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Temple · Nagano, Nagano
Zenko-ji Temple
A Buddhist temple founded in the 7th century, a pilgrimage center for all Japan, which houses a Buddha image said to be the first brought to the country. The main hall, from 1707, is a national treasure and has a dark corridor beneath the altar.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Zenko-ji Temple in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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About Zenko-ji Temple
Zenko-ji was founded, according to tradition, in 642 to house an image of the Amida Buddha that is said to have arrived from Korea in the 6th century and would be the first Buddhist image in Japan. The original image is a hibutsu, a secret statue that no one sees; a copy is shown to the general public every six years in a ceremony that draws millions of people. The temple does not belong to a single Buddhist school and has always welcomed men and women from any lineage, which explains its reputation as a place open to everyone.
The main hall, dating from 1707, is a national treasure and one of the largest wooden buildings in the country. In front of it are the Niomon gate, with statues of guardians, and the large Sanmon gate, from 1750, which can be visited from the inside. Along the way you can see statues of Jizo, a pagoda with a museum, and the monks’ residences.
The best-known experience is the O-kaidan meguri: descending a staircase under the altar and walking through a completely dark, narrow corridor with your hand on the wall until you touch a metal handle that, according to belief, brings the faithful closer to salvation. The visit to the corridor requires a separate ticket.
Every morning, very early, the monks hold the O-asaji ceremony, and the chief priest and priestess walk along the sidewalk blessing the kneeling worshippers. Around the temple, temple lodgings, the shukubo, host pilgrims and visitors, and the avenue that climbs from the station has old shops and soba restaurants.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1–2 hours.
Best time
Early morning, for the O-asaji ceremony and a quieter courtyard; times change with the season. In February, the temple is lit at night for a light festival. Check the schedule for the image exhibitions, held every six years.
How to get there
It is about 2 km north of Nagano Station: around a 30-minute walk uphill along Chuo-dori Avenue or about 10 minutes by bus. Zenkoji-shita Station on the Nagano Dentetsu line is about a 10-minute walk away.
Tip
Do the O-kaidan meguri slowly and keep your right hand on the wall. To attend the morning ceremony, stay at one of the temple lodgings or nearby.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Zenko-ji Temple
What is Zenko-ji’s O-kaidan meguri?
It is the descent into a completely dark corridor under the altar, traversed with your hand on the wall until you touch the key to paradise, a metal handle. The visit requires a separate ticket.
Can the main image of Zenko-ji be seen?
No. The original image is secret. A copy is shown to the public every six years in a ceremony called Gokaicho; check the schedule.
What time is the morning ceremony at Zenko-ji?
Very early; the time varies with the season. Worshippers kneel on the sidewalk for the blessing by the chief priest and priestess. Check the time on the website.
Is there an entrance fee for Zenko-ji?
The courtyard is open. The inner hall, the corridor under the altar, the Sanmon gate and the museum have separate admission fees.
Beyond the guide
