Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji Temple (善光寺), located in the city of Nagano, Japan, is one of the most important and revered temples in Japan, known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and spiritual significance. Founded in the 7th century, the temple is dedicated to the Amida Buddha and has been a site of pilgrimage for over 1,400 years. Zenkoji Temple is unique in that it is open to people of all denominations and beliefs.

The temple’s main hall, the hondo, houses the principal image of Amida Buddha, said to be one of the first Buddha statues brought to Japan and considered the oldest Buddhist statue in the country. The hondo itself is a designated national treasure and is one of the oldest and most important wooden structures in Japan. The temple complex also includes several other significant structures, such as the Niomon Gate, the Sanmon Gate, and the Zenkoji Museum, where visitors can learn about the temple’s history and art.

One of the most unique features of Zenkoji Temple is the “Kaidan Meguri,” a pilgrimage through a pitch-black passage beneath the main hall. It is believed that by successfully navigating this passage, one can reach enlightenment and enter the Pure Land after death.

The temple hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, the most notable being the Gokaicho, a grand unveiling of the hidden principal image, which occurs once every six years. This event draws millions of visitors from all over Japan and the world.

Beyond its religious and historical significance, Zenkoji Temple is also a popular tourist destination for its beautiful gardens, traditional architecture, and vibrant cultural events, such as the annual Lantern Festival held in February, which illuminates the temple grounds with thousands of lanterns.

The bustling Nakamise-dori street, located on the approach to the temple, offers a wide array of souvenir shops and restaurants, where visitors can sample local specialties like Shinshu soba noodles and oyaki dumplings. The surrounding area, known as the Monzen-machi, has been a temple town since ancient times, and retains a historic atmosphere with traditional shops and inns.

Getting there

By Train

From JR Nagano Station:

• Take the Nagano Dentetsu (Nagano Electric Railway) train to Zenkojishita Station
• Journey time: 4 minutes
• Cost: 170 yen
• Frequency: 2-3 trains per hour
• From Zenkojishita Station, it’s a 5-10 minute walk to the temple

By Bus

From JR Nagano Station:

• Take a local bus from bus stop #1 in front of the station
• Get off at Zenkoji Daimon bus stop
• Journey time: About 15 minutes
• Cost: 190 yen
• All buses from this stop go to Zenkoji

By Foot

• 30-minute walk northwest from JR Nagano Station
• Follow Chuo-dori street directly to the temple

By Car

• About 40 minutes drive from either Nagano IC or Suzaka-Nagano-Higashi IC
• Several parking lots available near the temple (fees apply)

Details

Hours	5:00 am – 5:00 pm
Admission	The admission to the temple grounds is free, but there is a fee to enter the inner temple. The fee is 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children.
Phone	+81 26-234-3591
Address	Motoyoshicho-491, Nagano, Nagano Prefecture 380-0851, Japan
Official Website	https://www.zenkoji.jp/