Zenkoji Temple Main Hall & Sacred Precincts, Nagano City, Nagano

About this place

Live Camera | Zenkoji Temple Main Hall & Precincts, Nagano, Japan. Dating back nearly 1,400 years and designated a National Treasure, Zenkoji is one of Japan's most revered pilgrimage temples, welcoming worshippers of all sects under the adage "visit once in a lifetime." Its massive wooden main hall houses the sacred Amida Triad and the underground pitch-black "Okaidan Meguri" corridor. Temple approach streets are lined with historic shops serving iconic Yawataya Isogoro spicy seven-spice confections, handmade Shinshu soba, and roasted savory oyaki buns.

✦ Must-Visit Highlights:

▸ 1,400-Year National Treasure Main Wooden Hall: Stand in awe before one of Japan's largest wooden temple structures, rebuilt in 1707.

▸ Sacred Pitch-Black Okaidan Key-Touching Corridor: Traverse the underground dark hallway beneath the altar to touch the key to paradise.

▸ Historic Nakamise Street: Shinshu Soba & Oyaki Buns: Sample famous Yawataya Isogoro seven-spice seasoning, chilled soba, and pumpkin oyaki dumplings.