Zenkoji Temple
Tourist sight
Immerse yourself in the rich history and spiritual significance of Zenkoji Temple Nagano, a 1400-year-old pilgrimage shrine nestled in the picturesque valley of Nagano city. Explore the hidden treasures, ancient serenity, and mystical world of this iconic temple, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking spiritual enlightenment and cultural immersion.
See more
See more
４９１-イ, Motoyoshichō Nagano, 380-0851, Japan
The best of Zenkoji Temple
Bucket-list experiences
See all
Zenkoji Experience Tour with Overnight 'Shukubo' Temple Lodging Stay
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
HK$ 1,693
Winter Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
HK$ 1,136
2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano To Takayama via Matsumoto
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
HK$ 5,618
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From
HK$ 1,070
Snow Monkey Park & Miso Production Bus Tour from Nagano/Tokyo
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From
HK$ 1,369
Nagano Snow Monkeys and Cherry Blossoms Day Tour
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
HK$ 1,136
2-Day Snow Monkeys and Kusatsu Onsen Tour from Shinjuku
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
HK$ 2,349
Nagano Area Private Ski Lessons
Private group
Book now for tomorrow
From
HK$ 4,034
Make it a getaway
See all
Zenkoji Temple Yakuoin
Instant confirmation
HK$ 1,195.8
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi
Instant confirmation
From
HK$ 413.8
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
Instant confirmation
From
HK$ 528.9
Dormy Inn Nagano Zenkounoyu Natural Hot Spring
Instant confirmation
From
HK$ 594.1
Hotel Cortland
Instant confirmation
From
HK$ 290.2
HK$ 298
Chisun Grand Nagano
Instant confirmation
From
HK$ 430.8
Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel
Instant confirmation
From
HK$ 467.1
Hotel JAL City Nagano
Instant confirmation
From
HK$ 446.1
Mash Café & Bed NAGANO - Hostel
Instant confirmation
From
HK$ 477.4
Toyoko Inn Nagano-eki Higashi-guchi
Instant confirmation
From
HK$ 468.2
Hotel Select Inn Nagano
Instant confirmation
From
HK$ 281.3
Toyoko Inn Nagano Station Zenkoji
Instant confirmation
From
HK$ 468.6
More to explore
Hakuba / Nozawa Onsen / Shiga Kogen Ski Resort Tours from Nagano
Beginner-friendly
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From
HK$ 2,043
Why people love Zenkoji Temple
wu *********
4 days ago
The tour leader is serious, attentive and responsible, and takes good care of the accompanying members. The attractions are explained clearly. Sake tasting, Zenkoji Temple, lunch, and snow monkey attractions are all worth experiencing.
2+
Ori ******
5 Dec
It was a great day! We arrived especially from Tokyo and even tho we were tired Eriko and Kevin were very energetic and woke us up. The temple was very interesting experience, we've been to lots of temples in Japan but it was the first time we did a guided tour, we learned a lot! Then the Sake tasting was very nice, I actually liked the most the non alcoholic version - it tasted like a dessert! Abd of course the highlight of the trip was the anow monkey park - it did not snow but was cold and lots of monkeys were hanging out in their onsen, we lovedddd it and it was worth the long (but easy) walk! 🙏🙏🙏
1+
ZHENG *****
3 Dec
Tour guide Devin is awesome. The lunch he arranged is at a quite fancy place and the food is great as well.
Klook User
27 Nov
Tour was perfect. Tour guide very informative, friendly and fluent in English. Sometimes felt a bit rushed, but that is to be expected with tours. Food was amazing and a great cultural experience. Bus journey was convenient and smooth. We got to see 4 monkeys and the views were to die for, especially with the autumn colours. Saka experience was good, and you got to try a lot and it was all very smooth. Though, if you struggle with walking or steps, then this probably isn't the best Tour for you. As the steps near the monkeys is very steep, though short (~30-40 mins).
2+
Yrwin **************
19 Nov
Absolutely lovely experience ! Our tour guide was very accommodating and nice! This monkey park is difficult to get to if you don’t have a car! so this tour package was very worth it! and also the lunch they offered was top notch! thank you so much Mica for accommodating us with the tour! I’m very thankful I got to see some monkeys, despite not being snow season when I went!
2+
Ana ******
19 Nov
This tour is absolutely worth it! Mika is an amazing guide—very attentive and funny. She explained everything to us and even went beyond expectations.
We started the day at the scheduled time at the station, with everything running punctually. After that, we took a van to the temple, followed by the sake experience. Mika offered us numerous sake options to try and explained the sake-making process in detail.
Lunch was divine—it felt like we were in an old and elegant wooden restaurant. The food was a feast, beautifully presented. Afterward, we spotted some monkeys, although it was quite hot, so they didn’t enter the onsen.
This tour is a 10/10. I highly recommend it!
Supiya *
18 Nov
It was a pretty good tour! We visited three places in a couple of hours. The temple and sake tasting are right next to each other, which was convenient. The lunch was so satisfying as well! We were quite lucky to at least see three snow monkeys too.
2+
Klook User
16 Nov
I did this trip in a one day trip from Tokyo (booked the shinkansen and takes about 1h15). This trip was one of the best I have done in Japan, I thought I had my shares of temples but this one was different. the whole area was so nice and cute. We had a buddhist priest blessure ceremonie while being there, and the sake tasting was also great. Lunch was really nice, a lot and very tasting. Even though beginning of November is mating season and a bit early to be sure to see the monkeys, we were so lucky and saw a whole troop, they stayed about 45 min and then left again. It was really amazing to see. Our guide Kei was sooo enthousiastic and very kind, and made this trip really top!
2+
Nearby places to go
FAQs about Zenkoji Temple
What are the best times to visit Zenkoji Temple?
What transportation options are available to reach Zenkoji Temple?
What important travel advice should I keep in mind when visiting Zenkoji Temple?
What to know before visiting Zenkoji Temple
Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights
Main Hall
Explore the Main Hall of Zenkoji, a functional temple that houses the enshrined images of the Amida Buddha. Witness the daily morning ritual conducted by the high priest or priestess and experience the spiritual ambiance of this sacred space.
Gardens of Zenkō-ji
Stroll through the tranquil Gardens of Zenkō-ji, a serene oasis that offers a peaceful retreat for visitors. Admire the beauty of the natural surroundings and immerse yourself in the contemplative atmosphere of the temple grounds.
Sanmon Gate
Marvel at the Sanmon Gate, an Important Cultural Property that houses wooden Buddhist statues and a plaque with hidden doves. Experience the rich history and architectural grandeur of this iconic gate.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Zenkoji Temple holds a sacred statue of the Amida-Nyorai buddha, gifted to Japan by a Korean king, symbolizing the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between the two countries. Explore the temple's intricate architecture and spiritual practices that have attracted millions of visitors over the centuries.
Local Cuisine
Indulge in the flavors of Nagano city, known for its delicious local dishes such as apple-based delicacies and traditional Japanese cuisine. Experience the unique culinary offerings that reflect the region's agricultural heritage and culinary traditions.