Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji Temple

Nagano’s Spiritual Heart with a Hidden Treasure

Key features

  • Buddhist Temple
  • National Treasure
  • Nagano Highlight
  • Shukubo
  • Temple Lodgings
  • Morning Ceremony
  • Festivals
  • Meditation
  • Calligraphy
  • Nearby Dining
  • Nearby Accommodation
  • Tours

Public Transport

Nagano Station20 min walk
Gondo Station<10 min walk

Popular Attractions

Patio Daimon2 min walk
Monzen Terrace Enya2 min walk
Jigokudani Monkey Park70 min bus/train

Zenko-ji Temple

Nagano’s Spiritual Heart with a Hidden Treasure

Key features

  • Buddhist Temple
  • National Treasure
  • Nagano Highlight
  • Shukubo
  • Temple Lodgings
  • Morning Ceremony
  • Festivals
  • Meditation
  • Calligraphy
  • Nearby Dining
  • Nearby Accommodation
  • Tours
Less than 20 minutes walk from Nagano Station, Zenko-ji is one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples. Built in dedication to the first known Buddhist statue to be brought to Japan, the temple has stood watch over the city – in one form or another – for nearly 1400 years. To this day, Zenko-ji remains an important destination for Buddhist pilgrims while also being one of Japan’s most open and welcoming temples. A morning ceremony is performed every day with visitors of any background or faith invited to attend. The temple also plays host to many events, festivals and celebrations throughout the year and remains the spiritual heart of the region.
Established in 642, the story of Zenko-ji is intertwined with that of Nagano itself. The city grew-out from the temple precinct and to this day, Zenko-ji retains its importance in the daily lives of Nagano’s residents. The temple’s main hall is a registered National Treasure, housing the 'hibutsu' or 'secret buddha' statue. Now hidden from human view, the legend of the statue imbues the temple with an air of mystery manifest in the 'kaidan meguri' – a dark tunnel which leads visitors under the temple to the point below where the statue is now said to be kept. Completely black, those who enter guide themselves only by touch in search of the 'Key to Paradise', a physical object hidden in the tunnel awaiting discovery.

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  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Zenko-ji Temple

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Facilities

Multiple temples
Historic buildings
Traditional Buddhist practices
Traditional craft experiences
Souvenir shops
Restaurants & cafes
Public toilets

Access

Public Transport

Nagano Station20 min walk
Gondo Station<10 min walk

Popular Attractions

Patio Daimon2 min walk
Monzen Terrace Enya2 min walk
Jigokudani Monkey Park70 min bus/train

491 Motoyoshicho, Nagano City, Nagano
TEL:++81-(0)26-234-3591

Zenko-ji Temple

Inquiry

BOOK A TOUR inc. 'SHUKUBO' STAY

BOOK A 1-DAY inc. SNOW MONKEYS