Zenkoji Temple Nagano

The main tourist attraction in Nagano City, Zenkoji Temple (said to have been built in the early 7th century) is a famous Japan temple & a must see in Nagano.

Main tourist attraction in Nagano City, Zenkoji Temple, famous Japan temple, must see in Nagano.

About Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji Temple (善光寺) in Nagano City is one of Japan’s most historically significant and spiritually inclusive Buddhist sites. Established in the 7th century, it has been a center of faith and pilgrimage for over 1,400 years.

The temple is renowned for housing Japan’s oldest Amida Buddha statue, known as the Hibutsu, which is traditionally kept hidden and only revealed to the public once every six years during the Gokaicho ceremony.

Zenkoji Temple attracts approximately 7 million visitors annually. The approach to the temple is lined with traditional shops and eateries, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Nearby, the Zenkoji History Museum showcases a collection of Buddhist sculptures, providing deeper insight into the temple’s rich heritage.

Historical Significance

Zenkoji Temple was founded in 642 by Honda Yoshimitsu, who enshrined the sacred statue at its current location. The Hibutsu is believed to have been brought to Japan from India via the Korean Peninsula in the 6th century. This makes it one of the earliest Buddhist icons in the country. The temple is unique in that it is not affiliated with any single Buddhist sect. Instead, it is shared by both the Tendai and Jōdoshū schools of Mahayana Buddhism. Zenkoji Temple stands as a testament to Japan’s rich Buddhist heritage, offering visitors a profound spiritual experience and a glimpse into the nation’s historical and cultural tapestry. This makes it the main tourist attraction in Nagano.

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Zenkoji Temple is still, by far, the top attraction of the region and the heart of the city. The city was previously known as Shinano before the arrival of the Ikkou Sanzon Amida Nyorai, the Amida Golden Triad, believed to be the first image of the Buddha in Japan. The sacred image inspired the construction of the temple during the seventh century and the city has developed around it ever since. The road to the temple is lined with shukubo – the kind of lodging that is traditionally attached to a Japanese temple. A shukubo is similar to traditional Japanese inns but at a shukubo you can join in morning prayers with the temple monks and eat shojin ryori – the special austere, vegetarian meal for monks.

Architectural Highlights

Main Hall (Hon-dō): A National Treasure and one of Japan’s oldest wooden structures, the Hon-dō is the focal point of the temple complex.
Inner Prayer Chamber: Visitors can participate in a unique ritual by entering a dark corridor beneath the main hall, where they attempt to touch a metal key hanging on the wall. This act symbolizes the aspiration to reach the Western Paradise of Amida Buddha.
Sutra Repository (Kyōzō): Housing a rotating sūtra holder, this structure allows visitors to turn the holder, believed to bring enlightenment.
Sanmon Gate: An Important Cultural Property, the gate is adorned with five wooden Buddhist statues and features a plaque with calligraphy by the Imperial prince, said to contain hidden doves in the lettering.

Zenkoji Temple: Visitor need to knows

Access: Approximately 1.8 kilometers north of JR Nagano Station, this famous Japan temple is easily accessible by foot or public transport. Look here for transport timetables.
Opening Hours: Temple grounds are open daily. Specific building hours vary. For example, the Hon-dō and Kyōzō are typically open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Areas of the temple may be open for longer hours during festivals or particular celebrations and ceremonies.
Admission: While access to the temple grounds is free, there may be a fee for entry to certain areas like the Hon-dō and Kyōzō.
Time to spend: Although a must see in Nagano, a half day visit will usually suffice the needs of most travelers and it could be combined with a visit to the Japan Snow Monkeys.