[2025 Tokyo Attraction] Travel Guide for Zenkōji Temple (Updated Apr)

Want to see towering trees and spectacular snowy scenery? Then you must visit Nagano, a hidden gem near Tokyo. Today, I'll share a detailed two-day Nagano travel guide, covering transportation, accommodation, itinerary, and food. Don't forget to like and save this post if you're planning a trip to Japan! First, let's talk about transportation. We departed from Tokyo and took the JR Shinkansen from Shinjuku Station. It takes about an hour and a half to reach Nagano Station. There are two types of tickets: reserved seats and non-reserved seats. Reserved seats are fixed and cost around CNY 400, while non-reserved seats don't have assigned seating and cost around CNY 300. Regarding accommodation, the city isn't very big. We booked our hotel near Nagano Station, as it's also where you catch the bus to Togakushi Shrine. The area has many restaurants and shopping centers, making it very convenient. Here's our three-day, two-night itinerary. Take notes and follow along! On the first day, we arrived in Nagano from Tokyo and took a good rest to prepare for an early start the next day. For dinner, we chose Matsuya, a popular Japanese fast-food chain, as we didn't want to venture too far from the hotel. It's truly a king of value; a large portion of pork cutlet curry rice costs only JPY 700! On the second day, we headed to Togakushi Shrine. We took the bus from bus stop No. 7 at Nagano Station. I recommend arriving at the station by 8:00 am to queue for the 8:30 bus, as you might not get a seat if you arrive right on time. Here's the train schedule; remember to take a screenshot and save it! After a 40-minute bus ride, we arrived at Togakushi Chusha and then hiked to Togakushi Okusha. We followed the mountain path with the crowd, and the scenery along the way was stunning. Walking through the snow-covered forest was incredibly healing! We even saw snow-capped mountains along the way, so don't forget to take photos! After about 30 minutes of walking, we reached Okusha, where the famous towering tree path is located. It felt like stepping into a forest of giants, straight out of a Japanese drama. You must experience this in winter! After exploring, you can have lunch at the soba restaurant near the entrance of Okusha. Although some people say the food isn't great, I personally enjoyed it. A warm bowl of soba noodles is perfect in such cold weather. I recommend the beef soba; it's delicious! Avoid the grated yam soba; it has a slimy texture and a strange taste. Afterward, you can grab an ice cream cone at the entrance for JPY 750. They have apple and buckwheat flavors; the apple one is very refreshing. Then, hike back to Togakushi Chusha and take the bus back. Get off at the Zenkoji Temple gate, but don't visit the temple yet, as it closes at 4:00 pm. Stroll from the Zenkoji Temple gate to Nagano Station. There are many interesting shops along the way, including a great clothing store called Freaks Store. They even have Arc'teryx and The North Face Purple Label, and many items are on sale, so it's worth checking out. For dinner, we chose a yakiniku restaurant. If you like lamb, you should try it. It's located in a hidden basement, but many celebrities have dined there. They only offer three types of lamb: fresh lamb, marinated lamb, and lamb offal. We ordered two portions of each type of lamb, and they were incredibly fragrant without any gamey taste. The price wasn't too expensive, around JPY 3,000 per person. On the third day, we woke up naturally and took the bus to Zenkoji Temple. The matcha shop on the pedestrian street near the temple gate is delicious and worth a try! What's unique about this temple is that it's the first time I've seen a fashion brand collaborate with a temple. There's a Beams x Zenkoji Temple collaboration shop with many cute items, so be sure to check it out. They also have a wide selection of omamori charms. You can also draw fortunes at Zenkoji Temple for JPY 200. If you get a bad fortune, tie it to the designated spot at the entrance. After visiting the temple, we returned to Tokyo. If you have time, you can also visit nearby Karuizawa. Nagano isn't a large city, so two days are enough to explore and enjoy the food. So, don't forget to visit this hidden gem during your trip to Japan!

Zenkoji Temple 📍Address: Japan 〒380-0851 Nagano, Motoyoshicho, Japan ⏰Opening hours: Open daily from 05:30-16:30 The first ancient Buddhist temple in Japan and the first Buddha statue to be enshrined in Japan. Zenkoji Temple is a temple that is highly revered by the Japanese people. There is a Japanese saying that it is a temple that you must visit once in your life. The place is quiet, shady, clean, and has many shops and souvenir shops. #tripแจกโรงแรมฟรี

#2024wish Zenkoji If you climb the stone steps that are a good exercise for people who usually lack exercise, there is Zenkoji Temple. It's hard for people with disabilities to climb. Around August to October, on cool weather days, there is a possibility of being attacked by a horde of mosquitoes, so I think it's better to bring an insect repellent spray. Just after the rain, I was swarmed by a horde of mosquitoes, so I visited the high-speed shrine while shaking off the mosquitoes with a dash. The stone steps also ran down with all their strength, but it's dangerous, so it's a good idea to take measures against mosquitoes so that you never imitate (don't have to imitate). I wishto travel more in 2024

