ZENKOJI TEMPLE

Zenkoji Temple is a famous and sacred temple in the heart of the city of Nagano, Japan. It was founded in the 7th Century and is known to have stored the first Buddhist statue ever brought into Japan. The town of Nagano was developed around the temple and that is why it is considered a sacred and significant place for the locals.

The temple consists of two gates, named Sanmon Gate and Niomon Gate, a main hall ornamented with beautiful Buddhist statues, an underground passage which takes you to find the “key to paradise”, and Zenkoji History Museum. 

Apart from its beautiful architecture and historical significance, it is a serene and tranquil place to participate in the morning ceremony and prayers and to indulge in the local culture of Nagano.

Highlights

• Experience the serene spiritual energies at the sacred Zenkoji Temple in Nagano.
• Visit the main hall of the temple and take a closer look at the temple’s altar and its ornamented Buddhist statues.
• Go into the underground passage of the temple to find the “key to paradise”.
• Explore the Zenkoji History Museum showcasing a collection of intricate statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattva.
• Stroll through the temple grounds admiring the Japanese landscaping, scenery, and beauty.

How To Reach

Zenkoji Temple is located in the city of Nagano, Japan. It is just 2.3 km from the city centre of Nagano. 

By Bus: You can take a bus from JR Nagano Station to reach Zenkoji Temple. It is a 10-minute bus ride and a little walk towards the temple.

By Train: You can take a train from Nagaden Nagano Station, located underground next to JR Nagano Station and get out at Zenkoji Shita Station. It is a 5 to 10-minute walk from the station to the temple. It will cost approximately 170 yen for the train. 

By Cab: For a more convenient option, you can book a cab from the app Grab from Nagano Prefecture or the city centre to the Zenkoji Temple. 

By Foot: If you want to explore the city on foot, you can also walk up to the temple. It is about half an hour's walk from Nagano Station.

Best Time To Visit

The Zenkoji Temple opens daily one hour before sunrise, but its closing hours are different according to the time of the year. From December to February, the temple closes by 4 PM, in March and November, the temple closes at 4:15 PM, and the rest of the time, the temple closes at 4:30 PM. The museum at the temple is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM. The ideal time to visit the temple is during the opening hours where you can join the early morning prayers. You can also visit the location during late afternoons for a tranquil time at the temple.

Other Essential Information

• Wear modest clothing to respect the sacred place and maintain decorum.
• Photography is permitted, but in some areas, it is prohibited.
• There are dedicated places to open your shoes.