Perched on a hillside overlooking the town of Omachi, Reisho-ji Temple is a stunning zen Buddhist temple complex with over 600 years of history. Known for its stunning fall foliage in the autumn, including an ancient ginko tree called "Ohatsuki-ichou" that blooms each November and carpets the temple grounds with its bright yellow leaves, Reisho-ji is popular as a photo spot and scenic destination. The thatched-roof two-story gate to the temple exemplifies the beauty of Japanese architecture, and the temple bell sits on a platform overlooking the town of Omachi, offering more stunning views. In addition, it is also the oldest Soto Zen temple in Nagano Prefecture, and has much to offer in the way of historical relevance.
During the fall foliage period the surroundings explode with color, and the temple monks offer a rare opportunity to tour the inside of the temple walls to enjoy the exquisite woodwork, including that of a dragon whose roar can be heard echoing through certain specific parts of the temple! The best time to view the autumn leaves is from late October to early November.
New Tour
1-Day Tour from Nagano: Hiking to Happo-ike Pond & Hot Springs in Hakuba Valley
- Spots:
- Hakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
If you would like to visit Reisho-ji Temple on a tour, we would love to have you! This tour bring guests on a guided hike to Happo-ike Pond, a stunning alpine lake among the mountains in Hakuba, followed by a visit to Reisho-ji Temple, and ending with a relaxing visit to Omachi Onsenkyo hot spring town as well!
To learn more about the Omachi area, see our page below and discover the rich culture and beautiful nature of this hidden gem:
Access
To access Reisho-ji Temple via public transportation, take the local bus from Nagano Station to Shinano-Omachi Station. The bus leaves from bus stop No.25 on the East side of Nagano Station, and the trip takes around 70 minutes. From Shinano-Omachi Station, take a taxi for about 10 minutes to reach Reisho-ji Temple.
If you are coming from Matsumoto Station, take the Oito line train towards Shinano-Omachi station. The train ride is about 1 hour. From Shinano-Omachi Station, take a taxi for about 10 minutes to reach Reisho-ji Temple.
Other Information
- The best time to see the fall foliage at Reisho-ji Temple is from late October to mid-November, but the temple grounds are open all year for guests to enjoy.
- Entry to the temple hall is available only during the peak fall season, and requires an entry fee.
- Please make sure to dress appropriately for the weather if you visit the temple in autumn, as it can be quite cold in Nagano compared to other parts of Japan.