Zenkoji Temple
Tourist sight
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
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Zenkoji Experience Tour with Overnight 'Shukubo' Temple Lodging Stay
Easy refund
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NZ$ 366.05
2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano To Takayama via Matsumoto
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NZ$ 1,214.65
Winter Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake
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NZ$ 245.69
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano
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Book now for tomorrow
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NZ$ 231.35
Snow Monkey Park & Miso Production Bus Tour from Nagano/Tokyo
Easy refund
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NZ$ 295.95
Hakuba / Nozawa Onsen / Shiga Kogen Ski Resort Tours from Nagano
Beginner-friendly
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NZ$ 441.69
Nagano Snow Monkeys and Cherry Blossoms Day Tour
Easy refund
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NZ$ 245.69
Nagano Area Private Ski Lessons
Private group
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NZ$ 883.19
NZ$ 507.95
Make it a getaway
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Zenkoji Temple Yakuoin
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NZ$ 214.12
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
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NZ$ 132.02
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi
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NZ$ 78.09
Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel
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NZ$ 105.39
Chisun Grand Nagano
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NZ$ 96.36
Dormy Inn Nagano Zenkounoyu Natural Hot Spring
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NZ$ 125.37
NZ$ 162.82
Hotel JAL City Nagano
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NZ$ 86.75
Toyoko Inn Nagano-eki Higashi-guchi
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NZ$ 100.72
Smile Hotel Nagano
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NZ$ 89.01
Toyoko Inn Nagano Station Zenkoji
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NZ$ 100.6
Hotel Select Inn Nagano
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NZ$ 61.44
Nagano Plaza Hotel
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NZ$ 69.59
Why people love Zenkoji Temple
Yrwin **************
3 days ago
Absolutely lovely experience ! Our tour guide was very accommodating and nice! This monkey park is difficult to get to if you don’t have a car! so this tour package was very worth it! and also the lunch they offered was top notch! thank you so much Mica for accommodating us with the tour! I’m very thankful I got to see some monkeys, despite not being snow season when I went!
2+
Ana ******
3 days ago
This tour is absolutely worth it! Mika is an amazing guide—very attentive and funny. She explained everything to us and even went beyond expectations.
We started the day at the scheduled time at the station, with everything running punctually. After that, we took a van to the temple, followed by the sake experience. Mika offered us numerous sake options to try and explained the sake-making process in detail.
Lunch was divine—it felt like we were in an old and elegant wooden restaurant. The food was a feast, beautifully presented. Afterward, we spotted some monkeys, although it was quite hot, so they didn’t enter the onsen.
This tour is a 10/10. I highly recommend it!
Supiya *
4 days ago
It was a pretty good tour! We visited three places in a couple of hours. The temple and sake tasting are right next to each other, which was convenient. The lunch was so satisfying as well! We were quite lucky to at least see three snow monkeys too.
2+
Klook User
6 days ago
I did this trip in a one day trip from Tokyo (booked the shinkansen and takes about 1h15). This trip was one of the best I have done in Japan, I thought I had my shares of temples but this one was different. the whole area was so nice and cute. We had a buddhist priest blessure ceremonie while being there, and the sake tasting was also great. Lunch was really nice, a lot and very tasting. Even though beginning of November is mating season and a bit early to be sure to see the monkeys, we were so lucky and saw a whole troop, they stayed about 45 min and then left again. It was really amazing to see. Our guide Kei was sooo enthousiastic and very kind, and made this trip really top!
2+
Tsang *******
14 Nov
The group that day, originally only seven people, small group, very good. When online photon, the guide explained very clearly, with some history and anecdotes, very interesting. This tour included lunch, which was better than expected and very Japanese. When we arrived at Snow After Park, unfortunately, we only saw five to six monkeys. The tour guide saw the situation and suggested adding one more attraction, so we went to the nearby hot spring street for a walk. The overall journey was easy and the guide controlled the time appropriately. Good day.
2+
Jovani *********
8 Nov
Really a great experience to live 👌 We were lucky since several monkeys were there when we arrived. To visit if you are in the Nagano region no matter the year.
1+
Laetitia *******
3 Nov
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+
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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.