Nagano's Zenkoji Temple (善光寺, Zenkōji) is one of the most important and popular temples in Japan. It was founded in the 7th century and stores the first Buddhist statue ever to be brought into Japan when Buddhism was first introduced in the 6th century. The original statue is hidden while a copy of it is shown to the public every six years for a few weeks. The next opportunity to see the statue is in 2027.

The significance of Zenkoji to the development of Nagano was instrumental: many major Japanese cities have evolved either from castle towns, harbor towns or temple towns. In the case of Nagano, it grew from a temple town which developed around its temple of great importance, Zenkoji.

Most recently rebuilt in 1707, Zenkoji's main hall is nicely ornamented and contains various Buddhist statues. A fee is required to enter the hall's inner chamber, where visitors can take a closer look at the temple's main altar. In the basement of the inner chamber is an underground passage, which visitors walk through in complete darkness in search of the "key to paradise". The key is attached to a wall along the corridor and is believed to grant salvation to anybody who touches it.

A short walk behind the main hall stands a relatively recently built pagoda which houses the Zenkoji History Museum. The museum showcases a collection of intricately carved statues of different Buddhas and Bodhisattva, allowing one to appreciate up-close the characteristics of each. There is also a display of 100 Rakan, the disciples of Buddha.

South of the main hall is the Sanmon Gate, the temple's main gate which dates back to 1750. This designated important cultural property can be entered and houses statues of the Monju Bodhisattva and the four heavenly kings (Shitenno). Its second story offers views of the temple approach.

Just outside the Sanmon Gate stand one large and six medium sized statues of Jizo Bodhisattva. The temple approach leading up to this point is lined with shops selling local specialties and souvenirs, as well as small restaurants. At the southern end of the approach is Niomon Gate, the outer gate of the temple which is guarded by a pair of Nio Guardians.

The many abodes lining the streets parallel to the main temple approach indicate just how well received Zenkoji has traditionally been. Today, accommodation at these temple lodgings (shukubo) is still popular, especially for those who would like to visit the temple at sunrise to participate in its daily morning service (Oasaji). At the service, a solemn ceremony is held, during which visitors receive blessings from a top priest or priestess.

Getting there and around

Zenkoji is a ten minute bus ride from JR Nagano Station. Alternatively, take a train from the underground Nagaden Nagano Station next to JR Nagano Station and alight at Zenkojishita Station (4 minutes, 170 yen, 2-3 trains per hour), from where it is a 5-10 minute walk to the temple. Good walkers can reach the temple approach in about half an hour from Nagano Station.

