Zenko-ji Temple

Nagano

Shrines & Temples

# Temple

# Temple Lodging

# Buddha Statue

# National Treasure

A wide view of Zenko-ji's main hall (Hondo), a large, dark wooden building with a sweeping tiled roof, set against a blue sky with white clouds, with manicured pine trees in the courtyard.

A composite image showing the Nakamise-dori approach to Zenko-ji, a bustling street lined with traditional shops and many people walking toward a large gate (Niōmon or Sanmon).

The majestic two-story Sanmon Gate of Zenko-ji Temple, featuring carved Nio statues in alcoves, viewed from stone steps leading up to the main street.

The three-tiered, light brown pagoda of Zenko-ji, viewed from the courtyard path framed by lush green trees against a bright blue sky.

A close-up, dim view of the ornate Buddhist altar inside a temple hall, featuring golden lanterns, tall pine branches, and a gold phoenix embroidery on the dark red backdrop.

Key Points

Founded in the 7th century, home to what may be Japan’s oldest Buddhist image
A Zenko-ji Temple Pilgrimage was a great travel tradition of the Edo era
Enjoy the beauty of the reconstructed Buddhist architecture dating back to the mid-Edo period
By booking ahead, you can stay overnight in temple lodgings and immerse yourself in cultural experiences

Zenko-ji Temple is a non-sectarian Buddhist temple located in Nagano City, attracting many visitors from both Japan and abroad. While its origins date back to the 7th century, the temple’s present form was largely defined during the Edo period.
The current Main Hall (Hondo) was rebuilt in 1707 and designated a National Treasure in 1953 as a representative example of Buddhist architecture from the mid-Edo period. The construction of its majestic Sanmon Gate, an Important Cultural Property, followed in 1750.
The Main Hall is renowned for its T-shaped “Shumoku-zukuri” architectural style and for housing an “absolute secret Buddha” (Zettai Hibutsu), an image said to be unseen since 654 AD. The Sanmon Gate offers panoramic city views from its upper level and features a famous plaque where five pigeons are cleverly hidden within the temple’s name.
Visitors can explore the Zenko-ji History Museum, or for a more immersive trip, enjoy an overnight experience in temple lodgings, which includes traditional shojin ryori ( Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) and guidance for temple activities. The lively Nakamise-dori street along Zenko-ji Temple’s approach is perfect for finding food and souvenirs, while collecting Goshuin (temple seals) offers a unique memento.

Information

Spot information including address, access, and website
Address	491-i Nagano-Motoyoshi-cho, Nagano City, Nagano
Access from Tokyo	(1) From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen Kagayaki to Nagano Station (approx. 1 hr 19 min). (2) From Nagano Station, walk to the Nagano Sta. bus stop (approx. 4 minutes). (3) From Nagano Sta. bus stop, take the Nisseki Line bus (bound for Uki) to Zenkoji-Kita bus stop (approx. 11 min). (4) From Zenkoji-Kita bus stop, walk to the Zenkōji temple (approx. 2 minutes). Show route from Tokyo Station
Website	https://www.zenkoji.jp/en/
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