Continue reading below for more in depth information about Nakamise Street, the Zenkoji Temple complex, and what you should buy while there.
Where is Nakamise Street?
Located only a 30 minute / 2 km walk from Nagano Station, Zenkoji and Nakamise Street lie at the northern edge of Nagano City close to the mountains which surround the area. The cultural heart of Nagano City, the area surrounding the main temple also includes many smaller temples, gift shops, restaurants, and more, all along the beautiful avenues which make up this traditional section of Nagano City. All visitors coming from the South (the main entrance) will by necessity pass through Nakamise Street when heading towards Zenkoji Temple. One of the easiest ways to reach Zenkoji from Nagano Station is simply to walk - at a normal pace it will take less than 30 minutes, and serve as a great way to see the city up close while heading to your destination. Simply head north along the road known as 'Chuo-Dori' and before long Zenkoji will appear at the end of this long street. Buses are also available from the station, leaving from the north side. From the 'Zenkoji Daimon' bus stop, it is only a 10 minute walk to the main hall. The temple is also accessible by using Nagano City's Nagaden Line subway. From Nagano Station, you need only ride for 5 minutes to reach 'Zenkoji-Shita' Station, from where it is a further 5-10 minute walk to the temple.
Top Souvenirs at Nakamise and Zenkoji
The area around Zenkoji is packed full of shops selling all manner of goods, including both Buddhist paraphernalia and more secular items perfect to bring back as gifts for your friends, or to yourself!
Shichimi Spice: In general, Japanese food does not utilize spicy ingredients; while Japan's neighbors Korea and China are known for spicy dishes, Japan ranks around the same level as England when it comes to spice tolerance! However, Shichimi spice mix, which is a seven spice blend, is one of the most famous souvenirs in the Zenkoji area. This is attributed to the long history of the pepper store which invented Shichimi, 'Yawataya Isogoro', founded more than 270 years ago when Japan was in the Edo period. Each of the seven spices, which are red pepper, ginger, sesame, and four other spices of Japanese origin, are blended to create the best mixture of flavor. Shichimi is commonly used to add some extra kick to various kinds of dishes, such as Soba, Gyuudon, and even Pasta. They also have a variety of spiced snacks and ground peppers with different levels of spiciness, with the highest being the 'Bird Eye' for those who can handle a bit of heat. The headquarters of the business is located right before the Zenkoji pilgrimage path on the right hand side, at 83 Daimoncho Nagano-city, Nagano.
Incense: Closely linked with Buddhist rituals, incense of many different scents can be found for sale at Zenkoji, with Zenkoji branded incense sticks available at the shop immediately on the right hand side of the main hall. Useful for observing Buddhist rites or just freshening up your room, incense is easy to transport and makes for a great way to bring a piece of the temple home with you.
Omamori: Found at both temples and shrines in Japan, Omamori are small charms that can be used to wish for good luck, safety, business success, and more! In Japan, it is common to have omamori in your car, attached to your child's backpack, or placed in your house or purse to protect you and your loved ones from the evils of the world. Zenkoji has a large selection of omamori, including many designs unique to the temple or with cute characters displayed on the body of the omamori. These can be found for sale inside the main hall, and in case the main hall is closed, there is an additional omamori vending machine outside the front.
Nakamise Street's Best Street Food
With so many pilgrims and visitors milling around, it makes perfect sense that the full road leading up to Zenkoji has a number of take-out focused eateries serving delicious snacks or sweet desserts. In particular, Nakamise Street is a great place to browse what is available. Before or after visiting the temple, we highly recommend trying some of the local delicacies such as:
Oyaki: One of the most famous foods in Nagano, oyaki are wheat buns filled with various kinds of vegetables. Popular fillings include Nozawana (mustard greens), Kabocha Pumpkin, and Anko (red bean paste), but there are many more to try, including more experimental flavors like beef and cheese! Perfect to top up your stomach before continuing sightseeing, oyaki can be found for sale around Zenkoji.
Senbei: Also known as rice crackers, senbei are the classic Japanese crunchy snack. Traditionally eaten by travelers on the go, and coming in many flavors, senbei today still retain their spot as one of the top things Japanese reach for when their stomach grumbles.
Ice Cream: If you spend some time in Japan, you will notice that ice cream is everywhere, and Zenkoji is no exception. While vanilla is of course on offer, more unique flavors such as chestnut and miso can also be found! Miso in particular is a rare flavor to find, and while it may sound weird, the saltiness of the miso compliments the sweetness of the ice cream perfectly.
Apple Pie: Nagano is famous for its apples, and there are few better ways to enjoy them than in pie form. Keep a look out on Nakamise street for apple pies and bite into to something that Nagano does better than almost anywhere else!
... And More: There are always new shops opening on the dynamic Nakamise street which leads up to Zenkoji, and you will be able to find unique foods of all kinds. Japanese castella cake, tea lattes made with roasted green tea or matcha, coffee (there's even a Starbucks), and other offerings are waiting to delight your tastebuds in this temple town.
