Zenko-ji
Zenko Ji, The Large Temple Of Nagano, Built Around A Hidden Buddha Image Said To Be The First To Reach Japan. Pilgrims Have Come For Centuries; It Is A Non Sectarian Temple With A Dark Corridor Under The Main Hall And Early Morning Services. · Nagano, Nagano
Zenko-ji is a large temple in the centre of Nagano city, traditionally said to have been founded in 642, which makes it one of the oldest in the country. It enshrines the Ikko-Sanzon Amida triad, said to be the first Buddha statue to come to Japan, and the image is kept as a hidden Buddha, shown only in the Gokaicho festival, held every six or seven years - confirm the date. The temple is non-denominational and welcomes pilgrims of all sects; it is managed jointly by a Tendai and a Jodo community. A long approach lined with shops leads to the large wooden Sanmon gate and the main hall. Inside, the Okaidan Meguri is a walk in total darkness under the hall to touch a 'key to paradise'. It suits pilgrims, history fans and anyone on a Nagano trip. It is worth the detour for the early morning service and the dark corridor. It is not worth it if you expect a quiet garden, since the grounds are busy on weekends. Allow two to three hours. Nagano also hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics.
491 Motoyoshicho, Nagano, a long walk or bus from Nagano Station along the Chuo-dori approach, Nagano, Nagano, Japan
The grounds are open all day and the approach is free to walk. The main hall opens early in the morning, around the time of the morning service, and closes in the afternoon, with the hours changing by season - confirm. The Ojikicho morning service starts very early, around 5-6 am in summer and later in winter, and visitors may join if they stay quiet - confirm. The Okaidan Meguri has set hours and a fee, and it can close at short notice for ceremonies. The Gokaicho festival is held every six or seven years - confirm the date. From Nagano Station it is about 10 minutes by bus or a long walk of 30 minutes up the approach. Nothing needs booking, except lodging in festival years, which fills well ahead.