Zenkoji Temple Stay, Sake & Buddhist Traditions: An Overnight Cultural Experience

Discover the spiritual heart of Nagano on this immersive overnight journey centered around the historic temple of Zenkoji. Blending Buddhist tradition, local culture, and regional flavors, this experience offers a deeper and more reflective side of Japan.

Begin with an introduction to Zenkoji Temple and Nagano’s history as a centuries-old pilgrimage town, with time to explore the temple grounds and surrounding streets at your own pace. You will then step into the world of Buddhist practice through hands-on cultural experiences, including zazen meditation and participation in a powerful goma fire ritual prayer ceremony.

Your journey also highlights Nagano’s renowned sake culture with a visit to a traditional brewery, where you will learn about regional brewing traditions and enjoy a guided tasting of locally crafted sake.

In the evening, stay at a traditional shukubo (temple lodging) near Zenkoji and enjoy a beautifully prepared shojin-ryori dinner — seasonal Buddhist vegetarian cuisine that emphasizes natural flavors and mindful eating — served alongside Nagano sake.

The following morning, attend Zenkoji’s sacred O-Asaiji early morning service, where sutra chanting and blessings create a truly unforgettable atmosphere before concluding your stay.

Combining spiritual heritage, living Buddhist traditions, and the refined tastes of Nagano, this overnight Zenkoji experience offers a rare opportunity to slow down and connect with Japan’s cultural and religious roots.

Highlights

• Temple Stay & Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine with Sake: Stay overnight at a traditional shukubo (temple lodging) near Zenkoji and enjoy an elegant shojin-ryori dinner — seasonal Buddhist vegetarian cuisine rooted in mindfulness and natural flavors — thoughtfully paired with local Nagano sake.

• Sake Culture & Living Buddhist Traditions: Visit a historic Nagano sake brewery to learn about Japanese sake traditions and enjoy a guided tasting, then deepen your cultural experience through zazen meditation and a powerful goma fire ritual prayer ceremony.

• Sacred Morning at Zenkoji Temple: Attend the atmospheric O-Asaiji early morning service at Zenkoji, where priests chant sutras and offer blessings in one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples.

Description

This immersive overnight journey introduces you to the spiritual heart of Nagano through history, Buddhist tradition, and local food culture, centered around the iconic temple of Zenkoji.

Your tour begins at Nagano Station, where you will meet your guide before heading to Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most important and beloved Buddhist temples. Upon arrival, you’ll receive an introduction to the history of Zenkoji and the cultural significance of Nagano as a long-standing pilgrimage town. You will then have free time to explore the temple grounds and surrounding streets at your own pace, with time to enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants.

In the afternoon, you will step into the daily world of Buddhist practice. First, take part in a zazen (seated meditation) experience, where you will learn the basics of Zen meditation and mindfulness in a calm temple setting. Following this, you will attend a goma fire ritual prayer ceremony, a powerful Buddhist ritual in which wooden prayer sticks are symbolically burned to purify obstacles and send prayers to the heavens. These experiences offer a rare and meaningful insight into living Buddhist traditions.

You will also visit Yoshinoya Sake Brewery in Nagano City, where you will learn about Japanese sake culture, explore the brewery’s museum, and enjoy a guided tasting of several local varieties.

In the late afternoon, you will check in at Fuchinobo, a traditional temple lodging (shukubo) located within the Zenkoji temple area. After arrival, you will have some free time to relax before dinner. In the evening, enjoy a beautifully prepared shojin-ryori dinner — traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine that emphasizes seasonal ingredients, natural flavors, and mindful eating — served alongside carefully selected Nagano sake. After dinner, your guide will say goodnight, and you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the temple town.

The following morning begins with O-Asaiji, Zenkoji’s early morning Buddhist service. This daily ritual includes sutra chanting and a blessing from a temple priest, offering a deeply atmospheric and authentic spiritual experience. After the ceremony, return to your lodging for breakfast, then check out and conclude the tour, free to continue your day in Nagano at your leisure.

Blending spiritual tradition, cultural learning, and regional flavors, this overnight Zenkoji experience offers a deeper and more reflective side of Nagano.

Meetup Point

This tour operates from the following meetup point:

NAGANO STATION @ 10:30

The meetup point is inside Nagano Station, in front of the Information Board directly across from the Shinkansen ticket gates. Please be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and please be waiting before the meetup time as the tour will depart on-time.

Notes

Included

• Private vehicle with driver
• Dinner on Day 2 & Breakfast on Day 1
• Fees for all experiences included in the tour itinerary
• English-speaking guide

Excluded

• Lunch on Day 1