I went to Zenkoji Temple because it is open to the public once every seven years😊👏🏻 There were a lot of people because it is open to the public once every seven years. . It took more than an hour to get a stamp book, and I also waited more than an hour to enter Zenkoji Temple. I don't think you would have to wait that long if it wasn't for the open period. There were also souvenir shops and Starbucks on the way to Zenkoji Temple, which was also fun🥳 It was nice to be able to eat while walking around, like Asakusa👏🏻 I would like to go again when it is open to the public in seven years! I recommend it if you go to Nagano! #Nagano #Zenkoji Temple

Early in the morning, take a bus from Nagano JR Station to Zenko-ji Omotesando. Originally I just planned to visit the attractions near Nagano Station. I didn’t expect there were so many delicious foods in Omotesando! ! ! We recommend you try the following delicacies: 1. Beni-Beni Apple Pie (Caramel flavor is super delicious!) 2. Purple Sweet Potato Mont Blanc (the staff will make it on the spot, you can check in) 3. Royal Shaobing / Ogawa no Sho Daimen (freshly baked Shaobing available after 10am) Nagano Attractions｜Zenkoji Temple 📍Address: No. 491 Motozencho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture イ 🚌Transportation: Take a bus from Nagano Station, about 10 minutes by car #globaltravel #nagano #naganotravel

Zenko-ji Temple The main hall of Zenko-ji Temple is designated as a national treasure and is the largest wooden national treasure building in eastern Japan. Today, we chartered a car to the Hakuba area, passing by Zenko-ji Temple, and it was snowing ❄️ The temple is a representative tourist attraction in Shinshu, with more than 7 million visitors every year. Zenko-ji Temple is famous for its wide range of benefits, and since the Edo period, it has been said that "even if it is far away, you must visit Zenko-ji Temple once" and "you must visit Zenko-ji Temple at least once in your life." The principal image of the temple is the Amida Triad, which is considered to be the oldest Buddha statue in Japan. Zenko-ji Temple does not belong to any specific sect and is a non-sectarian temple, widely believed to be a temple for the common people that welcomes everyone.

#0yentravelJanuary2025 🔥Recommended points Zenkoji is one of Japan's most historic temples, located in the center of Nagano City. It is home to many national treasures and important cultural properties, and attracts many worshippers. 📝Travel record I've been to Nagano many times, but this was my first time at Zenkoji! I was impressed by the magnificent main hall. I was running out of time, so I only stayed for about 15 minutes. Next time I come, I'd like to take my time to explore Zenkoji! Hachiman-ya Isogorou Main Store The usual shichimi, located right next to Zenkoji Temple. There are many different varieties, so I bought ramen shichimi! -------------------------------------------- 📍Zenkoji Temple 491-I, Motozencho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture

Zenkoji Temple is a temple that represents Nagano's history and culture. As a "non-sectarian temple" that accepts all sects, it is a healing spot visited by many people from all over the country. ✨ When you enter the temple grounds, you will be greeted by the majestic main hall, and your mind will naturally become calm. In particular, the "Okaidan Meguri" is a very popular experience where you can receive blessings by touching a key in the dark! This time, I visited for the first time in the winter and prayed at the shrine, and the crisp air was very pleasant. It seems that the autumn leaves are also beautiful, so I would like to visit again during the autumn leaves season. If you come to Nagano Station, please visit! #NaganoTourism #HistoricalSpot #HealingPlace #DomesticTravelTrip #Zenkoji

Address - Yoroiya Ramen near Sensoji Temple Atmosphere/Location - The atmosphere is very nice, and the owner is very welcoming. We passed by this restaurant on a rainy night after returning from the Sumida River and wanted something hot to eat, so we stopped by. It turned out to be very delicious. Unfortunately, the restaurant didn't allow us to order more as it was about to close. They only accept cash. The owner is very chatty. Highlight - Original ramen with broth, the soup is very fragrant. Average price per person - 1,000-2,000 yen Rating - 10/10 🕰️Business hours: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

