Zenkōji temple — Attraction in Nagano

Nagano Prefecture is located basically in the center of Japan and is surrounded on all four sides by 3000-meter tall mountains, earning it the nickname of the “Roof of Japan”. In 1998, Nagano hosted the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The world-class snow resorts of Hakuba, Shiga Kogen Heights and Nozawa Onsen continue to attract winter sports enthusiasts every year. In addition, Nagano has convenient rail and expressway access to Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and other major cities, and is in close proximity to such premier sightseeing spots as Mt. Fuji, Hida-Takayama and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. The prefecture spreads out to the north and south over 13,562 square kilometers, making it Japan’s fourth largest in size. Approximately 20% of the area is designated as Natural Parks. The prefecture boasts a sunny, inland climate, with an annual average of approximately 2000 hours of sunshine, and an average temperature of a moderate 12 degrees Celsius, with relatively low humidity.

Besides being a treasure trove of nature, history and culture. Nagano is bursting with natural hot springs, making it the king of Onsens. Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park is the only place in the world you can see wild monkeys bathing in an onsen. Seeing their human-like expression on their faces as they soak is sure to bring a smile to your face. Karuizawa has historically been Japan’s most popular summer resort town. In addition to a multitude of golf courses and tennis courts and a well-appointed ski area, Karuizawa also features an expansive outlet shopping mall for year-round leisure enjoyment. Matsumoto Castle has the oldest 5-storied wooden donjon in the country and is a designated national treasure. Its black and white stucco siding provides a striking contrast with the beautiful Japan Alps in the background. Tsumago-juku, thanks to the preservation efforts of its townspeople, looks much the way it did during the feudal Edo era. Stepping into this classic post town gives one the feeling of having slipped back in time. Many people enjoy walking the 8 kilometers to Magome along the old Kyoto-to-Edo (Tokyo) Nakasendo Road, parts of which have the original cobblestone. In addition, thanks to the crisp, clean water and air, Nagano is famous for its delicious soba noodles, apples and sake, as well as oyaki dumplings, gohei mochi snacks, bamboo leaf-wrapped sasa-zushi. These and other traditional foods are part of Nagano’s culinary heritage and one of the prefecture’s biggest...

At the entrance of this magnificent temple, visitors are greeted by a beautifully maintained garden that exudes both serenity and grace. Every hour on the hour, the devoted monks ring a bell outside, filling the air with a soothing, resonant chime that gently calms the soul. Stepping inside, you are led through a mysterious, 30‑meter-long tunnel shrouded in darkness—a path that seems to transport you to another realm. Legend has it that if you dare to touch the sacred “key to paradise” etched upon the wall of this tunnel, you are blessed with a lifetime of fortune and peace.

Beyond the temple, a delightful shopping street beckons. This charming avenue, lined with quaint shops and stalls, offers not just souvenirs but also a leisurely stroll steeped in local culture and history. Whether you pause to admire the well-tended flora or wander amidst the vibrant market, every moment here enriches the entire experience.

An absolute must-see when visiting Nagano, this expansive attraction offers plenty of space to explore without feeling crowded. The vast grounds provide a serene setting where you can wander freely, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to more congested tourist spots. Moreover, this site serves as an ideal starting point for discovering many of Nagano’s other attractions. Within a short distance, you can venture to the acclaimed art museum, which houses a remarkable collection of traditional and contemporary works that celebrate both local heritage and modern creativity. For nature enthusiasts and families alike, the nearby zoo presents an excellent opportunity to observe a diverse range of animal species in thoughtfully designed habitats.

Additionally, history and sports fans will appreciate the solemn memorial dedicated to the 1998 Olympic Winter Games—a poignant tribute to a landmark event in Nagano’s history. Whether you are drawn by art, wildlife, or historical significance, this location sets the stage for a well-rounded exploration of everything Nagano has to offer. Overall, with its ample space and strategic location, this attraction not only enchants with its own beauty but also acts as a gateway to the rich cultural and historical...

The temple has been a place of prayer and a tourist attraction for 1,400 years. There are no religious sects, and the temple accepts the prayers of all people. When you visit the inner sanctuary of the main hall, the curtain on the left side of the front door is lifted up and opened so that you can deliver your prayers. The 1,200 yen ticket for the temple gate, the inner sanctum of the main hall, and a visit to the Okaidan is highly recommended. The ticket is sold at the ticket vending machine near the entrance on the right side of the perimeter toward the temple gate, and by the staff behind the gate. At the gate, take off your shoes and put them in the shoe box, then go up the steep stairs to the second floor. Photography is not allowed inside the room, but taking pictures of the scenery from the second floor is permitted. Walking along the outside corridor of the second floor of the temple gate, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view that is hard to believe is on the second floor. The approach leading from Nagano Station, the snow-covered mountains of Shinshu, the main hall, and the scenery that changes with the direction, one feels the harmony of human life, nature, and prayer. On the way from the temple gate to the main hall, visitors can buy incense for 100 yen and offer it to the furnace, believing that the smoke from the incense will make the place healthy. The inner sanctum of the main hall is the place to pray to the Ikko-Sanson Amida Nyorai, and after praying, you will make the Okaidan rounds. It is said that by going down to the basement of the main hall and touching the key called "the lock of paradise" while touching the wall with your right hand in the darkness, you can make a connection with the principal image and go to paradise. It is said that the underground is in the shape of a swastika, and that the person who changes direction many times in the darkness and is struck by the anxiety of not knowing where he or she is, seeks salvation in a life where the future is uncertain, and by touching the "lock of paradise," one feels as if he or she has found hope. Since there are many tourists, I would like to visit in the morning when there are...