Zenkoji Temple (善光寺) is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Nagano, Japan. It is one of the most important and revered temples in Japan, and is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and spiritual significance.
The temple was founded in the 7th century, and is dedicated to the Amida Buddha. It has been a site of pilgrimage for over 1,400 years, and is said to hold one of the first images of the Buddha to be brought to Japan.
Zenkoji Temple’s main hall, the hondo, is a designated national treasure and is considered one of the oldest and most important wooden buildings in Japan. The temple also features a number of other important buildings, including the Niomon Gate, the Sanmon Gate, and the Zenkoji Museum.
One of the most unique aspects of Zenkoji Temple is the hidden Buddha statue that is kept in a special chamber within the temple. The statue is only shown to the public once every six years during a special event known as the Gokaicho, which attracts millions of visitors from around Japan and the world.
Aside from the religious and historical significance of the temple, Zenkoji is also a popular tourist destination for its beautiful gardens, traditional architecture, and cultural events. The temple hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the annual Lantern Festival in February, which features thousands of paper lanterns lighting up the temple grounds.
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 |