#0yentravelnovember "Visit Zenkoji at least once, no matter how far away" Since ancient times, Zenkoji has attracted many worshippers as a place that people "want to visit at least once in their lifetime". The reason for this is that it was believed that if one visited Zenkoji and prayed even once, they would be guaranteed to go to paradise. It is also famous for the "Zenkoji Front Honzon Gokaicho", a grand ceremony held once every seven years. The design of five doves hidden within the three letters of "Zenkoji" is also cute. Please take a good look and try to find the five pigeons. The main hall, mountain gate, and Niomon gate are all majestic. The bustling approach to the temple, which is different from Asakusa, was also nice. It has a temple town atmosphere, and it's no wonder it's popular with foreigners. ・ Zenkoji Temple 491-I, Nagano Motozenmachi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture Visiting hours: 9:00-16:30 [Main Hall] 1 hour before the morning service - 16:30 (April-October) / - 16:15 (March, November) / - 16:00 (December-February) *The earliest morning service is 5:30 in summer, and the latest is 7:00 in winter. For details, please check the "Memorial Service Schedule" on the official website. [Sanmon Gate] 9:00-16:00 (-13:00 on December 31st) [Goshuin stamp office on the left side of the main hall] 30 minutes before the morning service starts - 16:30 (opening hours vary depending on the season) Prices [Main Hall Inner Hall Ticket] 600 yen for adults, 200 yen for high school students, 50 yen for elementary and junior high school students, free for preschoolers

#0yentravelnovember Takei Kogei is a souvenir shop located on the approach to Zenkoji Temple that stocks "heartfelt handmade gifts" from Shinshu. The shop stocks traditional items from Shinshu, items that make use of traditions in the modern era, and items created by young artists in Shinshu, so it's a great place to look for souvenirs to commemorate your visit to Nagano. Woodcarvings, dyed and woven textiles, paintings, local toys, and more. At the back of the store, there is a gallery built in a storehouse, which is free to visit. What particularly caught my attention was the woodcarvings of Shinshu - Farmer's Art. Farmer's Art was started in 1919 as a side job for farmers during the off-season, with the aim of generating additional income. In addition to woodcarvings, which continue to this day, they also made vegetable dyes and embroidery inspired by works from Scandinavia and Russia, homespun (woolen) cushions, clay dolls, finger puppets, and more. This is a souvenir where you can encounter adorable woodcarvings from Shinshu. ・ Takei Kogei Store 512 Nagano Daimonmachi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, 381-0841 Business hours: 9:00-18:30 Closed days: Open everyday

📍Zenkoji Temple A temple that you should visit at least once in your life. The number of tourists is increasing year by year. The parking lot is also quite crowded, so it is recommended to go early in the morning on a weekday! 【INFORMATION】 Zenkoji Temple 📮491 I, Nagano Motozencho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, 380-0851 💰Admission fee: ¥1200 #0 Yen Travel Autumn

Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture It is so popular that long lines form during the first visit of the year, and many visitors come from outside the prefecture as well. It is the fourth largest wooden building designated as a national treasure, and its appearance is impressive. They also sell talismans and amulets, and it was very crowded on holidays😳 Going down from the main hall, there are many souvenir shops, soba restaurants, and food stalls, so you don't have to worry if you get hungry😌 If you go to Nagano, be sure to visit✨️ #0 yen travel autumn 📍Address: 491 Nagano Motozencho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture 380-0851 I

Zenkoji Honkakuin 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃 Hongakuin is famous for Ajari Pond. It is known as the dragon god legend. Kouen Ajari was a high priest at Mt. Hiei. He learned the teachings of Maitreya Bodhisattva and transformed into a dragon🐉 to save people, and entered the Sakuragaike Pond in Shizuoka Prefecture. It is said that 30 years later, he appeared at Zenkoji Temple, walked around the main hall seven times, put his hands together before the principal image on the lapis lazuli platform, and entered the pond at Honkakuin. This legend has led to the Sakuragaike Pond and Ajari Pond being connected! Ajari Pond, which was once filled with water, is now dry. However, according to locals, they pour sacred sake into the pond every day, and when they do, they can hear the sound of the sake dripping into the water. As a result, the pond has never dried up, and the water level has never risen. It is a mysterious pond. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ꕥShrine name: Zenkoji Honkakuin ꕥAddress: Nagano 495, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture ꕥAccess: 🚌🚏Zenkojishita → approx. 13-minute walk ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #0 yen travel autumn #Zenkoji #Temple #Temple tour

Zenkoji Temple was founded in Yanaka in 1558. It was moved to this location in 1705! During the Edo period, it was the Tokyo lodgings of the Shinshu Zenkoji Hongan Shonin. I had been to Zenkoji Temple in Shinshu before, so I was deeply moved. "Why is Zenkoji Temple in a place like this?!" The temple grounds were not that big, but somehow it reminded me of Zenkoji Temple in Shinshu. You can see the Zenkoji Temple crest, the hollyhock, on the incense burner. The autumn sunlight was pleasant, and I was completely soothed by the sight of the cats relaxing and the bright red kochia. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ꕥShrine name: Nanmeiyama Zenkoji ꕥAddress: 3-5-17 Kitaaoyama, Minato-ku ꕥAccess 🚉 Omotesando Station → 🚶‍♀️ 1 minute walk ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #Zenkoji #Aoyama #Shrines and temples #Temples and temples #Tokyo trip #Tokyo sightseeing