How to get to and around Nagano

Hours and Fees

Main Hall

Hours

Closed

Admission

Sanmon Gate

Hours

Closed

Admission

Hotels around Nagano

    • Takamine Onsen
      A mountain top onsen lodge at an altitude of 2000m facing Mt.Asama. Enjoy breathtaking views soaking in the outdoor bath. Bus runs from Tokyo & JR Sakudaira Sta.
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    • Shioriya
      Budget-friendly
      Featuring 2-star accommodation, Shioriya is located in Nagano, 7.6 km from Nagano Station and 10 km from Zenkoji Temple. This guest house provides free private parking, a shared kitchen and free WiFi. The accommodation features luggage storage space and a shared lounge for guests. The units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a bath, slippers and a desk. At the guest house, every unit includes a wardrobe and a private bathroom. Guests at the guest house will be able to enjoy activities in and around Nagano, like skiing. Suzaka City Zoo is 17 km from Shioriya, while Jigokudani Monkey Park is 40 km away. Matsumoto Airport is 72 km from the property.
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    • 1166 Backpackers
      Budget-friendly
      1166 Backpackers is located in Nagano, within less than 1 km of Zenkoji Temple and 2.5 km of Nagano Station. With a shared lounge, the 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. Selected rooms have a kitchen with a fridge, an oven and a microwave. At the hostel each room includes bed linen and towels. Suzaka City Zoo is 14 km from 1166 Backpackers, while Jigokudani Monkey Park is 32 km away. Matsumoto Airport is 74 km from the property.
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    • Oshi Ryokan
      Budget-friendly
      Oshi Ryokan is located in Nagano, 20 km from Zenkoji Temple, 22 km from Nagano Station, as well as 32 km from Suzaka City Zoo. This ryokan provides free private parking, luggage storage space and free WiFi. The ryokan features family rooms. Units are complete with a shared bathroom, while certain units at the ryokan also offer a seating area. For visitors looking to embark on day trips to nearby landmarks, the ryokan features a selection of packed lunches. The area is popular for skiing, and ski equipment hire is available at this 2-star ryokan. Oshi Ryokan has a garden for your convenience, along with ski storage space. Jigokudani Monkey Park is 45 km from the accommodation, while Tsugaike Kogen Ski Area is 46 km away. Matsumoto Airport is 93 km from the property.
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    • Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan
      Mid-range
      Just 250 metres from Zenko-ji Temple, Matsuya Ryokan offers simple Japanese rooms with tatami-mat floors, a green-tea maker and an attached Western bathroom. The hotel features public baths. Guests at Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan stay in rooms with shoji paper screens and traditional futon bedding. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a TV and slippers. Zenko-ji-shita Subway Station is 600 metres away, and Shinano Art Museum is 650 metres from the ryokan. JR Nagano Train Station is 3 km away. A Japanese breakfast and a Japanese course dinner are served at the dining room or the guest room.
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    • Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
      Luxury
      Hotel Metropolitan Nagano features elegantly decorated rooms and a wide range of dining options, including a Japanese restaurant, a Chinese restaurant and a cafe. The hotel is conveniently located right next to the JR Nagano Train Station. All rooms feature carpeted floors, a seating area, and comes with a flat-screen TV, a desk and a wardrobe. There is a bath tub, a hairdryer and free toiletries in the en suite bathroom. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Nagano Metropolitan Hotel provides luggage storage and dry cleaning services. A massage salon on the ground floor can provide guests with a vigorous massage. Zenko-ji temple, one of Japan’s National Treasures, is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Shinano Art Museum and the Joyama Park are located within a 5-minute walk from the temple. The Iris cafe serves hearty breakfast buffet in the morning, while Shinano Japanese restaurant offers sushi and teppanyaki cuisines prepared right in front of the guests.
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    • Dormy Inn Nagano
      Mid-range
      Situated conveniently a minute's stroll away from JR Nagano Station, Dormy Inn Nagano features a 24-hour front desk and a public hot spring facility with an open-air bath and sauna. Free WiFi access is available throughout the entire property. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a desk, refrigerator, an air-humidifier and an electric kettle. Rooms come with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and personal lockers. Guests will find luggage storage service offered at the front desk. Trouser presses and ironing facilities can be provided free of charge upon request. Coin-operated laundry machines and drink vending machines are also available. A Japanese-style and Western breakfast buffet consisting of local specialities is on offer at the on-site restaurant. Matsumoto Airport is a 90-minute bus ride away from JR Nagano Station. Zenkoji Temple is 1.9 km from Dormy Inn Nagano, while Togakushi Shrine is 14 km from the property.
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    • Dot Hostel Nagano
      Budget-friendly
      Set in Nagano, within 500 metres of Zenkoji Temple and 2.5 km of Nagano Station, Dot Hostel Nagano provides a bar. Featuring a shared lounge, the 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen and a concierge service for guests. The units feature bed linen. Suzaka City Zoo is 13 km from the hostel, while Jigokudani Monkey Park is 32 km away. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, 74 km from Dot Hostel Nagano.
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    • Hotel NewNagano NeXT
      Mid-range
      Hotel NewNagano NeXT is set in Nagano, 1.2 km from Nagano Station and 2 km from Zenkoji Temple. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage space and free WiFi. Suzaka City Zoo is 13 km from the hotel and Jigokudani Monkey Park is 33 km away. The units in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV. All guest rooms at Hotel NewNagano NeXT feature air conditioning and a desk. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Ryuoo Ski Park is 35 km from Hotel NewNagano NeXT, while Togakushi Shrine is 23 km from the property. Matsumoto Airport is 73 km away.
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    • Chisun Grand Nagano
      Mid-range
      A 5-minute walk from JR Nagano Train Station, Chisun Grand Nagano offers rooms with free WiFi access throughout the hotel. A selection of free amenities in the lobby is offered. The air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen TV with video-on-demand features, a fridge and an electric kettle. Slippers and nightwear are provided for all guests, while the en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer. All rooms come with a humidifier. Dry cleaning services are provided at the front desk. Private parking is available for an additional fee. Designated smoking area is available for guest's convenience. Located on the 12th floor, Asama restaurant serves a Japanese-style breakfast featuring local white rice. Guests can try grilled fish and miso soup. Refreshments are available at the ground floor lounge. Zenko-ji Temple is a 10-minute drive away. Nagano Grand Chisun is a 25-minute drive from Iizuna Kogen Ski Resort and a 1-hour drive from Snow Monkey Park. A convenience store is located a 1-minute walk away.
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    • Chateraise Hotel Nagano
      Mid-range
      Located within 400 metres of Nagano Station and 2.6 km of Zenkoji Temple, Chateraise Hotel Nagano provides rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Nagano. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking is available on site. At the hotel, every room is fitted with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. All units will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle. A buffet breakfast is available daily at Chateraise Hotel Nagano. Suzaka City Zoo is 12 km from the accommodation, while Jigokudani Monkey Park is 33 km away. Matsumoto Airport is 73 km from the property.
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Experiences around Nagano

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