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Zenko-ji Temple, Nagano

4.5
#1 of 143 in Things to do in Nagano
Must see · Religious Site · Tourist Spot
One of the last remaining Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Japan, Zenko-ji Temple draws worshippers seeking enlightenment from all over the country. Originally built in the 7th century, the temple compound stood before Japanese Buddhism was divided into sects, so priests of two different Buddhist schools share management of the shrine. The complex contains several gardens and buildings, including prayer rooms and a nunnery. The main temple holds a hidden Buddha statue that even the chief priest isn't allowed to view. Walk the pitch-black corridor under the temple to find and touch the hanging key of enlightenment. Using our online itinerary creator, Nagano attractions like Zenko-ji Temple can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
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Tours to Zenko-ji Temple

FROM $157 BOOK WITH VIATOR 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano Tour
4.9
Duration: 8 hours
Tours from $157 »
FROM $368 BOOK WITH VIATOR Nagano Private Two Day Tour
5.0
Duration: 2 days
Tours from $368 »
FROM $204 BOOK WITH VIATOR Full-Day Private Nagano Tour: Zenkoji Temple, Obuse, Jigokudani Monkey Park
5.0
Duration: 8 hours
Tours from $204 »
FROM $157 BOOK WITH VIATOR 1-Day Winter Tour From Nozawa & Iiyama: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake
Duration: 8 to 9 hours
Tours from $157 »
FROM $709 BOOK WITH VIATOR 2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano to Takayama via Matsumoto
Duration: 2 days
Tours from $709 »
FROM $191 BOOK WITH VIATOR 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Zenko-ji Winter Illumination Tour
Duration: 8 to 9 hours
Tours from $191 »
FROM $317 BOOK WITH VIATOR Matsumoto Private One Day Tour from Nagano with Tour Guide and Private Vehicle
Duration: 8 hours
Tours from $317 »
FROM $82 BOOK WITH VIATOR Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Tours from $82 »
FROM $369 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private tour of meeting snow monkeys in Nagano
Duration: 7 hours
Tours from $369 »
FROM $59 BOOK WITH VIATOR Nagano 5-Day Pass
Duration: 5 days
Tours from $59 »

Zenko-ji Temple reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,937 reviews
Google
4.4
TripAdvisor
  • By Cyber0515
    長野を代表する寺院の一つ。年間を通して国内外から多くの参拝客・観光客が訪れる。にもかかわらず境内は過度な観光地化はされておらず、国籍や年齢問わずほとんどの参拝客・観光客は比較的静かに参拝している。安置されている仏像は勿論のこと、多くの建物自体が国宝もしくは重要文化財に指定されている。 基本的に境内は無料で利用できるが、一部の建物内（本堂、経蔵、山門等）は入場料金が必要。各建物や安置されている仏像の...  more »
  • By ramadurair2016
    Loved the structure. Very historic and huge. They have also created a nice museum where the history and great artifacts are stored. Surrounding area has lot of temples and shops  more »
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Google
  • By aaron meldahl
    Very touristy but worth the visit and the expansive grounds make it not too bad especially if you go in off season, first thing in the morning, or during a pandemic(!). You can easily spend a day here and exploring the surrounding streets. Recommended to buy the combined ticket for 1000 yen that gives access to the gate, the 'walk through hell' in the main temple (not if you fear the dark or enclosed spaces!), the prayer wheel, and the museum (which has some English signage).
  • By K.krishna (KK)
    Beautiful temple...had a great time... Entrance fee charged for inner hall ... They are parking behind the temple with reasonable price. Most of the local shops serves local delicacies. Very unique feeling during the visit
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