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Zenkoji Temple

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Zenkoji temple has been Japan’s primary center of Buddhist faith for over 1400 years. It houses the first Buddhist statue to be brought into Japan when Buddhism was first introduced in the 6th century. The original statue is hidden while a copy of it is shown to the public every six years for a few weeks.

There are an estimated total of 6 million visitors come every year to be awed by this masterpiece of Buddhist architecture.

It is said to be the largest temple in all of eastern Japan and testament to the faith of its followers.

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Things to see

Once you enter the temple's main hall, it contains various Buddhist statues. Visitors can take a closer look at the temple's main altar. A short walk behind the main hall stands the pagoda which houses the Zenkoji History Museum. which has a collection of carved statues of different buddhas.

Then, the Sanmon Gate which is the temple's main gate. It has a 2 stories which offer views of the temple approach. The outside of Sanmon gate is lined with shops selling local specialties and souvenirs.

At the southern end is Niomon Gate, the outer gate which is guarded by a pair of Nio Guardians.

Travel Notes

Zenkoji is a ten minute bus ride from JR Nagano Station. You can also take a train from the underground Nagaden Nagano Station next to JR Nagano Station and alight at Zenkojishita Station , then, a 5-10 minute walk to the temple.

Admission

The main hall of the temple opens one hour before sunrise to 4:30PM. It has different closing time depending on the month, December to February is until 4PM and March and November is until 4:15PM.

The entrance fee cost 500 yen in the main hall and in the Sanmon Gate,

Guide Map

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