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Stay at a Traditional 'Shukubo' in Zenko-ji Temple

Stay at a Traditional 'Shukubo' in Zenko-ji Temple

Located only 20 minutes walk from Nagano Station, Zenko-ji is one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples. The importance of Zenko-ji is reflected by the large number of ‘shukubo’ (temple lodgings) within the complex and surrounding streets. For centuries, the temple has acted as a focal point for pilgrims and devotees traveling from across Japan and in more recent years, from abroad. In doing so, visitors to Zenko-ji can stay within or around the temple complex, extending their time there and deepening their understanding of Japanese Buddhism.

A ‘shukubo’ is basically a ‘ryokan’, a traditional guesthouse providing lodging to visitors to nearby or within temple and shrine complexes. In the past, they provided accommodation to people on pilgrimages, a function they still serve today. However, you don’t need to a devotee of any particular faith or on pilgrimage yourself to enjoy staying at one. Offering traditional comforts, tranquility and vegetarian menus, anyone is welcome to stay at a shukubo. Should they wish to, guests can participate in activities including a ‘goma’ prayer (fire ceremony), ‘shakyo’ (brush meditation) or ‘zazen’ (seated meditation) along with attendance at the temple’s daily ‘O-Asaji’ (morning ceremony).

As a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line running from Tokyo Station, Nagano is easy to reach – taking between 80 to 110 minutes from the capital (depending on which service you choose). As such, Nagano City is the most convenient hub from where to reach the most popular attractions and destinations in the region including the forest shrine of Togakushi, hidden samurai enclave of Matsushiro, the Jigokudani Monkey Park, Matsumoto along with the best ski resorts in Nagano and iconic destinations including the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route.

For guests wanting to include a stay a shukubo inside the Zenko-ji Temple complex, we offer two tours: our Zenkoji Experience Tour inc. Overnight ‘Shukubo’ (Temple Lodging) Stay including in-depth tour of the temple and private ‘goma prayer (fire ceremony) or our 2-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Samurai Experience & Zenko-ji ‘Shukubo Stay including visits to the nearby samurai enclave of Matsushiro in combination with a shorter tour of the temple and visit to the Jigokudani monkey park.

Available all-year-round, both tours offer guests a memorable experience including overnight accommodation at one of Japan’s oldest and most important temple complexes.

INFO

Throughout the year

Prices vary depending on chosen accommodation

Approximately 50-minutes drive from the Jigokudani Monkey Park

The Zenko-ji Temple precinct is located around 20 minutes walk from Nagano Station. To get there on-foot, exit the station via the Zenko-ji Exit and follow the signs. Alternatively, a taxi will get you there in around 5 minutes while the local bus operates from Bus Stop No.1 and takes around 7 minutes / JPY150 to reach the temple precinct. Shukubo are spread throughout and around the temple complex

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INFO

Throughout the year

Prices vary depending on chosen accommodation

Approximately 50-minutes drive from the Jigokudani Monkey Park

The Zenko-ji Temple precinct is located around 20 minutes walk from Nagano Station. To get there on-foot, exit the station via the Zenko-ji Exit and follow the signs. Alternatively, a taxi will get you there in around 5 minutes while the local bus operates from Bus Stop No.1 and takes around 7 minutes / JPY150 to reach the temple precinct. Shukubo are spread throughout and around the temple complex

Access

Stay at a Traditional 'Shukubo' in Zenko-ji Temple

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