Nagano City and Zenkoji Temple One Day Walking Course

Zenkoji, a temple with more than a thousand years of history, is a must-see in Nagano. The lively temple town that spreads out in front of it is easy to reach from Nagano Station, making this a perfect first trip to Nagano. Here is a classic one day plan to walk, eat, and pray at a relaxed pace.

Course Route

9:00 Start at Nagano Station Leave through the Zenkoji exit and take in the atmosphere near the station. The temple is about a ten minute bus ride away, or about a thirty minute walk along the approach road if you prefer to stroll. 9:30 Nakamise Street and the temple town Walk the stone paved approach lined with shops selling oyaki dumplings, seven spice powder, and miso. The morning is quiet and great for photos. 10:30 Visit Zenkoji Pray at the main hall and try the underground passage walk, a calm and reflective experience in the dark. 12:00 Lunch in the temple town Stop for soba or vegetarian temple cuisine. Shinshu soba is a local specialty. 14:00 Museums and cafes nearby Spend the afternoon at a nearby museum or an old house cafe, then head back to the station by early evening.

Highlights

The main hall of Zenkoji is a grand structure designated a National Treasure. The temple belongs to no single sect, so anyone may worship here. The dark passage walk and the special unveiling held once every several years are also worth seeing. In the temple town you can snack on oyaki as you walk.

Access and Tips

Buses bound for Zenkoji run frequently from the Zenkoji exit of Nagano Station and take about ten minutes. Visiting hours change by season, roughly from the early morning service until evening. The early morning is uncrowded and pleasant. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

A Quick Tip

The underground passage is pitch dark, so move slowly using the handrail to guide you. Collecting temple seals and charms makes for a nice travel memory.