Tours Visiting the Area
As one of Nagano's highest rated tour providers, and locally based in Nagano City, we are proud to offer a number of tours including a visit to Zenkoji and Nakamise Street. Our English capable, friendly guides are ready to help you make the best of your trip in Japan with insightful commentary and knowledgeable recommendations. With group tours, private tours, and private charters available, we are sure that we have something to fit your needs.
One of our most popular group tours, this eventful day will have you visit the Zenkoji temple, taste sake at a local brewery, enjoy lunch Japanese style, and last but certainly not least, see the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani! Perfect for all ages and group sizes, there is not better way to see the best of what Nagano has to offer in a single day. By using the bullet train to reach the meetup point, Nagano Station, you may even partake in the tour as a day trip from Tokyo. And in winter, pickup from Hakuba is offered, making for an easy way to enjoy a day off from skiing with no hassle.
For larger groups, or people looking to move at their own pace, our private tour of Zenkoji and the Snow Monkey Park will be a perfect fit. With a similar itinerary to the above group tour, but also including a stop at the charming town of Obuse, this tour covers everything you could want out of a day in Nagano City. With pickup available from a number of destinations, there is no simpler and more enjoyable way to make the best of your day.
Zenkoji has a lot to offer, and on this fun half day tour your guide will lead you right into the heart of its history and traditions. Including a tea ceremony experience, sake tasting, and even a Buddhist Fire Ceremony, you can enjoy Japan's unique culture in only a short amount of time. Click the banner above for more details!
Tea Ceremony and Zenkoji Experience Tour with 'Shukubo' Temple Lodging Stay
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For those who really want to get to know Zenkoji, this tour with an included overnight stay at a shukubo, or pilgrims inn, is ideal. With a focus on Zenkoji and its surroundings, you will come away with a new appreciation for the sights, sounds, and flavors of this centuries old temple. The activities on the first day will be the same as the above half-day tour, but when everyone else is going home you will instead be checking in to your room at the shukubo! Book now to secure your room for the night.
We also offer full private charter services, using our fleet of clean and modern vehicles. Our friendly and well trained drivers will pick you up from wherever you are, and drop you off wherever you want to go (within the Central Japan region, that is!). While Japan's public transport is great, our door-to-door service removes the need for rushing to switch trains, or hauling luggage up and down flights of stairs. Please click HERE for more information on pricing and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nakamise Street in Nagano?
Nakamise Street is the lively shopping street that leads directly to Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City. Filled with traditional souvenir shops, local snacks, and cultural goods, it offers visitors a perfect mix of history, shopping, and food before reaching one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples.
How do I get to Nakamise Street from Nagano Station?
From Nagano Station, Nakamise Street and Zenkoji Temple are about a 30-minute walk (2 km) north along Chuo-Dori Avenue. You can also take a local bus from the station to the “Zenkoji Daimon” stop, which is just a 10-minute walk from the main hall. Alternatively, the Nagaden Line subway from Nagano Station to Zenkoji-Shita Station takes 5 minutes, followed by a short walk.
What are the best souvenirs to buy on Nakamise Street?
Nakamise Street is famous for unique local souvenirs including Shichimi Togarashi (seven spice blend) created in Nagano over 270 years ago, incense and Buddhist items available inside Zenkoji Temple and nearby shops, and Omamori charms, which are lucky amulets for protection, health, and good fortune. Visitors can also find traditional crafts, kimonos, umbrellas, and ornaments.
What food should I try on Nakamise Street?
Street food is one of the highlights of visiting Nakamise Street. Local specialties include Oyaki dumplings filled with seasonal vegetables or sweet bean paste, Senbei rice crackers in different flavors, unique ice cream flavors like miso or roasted green tea, and apple pies made from Nagano’s famous apples.
Is Nakamise Street open year-round?
Yes, Nakamise Street is open throughout the year. Shops generally operate during the daytime, especially when there are temple visitors. Seasonal specialties are available, making each visit different depending on whether you come in spring, autumn, or winter.
When are the shops on Nakamise Street open?
Most shops on Nakamise Street open around 9:00–10:00 and close around 16:00–17:00, though times can vary by season and individual store. Shops tend to open earlier and stay open later during peak tourist seasons or festival days.
Can I join a tour that includes Nakamise Street and Zenkoji Temple?
Yes! Many guided tours in Nagano include Nakamise Street as part of the Zenkoji Temple experience. Popular options include day trips combining Zenkoji, sake tasting, and the Snow Monkey Park. Private tours and charters are also available for travelers wanting a personalized visit.
Why is Zenkoji Temple famous?
Zenkoji is one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, founded in the 7th century. It houses the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan and remains a major pilgrimage site. Walking through Nakamise Street is part of the spiritual journey to reach the temple’s main hall.
Can I buy food to take back home from Nakamise Street?
Yes, many shops offer packaged snacks and sweets suitable for travel. Shichimi spice mixes, senbei rice crackers, and locally-made sweets can be purchased for souvenirs or gifts. Be sure to check expiration dates if traveling internationally.