Zenkoji Temple is known for the phrase “once in a lifetime visit to Zenkoji Temple. It is a famous sightseeing spot in Nagano, isn’t it?
Many people may want to stop by Zenkoji Temple on their way to Nagano. In this article, we will introduce realistic impressions, time required, and a model course for an actual solo trip to Zenkoji Temple!
- Those who want to know how long it takes to visit Zenkoji Temple and a model course
- Those who are looking for sightseeing spots in Nagano Prefecture
- Those who want to know “real” impressions of Zenkoji Temple
I happened to go to Zenkoji Temple early in the morning because I like morning activities, and this turned out to be a Good choice! I would like to introduce the reasons and the goodness of this choice.
Access to Zenkoji Temple
Zenkoji Temple can be reached from Nagano Station either on foot or by bus.
The author visited Zenkoji in the middle of summer, so he decided to take the bus!
If the season is good, heading to Zenkoji Temple while taking in the sights of the city is also recommended.
Buses depart from Nagano Station, platform 1. It is easy to find even for first-time visitors since it is marked as a bus stop for Zenkoji Temple!
Please note, however, that bus fares can only be paid in cash or with a Nagano region IC card!
Although the number of people who do not carry cash is increasing in Japan, it is still better to carry cash when you go on a trip. The fare was 190 yen for adults one way!
Nagano Station can be reached by Hokuriku Shinkansen or highway bus from Tokyo, or by “Limited Express Shinano” from Nagoya.
It takes only a little over an hour from Tokyo/Ueno Station to Nagano Station, so you can enjoy a day trip there!
Zenkoji Temple is best visited in the morning!
It is recommended that you arrive at Zenkoji Temple before 9:00 am!
The reason is that the temple is open for viewing from 9:00 to 16:30, and after 9:00, the number of visitors increases dramatically.
The author arrived at Zenkoji around 8:30.
I thought I would have to wait 30 minutes… But to my surprise, I was able to purchase a ticket even before 9:00 a.m. at the ticket machine in front of the Okaidan Meguri! This was a surprise!
No pictures because photography was prohibited, but you can easily purchase tickets from the ticket vending machine.
You can take as many pictures as you like before 9:00 a.m. because there are fewer people there.
I was able to experience a world of complete silence as there were not many people on the tour of the Buddhist altar in the early morning.
The pitch-dark, soundless world was scarier than I had imagined, but it was also a very refreshing experience!
Zenkoji Temple Model Course
Praying at the main hall of Zenkoji Temple
Now, we will visit Zenkoji Temple, which is designated as a national treasure!
Zenkoji Temple boasts a history of about 1,400 years, with the principal image of Ikko-Sanson Amida Nyorai, which is said to be the oldest in Japan.
The temple is said to be a nondenominational temple that does not belong to any particular sect and accepts all people.
Smoke is billowing from the large incense burner!
It is said that if you pour this smoke over your body, it will bring you good fortune for good health and healing from illness.
You can enter the main hall, but unfortunately no pictures are available because photography is prohibited.
In a word, it was a wonderful power spot that refreshed my heart!
Tour of the altar
One experience you should definitely try in the main hall is the “Okaidan Meguri” tour!
Groping your way through the pitch-dark corridor under the main hall, you will reach the “Paradise Lock,” located directly below the Gohonzon.
This is the closest point to the Gohonzon, and it is said that if you touch it, you will be promised a peaceful life in paradise.
It is quite scary to be in a world of true darkness and no light, but it was a good experience to calm my mind!
Japan Churyoji Temple (Zenkoji Museum)
The memorial services are held for the war dead from the Boshin War to World War II.
There is also an archives on the first floor. In the archives, you can see the stored items that give you a glimpse of the history of Zenkoji Temple. Every time I come to this historical place, I feel like I need to learn more about history.
Important Cultural Property, Sutra Repository
Inside the sutra library is a storehouse, the Rinzang, which houses sutras.
It is said that by pressing and turning the bracelets attached to the storehouse, one can obtain the same merit and virtue as reading all the sutras inside the storehouse.
Although it is an important cultural property, visitors are also allowed to turn the rangura, so I tried it myself!
It was a good experience, but one thing I want to say to those who go alone, this Kyodo, it’s too heavy to go around alone, you have to go around with someone.
The author also had to turn with a couple who were experiencing it for the first time, feeling awkward.
I don’t think you have to worry about that during busy times, so I guess it depends on your timing!
Important Cultural Property, Sanmon Gate
The last attraction is the gate, an important cultural property.
You can climb up to the top of the gate! I am glad that I like the view from high places!
There are quite steep stairs to climb, so be careful.
Here is the view from the top! You can see the whole city of Nagano from here. It’s a nice cityscape surrounded by the Alps.
If you turn to the other side, you can see the main hall of Zenkoji Temple from a high vantage point! The view from above is also nice!
Eating and drinking on Nakamise-dori
After visiting the temple, it is recommended to eat your way through Zenkoji’s Nakamise Street!
The picture was taken in the morning, so the stores were not open at that time of the day and it was deserted, but once the stores opened, they were quite busy!
There are Nagano’s specialty oyaki, a fashionable Starbucks, etc., and Nakamise-dori is fun just to walk around looking at the shops♪
It is a Japanese modern and stylish Starbucks.
Lastly, we would like to introduce “Mameyoshi Honpo Shinshu Tsuchishige”. The store has been in business since the Edo period and has a history of over 300 years.
Here, we had the store’s specialty, “Negimiso Cheese Oyaki” (green onion miso and cheese oyaki).
The combination of the green onion miso and cheese is superb. The cheese was melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Summary: Let’s go to Zenkoji Temple!
How was your introduction to Zenkoji Temple in Shinshu?
As the saying goes, “Once in a lifetime you must visit Zenkoji Temple,” and “Even if it is far away, you must pay a visit to Zenkoji Temple at least once.
We toured all the spots included in the common ticket from around 8:30 a.m. and were able to get around in about two hours!
I recommend that you go early in the morning so that you can sightsee in a calm and relaxed manner, and most importantly, you can start your day with a refreshed mind!
I would recommend this tour to anyone who is planning to travel alone or sightsee without a car, as it is easily accessible from Nagano Station. If you have a chance to visit Shinshu or Nagano, please visit Zenkoji Temple.
I hope this article has been helpful to as many people as possible!