5 Ways to Enjoy Sightseeing at Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City! Keep These in Mind and You Can’t Go Wrong!

Zenkoji Temple in Nagano Prefecture, known for the phrase “Even from afar, visit Zenkoji at least once,” welcomes countless visitors each year. Since the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, it has gained even more attention.
Zenkoji, a famous sightseeing spot, is full of highlights and attractions. Whether you explore while snacking on delicious treats or visit with a group or alone, Zenkoji offers plenty to enjoy.
This time, we introduce five recommended ways to enjoy sightseeing around Zenkoji—along with the special pilgrimage event “Gokaicho,” held once every seven years.

1. Food Strolling on Zenkoji Omotesando & Nakamise Shopping Street

The approach leading to Zenkoji is filled with highlights right from the start. When visiting Zenkoji, make sure to enjoy Nagano’s gourmet snacks along the Zenkoji Omotesando and Nakamise Shopping Street. The path from Nagano Station to Zenkoji stretches about 2 km, making it perfect for a pleasant stroll.
Along the approach to Zenkoji, retro-style buildings resembling Meiji and Taisho-era Western-style architecture line the street, allowing you to appreciate a beautiful townscape. There is even an atmospheric post office that was renovated from a historic inn.
When it comes to food strolling, soft-serve ice cream is a must! Keep an eye out for local flavors that you can only find here, such as chestnut paste soft-serve or soba soft-serve. There are also many delicious treats like grilled miso rice balls and oyaki dumplings. Enjoy sampling as you walk.

2. Hitonigiri Jizo

A popular souvenir featured on TV, the “Hitonigiri Jizo,” is sold at Daihongan, in front of Zenkoji’s Niomon Gate. This small Jizo statue is made of clay mixed with incense ash and fired into charming little figurines—so adorable you’ll want to bring one home as a memory.
When you feel sad, troubled, or overwhelmed by negative emotions, it is said that squeezing the Hitonigiri Jizo with your left hand brings comfort and strength. Each one is hand-shaped, and the faces are individually drawn. Since they are palm-sized and easy to carry while walking, they are especially popular among visitors.
The Hitonigiri Jizo is something you can only get at Zenkoji, so be sure to buy one as a keepsake when you visit.

3. Zenkoji Main Hall

The Main Hall located within the grounds of Zenkoji has been rebuilt several times due to fires and reached its current form in 1707. It is designated as a National Treasure and is highly valued as an important example of mid-Edo period temple architecture. Near the entrance stands “Binzuru-san,” a must-see statue. Known as the “Healing Buddha,” it is believed that rubbing the part of his body corresponding to your ailing body part can cure illness—so visitors have been rubbing it for generations. Don’t forget to pay your respects to the principal image enshrined in the innermost part of the hall.
Another must-do experience at Zenkoji is the “Okaidan Meguri.” This ritual involves walking through a pitch-dark corridor beneath the Ruridan, where the main deity is enshrined, and the Sancho area, searching for the “key to paradise.” Touching this key is believed to form a spiritual bond with the principal deity. Be sure to try it.

4. Nagano City Johyama Zoo

Located near Zenkoji and highly recommended as a combined sightseeing stop is the Nagano City Johyama Zoo. Adjacent to Zenkoji and famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, the zoo is home to a variety of animals: 12 species of mammals including Japanese monkeys and Yakushika deer, 3 species of reptiles, and 22 species of birds. There are feeding experiences and small-animal interaction areas, making it a great place for children.
In addition to animals, the zoo also features attractions such as a merry-go-round, monorail, and battery-powered cars—perfect for families. Admission is free, which is a big plus. Seasonal events are also held, making it a popular tourist destination visited by many each year. Be sure to enjoy it together with your visit to Zenkoji.

5. Visiting Both Zenkoji and Ura-Zenkoji

One highly recommended aspect of Zenkoji sightseeing is “Ryomairi”—visiting both Zenkoji and its counterpart. In fact, visiting only Zenkoji is considered a “one-sided visit.” True blessings are said to come only when you visit both Zenkoji and the North-Facing Kannon Hall standing opposite it. Because of this, the North-Facing Kannon is also known as “Ura-Zenkoji.”
At Zenkoji, you pray for blessings in the afterlife, while at North-Facing Kannon you pray for blessings in this life. The North-Facing Kannon is located in the Bessho Onsen area of Ueda City and takes about an hour to reach from Nagano by car or train. Be sure to complete the “Ryomairi” to receive blessings for both this world and the next.

◎ Summary

We introduced five recommended ways to enjoy sightseeing at Zenkoji. As a major sightseeing destination representing Nagano, Zenkoji offers many unique experiences. From food strolling on the approach, purchasing a Hitonigiri Jizo as a souvenir, trying the Okaidan Meguri, relaxing at the free Johyama Zoo, and completing the Ryomairi pilgrimage—these activities together create an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
Additionally, there is the Zenkoji Shichifukujin Meguri, a pilgrimage to temples and shrines connected to Zenkoji where visitors pray to the Seven Lucky Gods for good fortune. At Zenkoji’s lodging temples, you can even make kaleidoscopes or gemstone bracelets. Be sure to visit Zenkoji and enjoy sightseeing to the fullest.

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

5 Ways to Enjoy Sightseeing at Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City! Keep These in Mind and You Can’t Go Wrong!