Charters
If you just wish to explore on your own from Matsumoto or Azumino to Zenkoji Temple, we offer round-trip or one way services that allow you to explore Zenkoji on one of your rest days with our private vehicles and drivers. If you would like to add on other destinations like the Snow Monkey Park (including entry tickets), or have direct drop off at Nagano, you can click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and we can make a quotation for your custom request right away!
Why Choose Snow Monkey Resorts for Zenkoji Temple
Zenkoji Temple is the spiritual heart of Nagano, and with Snow Monkey Resorts you’ll experience it in a way few visitors ever do. Based right in Nagano City with our headquarters only minutes from the temple itself, no one knows Zenkoji and its traditions better than we do.
- Multiple starting points, including Nagano, Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kogen, Hakuba, Myoko, Karuizawa, and Matsumoto, with the option to end your trip at Nagano Station or another convenient location.
- Half-day walking tours led by local, English-speaking guides, designed to deepen your understanding of Zenkoji’s history, legends, and its role in shaping the culture of Nagano.
- Immersive 2-day tours including the rare opportunity to stay overnight in a shukubō (temple lodging), join morning services, and experience Zenkoji’s spiritual practices firsthand.
- Flexible private tours and charters, with options to combine Zenkoji with other destinations such as the Snow Monkey Park, Togakushi Shrines, or Matsumoto Castle.
- Safe, comfortable transport by private vehicle, allowing you to focus on the experience while we take care of the details.
Whether you join us for a short walking tour, a once-in-a-lifetime temple stay, or a multi-day journey through Nagano, Snow Monkey Resorts offers the insight and expertise that only a true local specialist can provide.
The Best Time to Visit Zenkoji Temple
Unlike mountain destinations with limited seasons, Zenkoji Temple welcomes visitors year-round, each season offering its own charm.
- Spring (March–May): Comfortable weather makes this a pleasant time to stroll the temple approach and nearby streets. Cherry blossoms bloom in early April, adding a seasonal beauty to your visit.
- Summer (June–August): Warm, lively days draw visitors to the Binzuru Festival in early August, when the temple district fills with music, dancing, and food stalls. The Obon holiday in mid-August also brings pilgrims from across Japan, making it a vibrant but busier time.
- Autumn (September–November): Crisp air and autumn foliage create one of the most beautiful backdrops for exploring the temple grounds and the surrounding city.
- Winter (December–February): For those who enjoy a quieter, more contemplative visit, winter offers a serene atmosphere. The New Year period is the busiest of the year as thousands gather for hatsumōde (first temple visit), while the Tomyo Lantern Festival in February transforms the temple into a sea of glowing light at night.
Practical tip: Zenkoji involves walking, so comfortable footwear is important year-round. Layers are recommended, as mornings and evenings can be chilly even in warmer months. An umbrella or raincoat is useful in summer when sudden showers are common.
Whether you seek the excitement of festivals and crowds or the peace of a quiet temple visit, there is no bad time to visit Zenkoji — each season brings its own unique experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Zenkoji Temple famous for?
Zenkoji Temple in Nagano is one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples, with a history of over 1,400 years. It is home to Japan’s first Buddhist statue and has long been a major pilgrimage site. The temple is also known for its welcoming atmosphere, allowing people of all faiths to visit and pray.
How do I get to Zenkoji Temple?
Zenkoji is located in central Nagano City, about a 20-minute walk from Nagano Station. Visitors can also take a short local bus or taxi ride. If you’re staying at nearby ski resorts such as Nozawa Onsen, Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, or Myoko, day tours and private charters make it easy to include Zenkoji in your itinerary.
What are the best souvenirs to buy at Zenkoji Temple?
Zenkoji Temple offers a variety of unique and meaningful souvenirs that reflect Nagano’s culture and spiritual traditions. Popular items include:
- Omamori (protective charms) for health, safety, and luck.
- Ema (wooden prayer plaques) that you can write on and leave at the temple.
- Zenkoji-themed souvenirs, such as keychains, stationery, and local crafts.
- Local specialty goods like Nagano’s apples, honey, or traditional miso, available at shops around the temple approach.
What are the best foods to try near Zenkoji Temple?
The area around Zenkoji offers delicious local cuisine perfect for a day of sightseeing:
- Oyaki: Traditional Nagano dumplings filled with vegetables, mushrooms, or sweet fillings.
- Soba noodles: Nagano is famous for its buckwheat soba, served cold or hot.
- Gohei-mochi: Grilled rice cakes with miso or sweet sauce, a popular street snack.
- Local sake and seasonal treats: Many shops offer tastings and packaged varieties you can bring home, such as miso and chestnut icecream, or apple pies made with local apples.
These local foods and souvenirs make the visit to Zenkoji not only culturally enriching but also a feast for the senses and a chance to take home a piece of Nagano.
When is the best time to visit Zenkoji Temple?
Zenkoji can be enjoyed year-round. Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer offers lively festivals like the Binzuru Dance Festival and Obon, autumn features brilliant foliage, and winter provides a serene atmosphere highlighted by the New Year pilgrimage and the Tomyo Lantern Festival in February. Each season offers a unique experience.
Are there guided tours of Zenkoji Temple?
Yes. Snow Monkey Resorts offers half-day walking tours with English-speaking guides who provide deep insight into the temple’s history, traditions, and surrounding district. For a more immersive experience, 2-day tours allow guests to stay overnight in temple lodging (shukubo), including opportunities to join morning prayers and other temple rituals.
Can I visit Zenkoji Temple as a day trip from ski resorts?
Absolutely. Many visitors use a rest day from skiing to explore Zenkoji. It is accessible from resorts such as Nozawa Onsen, Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Lotte Arai, Akakura Onsen, Madarao Kogen, and Karuizawa. Private tours and charters make it convenient to combine skiing with cultural sightseeing.
What special events or festivals happen at Zenkoji?
Key annual highlights include:
- New Year (January 1–3): One of the busiest times, when thousands visit for hatsumōde (first prayer of the year).
- Tomyo Lantern Festival (February): The temple and streets are illuminated with glowing lanterns.
- Binzuru Dance Festival (August): Nagano’s largest summer festival, featuring parades, dancing, and street food.
- Obon (mid-August): A traditional Buddhist holiday when many pilgrims return to Zenkoji.
Why choose Snow Monkey Resorts for visiting Zenkoji Temple?
Snow Monkey Resorts is headquartered in Nagano, just minutes from Zenkoji. No one knows the area better. We provide:
- Expert English-speaking guides with deep knowledge of local history and culture
- Flexible options, including half-day tours, multi-day temple stays, and private charters
- Convenient starting points from Nagano, Matsumoto, Karuizawa, Takayama, Nagoya, and nearby resorts
- Safe and comfortable transport so you can relax and focus on the experience
Can I combine Zenkoji with other destinations?
Yes. Private tours and charters can easily combine Zenkoji with nearby highlights such as the Snow Monkey Park, Matsumoto Castle, Togakushi Shrines, or ski resorts. This flexibility allows you to create a customized itinerary that balances culture, history, and adventure.