Zenkoji Temple

Tourist sight
★ 4.9 (7K+ reviews) • 1K+ booked
Immerse yourself in the rich history and spiritual significance of Zenkoji Temple Nagano, a 1400-year-old pilgrimage shrine nestled in the picturesque valley of Nagano city. Explore the hidden treasures, ancient serenity, and mystical world of this iconic temple, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking spiritual enlightenment and cultural immersion.
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491-イ, Motoyoshichō Nagano, 380-0851, Japan

The best of Zenkoji Temple

Bucket-list experiences

Zenkoji Experience Tour with Overnight 'Shukubo' Temple Lodging Stay

Zenkoji Experience Tour with Overnight 'Shukubo' Temple Lodging Stay

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★ 4.5 (4)
US$ 218.05
2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano To Takayama via Matsumoto
US$ 723.45
Winter Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake
US$ 146.35
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

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★ 4.8 (79)
From US$ 137.79
Hakuba Ski Resort Tours from Nagano

Hakuba Ski Resort Tours from Nagano

Beginner-friendly
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From US$ 263.09
Snow Monkey Park & Miso Production Bus Tour from Nagano/Tokyo

Snow Monkey Park & Miso Production Bus Tour from Nagano/Tokyo

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★ 5.0 (1)
From US$ 176.25
Nagano Snow Monkeys and Cherry Blossoms Day Tour

Nagano Snow Monkeys and Cherry Blossoms Day Tour

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US$ 146.35
Nagano Area Private Ski Lessons

Nagano Area Private Ski Lessons

Private group
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From US$ 529.20

Make it a getaway

Zenkoji Temple Yakuoin

Zenkoji Temple Yakuoin

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★ 4.0 (5)
US$ 125.67
Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel

Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel

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★ 4.5 (774)
From US$ 61.91
Dormy Inn Nagano Zenkounoyu Natural Hot Spring

Dormy Inn Nagano Zenkounoyu Natural Hot Spring

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★ 4.5 (490)
From US$ 77.99
US$ 101.28
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

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★ 4.5 (962)
From US$ 74.82
Toyoko Inn Nagano Station Zenkoji

Toyoko Inn Nagano Station Zenkoji

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★ 4.0 (401)
From US$ 59.15
Toyoko Inn Nagano-eki Higashi-guchi

Toyoko Inn Nagano-eki Higashi-guchi

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★ 4.2 (156)
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Hotel JAL City Nagano

Hotel JAL City Nagano

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★ 4.1 (729)
From US$ 53.66
Chisun Grand Nagano

Chisun Grand Nagano

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Hotel Cortland

Hotel Cortland

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★ 4.2 (161)
From US$ 36.91
Hotel Select Inn Nagano

Hotel Select Inn Nagano

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★ 3.2 (162)
From US$ 36.1
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi

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★ 4.3 (864)
From US$ 45.95
Smile Hotel Nagano

Smile Hotel Nagano

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★ 3.8 (20)
From US$ 55.62

Why people love Zenkoji Temple

4.9 /5
7K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Laetitia *******
2 days ago
Absolutely perfect ! The guide was awesome and very knowledgeable without being overwhelming. First, we had some oyaki in a very nice place with very nice people. Then, some sake tasting. After, we visited Zenkoji and had some free time before the fire ceremony. Finally we learned about the tea ceremony at Tsumugi which was incredible. We slept at Ryōshōin Shukubo for the night. Midori-san was so nice and so helpful. The food was incredible. The next day, we went to the morning ceremony then to the crypt. The guide was extremely energetic at 6am and seemed a little bit miffed at realising that the guide we had the day before had basically told us a lot about Zenkoji already. Everything was seriously great and I definitely recommend. Even the terrible weather we had couldn't put a damper on that wonderful day.
Klook User
29 Sep
Wow, such a great tour. This was a small group tour with only 11 people, which gave this a very personal feel. Our guide Endo was friendly, knowledgeable and lovely to chat with. The tour mentions that lunch is included - this is an understatement! Lunch was a beautiful Japanese feast! Unfortunately, it sounds like late Sept isn't a great time to see snow monkeys, so we were lucky that there were 3 monkeys at the park, still incredibly cute! Our guide was then able to change the schedule to include a visit to a nearby onsen town that was the setting for the film Spirited Away. I highly recommend this tour!
2+
Klook User
13 Aug
This tour exceeding all expectations. Jens was an amazing tour guide and so knowledgeable about the area. From the temple to the sake tasting to the beautiful lunch and then all the spa monkeys plus a stop for apple pie and the best apple soft serve!! it was such a great experience and we can’t wait to come back in the winter to do it again!
1+
劉 **
6 Aug
The location and price are good. Shopping and eating are very convenient. There is a lane for self-driving to unload luggage. The room is spacious and comfortable. I will stay here again if I have the opportunity.
Klook User
5 Jul
This tour was a perfect way to get a lot out of our one full day in Nagano! Our tour guide Jens was very entertaining and knowledgeable and the activities themselves were great! we got lots more insight into the attractions we took part in through our guide than if we had tried to do it alone. Would definitely recommend!
Jayvee *******
26 Jun
very peaceful and we love staying here. you can walk to the station
黃 **
15 Jun
Big push, big push! The location is great. There is a parking tower in the hotel, but it is not free. The road in front of the hotel is unavailable during holidays. There is a welcome 100% apple juice.
Klook User
7 Jun
wonderful and amazing. my happy place, it gave me happy tears

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FAQs about Zenkoji Temple

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Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Main Hall

Explore the Main Hall of Zenkoji, a functional temple that houses the enshrined images of the Amida Buddha. Witness the daily morning ritual conducted by the high priest or priestess and experience the spiritual ambiance of this sacred space.

Gardens of Zenkō-ji

Stroll through the tranquil Gardens of Zenkō-ji, a serene oasis that offers a peaceful retreat for visitors. Admire the beauty of the natural surroundings and immerse yourself in the contemplative atmosphere of the temple grounds.

Sanmon Gate

Marvel at the Sanmon Gate, an Important Cultural Property that houses wooden Buddhist statues and a plaque with hidden doves. Experience the rich history and architectural grandeur of this iconic gate.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Zenkoji Temple holds a sacred statue of the Amida-Nyorai buddha, gifted to Japan by a Korean king, symbolizing the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between the two countries. Explore the temple's intricate architecture and spiritual practices that have attracted millions of visitors over the centuries.

Local Cuisine

Indulge in the flavors of Nagano city, known for its delicious local dishes such as apple-based delicacies and traditional Japanese cuisine. Experience the unique culinary offerings that reflect the region's agricultural heritage and culinary traditions.