Zenkoji Temple

Religious spot
★ 4.9 (8K+ reviews) • 2K+ 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.
See more
See more
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

Afternoon departure
English available
Free cancellation
★ 4.5 (4) • New Activity
AUD 339.39
Winter Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake

Winter Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake

English available
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
AUD 227.79
2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano To Takayama via Matsumoto

2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano To Takayama via Matsumoto

English available
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
AUD 1,126.15
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

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

English available
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.9 (113) • 1K+ booked
From AUD 223.05
2-Day Snow Monkeys and Kusatsu Onsen Tour from Shinjuku

2-Day Snow Monkeys and Kusatsu Onsen Tour from Shinjuku

Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
AUD 470.95
Snow Monkey Park & Miso Production Bus Tour from Nagano/Tokyo

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

English available
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 5.0 (1) • New Activity
From AUD 274.39
Nagano Area Private Ski Lessons

Nagano Area Private Ski Lessons

Morning departure
Up to 3 hrs
English available
From AUD 824.59
Nagano Snow Monkeys and Cherry Blossoms Day Tour

Nagano Snow Monkeys and Cherry Blossoms Day Tour

English available
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
AUD 227.79

Make it a getaway

Zenkoji Temple Yakuoin

Zenkoji Temple Yakuoin

Instant confirmation
★ 4.0 (5) • New Activity
From AUD 178.13
Hotel Cortland

Hotel Cortland

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (202) • New Activity
From AUD 57.74
AUD 59.32
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (1,007) • New Activity
From AUD 107.87
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi

Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (1,002) • New Activity
From AUD 81.61
Hotel JAL City Nagano

Hotel JAL City Nagano

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (844) • New Activity
From AUD 64.05
Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel

Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (857) • New Activity
From AUD 98.86
Chisun Grand Nagano

Chisun Grand Nagano

Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (783) • New Activity
From AUD 84.83
Dormy Inn Nagano Zenkounoyu Natural Hot Spring

Dormy Inn Nagano Zenkounoyu Natural Hot Spring

Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (523) • New Activity
From AUD 129.2
Hotel Abest Nagano Ekimae

Hotel Abest Nagano Ekimae

Instant confirmation
★ 3.5 (231) • New Activity
From AUD 72.23
Hotel Kokusai 21 Nagano

Hotel Kokusai 21 Nagano

Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (179) • New Activity
From AUD 93.7
Mash Café & Bed NAGANO - Hostel

Mash Café & Bed NAGANO - Hostel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.1 (175) • New Activity
From AUD 74.53
Smile Hotel Nagano

Smile Hotel Nagano

Instant confirmation
★ 3.7 (26) • New Activity
From AUD 54.4

More to explore

1-Day Ski Tour Package from Nagano Station

1-Day Ski Tour Package from Nagano Station

Beginner-friendly
English available
Free cancellation
★ 5.0 (1) • 50+ booked
From AUD 409.50

Why people love Zenkoji Temple

4.9 /5
8K+ reviews
Read all reviews
SHIAO ****************
27 Dec 2024
highlight was definitely the snow monkeys! So wonderful experience to see them in their zone, soaking in the onsen and wandering around the humans. Hahaha. Lunch provided was also in a beautiful restaurant and the hotpot was soooo good.
2+
Klook User
27 Dec 2024
we had an experience of a lifetime! Yama our tour guide was awesome. and the monkey park was unreal. Highly recommend this tour. easy to get to from Tokyo as well!
2+
Klook User
23 Dec 2024
what an amazing tour! the guide were amazing and friendly. The Japanese lunch was delicious and the highlight of the tour was numerous snow monkeys in the onsen the day we went. Please put on snow boots to prevent slipping as the trails can be slippery and you dnt wanna slip your way to the monkeys😅😅. Highly recommended. Thanks mica our guide for an amazing tour.
2+
ANNA ************
17 Dec 2024
Teddy was an amazing tour guide. He gave us information about the temple and snow monkeys. Nabe was so good! I like that the group was not too big.
2+
veris ***
15 Dec 2024
meeting point is easy to identify. guide is friendly and take care of all guest. time is prompt. overall excellent experience. thanks to guide for the little farewell origami
2+
Guat *********
11 Dec 2024
fantastic location, friendly staff, great indoor & outdoor onsen, free flow toiletries at lobby, free ranem at night, yummy breakfast, clean and spacious room! everything is perfect!!
1+
Klook User
9 Dec 2024
An enjoyable day trip at Nagano,suitable for those who likes Sake! There is a good variety of sake for tasting and if you purchase more that 6000 yen, there is few delivery within Japan area. The time at Zenkoji was a bit tight but there was ample time at the Snow Monkey park. It was a good hike up the hill and we saw the monkeys enjoying the onsen in the snow. Lunch was delicious. The trip guide Shawn speaks very good English!
2+
wu *********
8 Dec 2024
The tour leader is serious, attentive and responsible, and takes good care of the accompanying members. The attractions are explained clearly. Sake tasting, Zenkoji Temple, lunch, and snow monkey attractions are all worth experiencing.
2+

Nearby places to go

3K+ visitors
1K+ visitors
12K+ visitors
50+ visitors
50+ visitors
50+ visitors

FAQs about Zenkoji Temple

What are the best times to visit Zenkoji Temple?

What transportation options are available to reach Zenkoji Temple?

What important travel advice should I keep in mind when visiting Zenkoji Temple?

What to know before visiting Zenkoji Temple

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.