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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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Zenko-ji Temple reviews
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Beautiful Zen Buddhist Temple with several large gates leading to the main temple. The swastika on the temple confuse many people. It is not well-known that the swastika is an old Buddhist symbol...
Beautiful Zen Buddhist Temple with several large gates leading to the main temple. The swastika on the temple confuse many people. It is not well-known that the swastika is an old Buddhist symbol... more »
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Visitors to Nagano will surely not miss this attraction as it is the No.1 recommended place to visit. About a good 25 min walk from JR Nagano station, you will reach this massive, spectacular and...
Visitors to Nagano will surely not miss this attraction as it is the No.1 recommended place to visit. About a good 25 min walk from JR Nagano station, you will reach this massive, spectacular and... more »
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Visited on the first day of 2023 for the good luck new year blessing. Very crowded, but everyone was in polite manner. There's a special loop bus to digest the mass directly from Nagano Bus Terminal. It's my second visit at the temple, still as divine. The new year atmosphere is something I never experienced before. It was quite a journey!
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I went there to visit as a group visit during a Lamborghini event. A Beautiful temple in the heart of Nagano with different complexes. You can go up the temple to enjoy the views from the top. The temple where Kuukai the monk got raised. Very I interesting experience walking in the dark by touching the wall! The only tricky part is that you have to pay at every place you go… would be nice if there was one ticket for all. and it’s not too cheap if it adds up. But it’s I understandable as you need to maintain the temple to be visited by so many tourists !
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