Question 1

What is the historical significance of Zenkōji Temple?

Accepted Answer

Zenkōji Temple is one of Japan's most important pilgrimage sites, housing the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan. It has been a place of worship for many centuries and features a rich history intertwined with Japanese Buddhism.

Question 2

How can visitors get to Zenkōji Temple from Nagano Station?

Accepted Answer

Visitors can take a short bus ride from Nagano Station to Zenkōji Temple. Alternatively, it is a pleasant walk of about 30 minutes through the city, offering views of local shops and scenery.

Question 3

What are the unique features of Zenkōji Temple?

Accepted Answer

Zenkōji Temple is renowned for its main hall, which is a national treasure, and its hidden Buddha statue, which is revealed to the public every six years. The temple complex also features a unique underground passage symbolizing enlightenment.

Question 4

What time of year is best to visit Zenkōji Temple?

Accepted Answer

Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit Zenkōji Temple, offering pleasant weather and beautiful seasonal colors. The temple is also famous for its cherry blossoms in spring.

Question 5

What are the opening and closing hours of the Main Hall Inner Sanctuary at Zenkōji Temple?

Accepted Answer

The Main Hall Inner Sanctuary opens from one hour before the morning service. Closing times are: 16:30 from April to October, 16:15 in March and November, and 16:00 from December to February. On December 31, it closes at 13:00, and on December 28, at 8:30.

Question 6

What are the opening and closing hours of the Sanmon Gate, Sutra Repository, and Museum at Zenkōji Temple?

Accepted Answer

The Sanmon Gate, Sutra Repository, and Museum are open from 9:00 to 16:00. On December 31, they close at 13:00.

Question 7

What are the admission fees for Zenkōji Temple's paid areas?

Accepted Answer

Admission fees for the paid areas (such as the Main Hall Inner Sanctuary, Sanmon Gate, Sutra Repository, and Museum) are as follows: Adults: 1,200 yen, High School Students: 400 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students: 100 yen. Tickets for each area can also be purchased individually.

Departure Station	Route	Estimated Time	Estimated Cost
Tokyo	JR Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki, Hakutaka, or Asama) → Nagano Station By bus to Zenkoji Daimon	1.5–2 hours	¥8,000–¥9,000
Osaka	JR Limited Express Thunderbird (depart Osaka, bound for Tsuruga) → Tsuruga Station → JR Hokuriku Shinkansen (Hakutaka) → Nagano Station	4 hours	¥12,000–¥17,000
Kanazawa	JR Hokuriku Shinkansen → Nagano Station	1.5 hour	¥9,000
Matsumoto	JR Shinonoi Line → Nagano Station	50 min	¥1,170
Nagano Station	By bus (Nagaden Bus or Alpico Bus) to Zenkoji Daimon bus stop Or 30 min on foot	Bus: 10 min	Bus: ¥190

Zenkōji Temple - A Historic Buddhist Site in Nagano

Overview: A Sacred Pilgrimage Destination

How to Reach Zenkōji Temple from Nagano Station🚶‍♂️(Convenient and Scenic!, Last updated: May 12, 2025)

Visiting Tips for Zenkōji Temple

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