Question 1

How do I get there from JR Nagano Station?

Accepted Answer

Take an Alpico Kotsu bus from the Zenkoji exit of JR Nagano Station, about 15 minutes to the Zenkoji Daimon stop, then about 5 minutes on foot. On foot from the station it is about 2 km, taking 25-30 minutes. The bus fare is about 190 yen one way.

Question 2

Is there a discount for holders of a disability certificate?

Accepted Answer

Holders of a disability certificate and up to one accompanying person may enter the paid areas free of charge. Please show the certificate at reception.

Question 3

What is the morning service, and can I attend?

Accepted Answer

It is the daily service conducted by the head priest, known for the Ojuzu Choudai in which participants' heads are touched with the prayer beads to receive a blessing. Anyone may attend free of charge, though it is occasionally cancelled; please check the official website.

Question 4

Where is the Nakamise shopping street?

Accepted Answer

The Nakamise street runs along both sides of the approach to Zenkoji, from the Daimon gate to the Sanmon gate, lined with shops selling Shinshu sweets, crafts and soba, and restaurants. It is ideal for a stroll before or after your visit.

Question 5

Is it enjoyable with children?

Accepted Answer

Pre-school children enter the paid areas free with an adult (children of elementary school age and under may not climb the Sanmon gate). The Okaidan-meguri may be difficult for children who dislike the dark, but walking the extensive grounds and browsing the Nakamise shopping street are enjoyable with children.

Question 6

Can I get a goshuin stamp? Where, and at what times?

Accepted Answer

Goshuin are issued at the goshuin office to the left of the main hall, from 30 minutes before the morning service until 16:30, at 500 yen.

Question 7

How long should I allow?

Accepted Answer

About 30-45 minutes to walk the grounds alone, or 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours including the inner sanctuary, the Okaidan-meguri, climbing the Sanmon gate and the archive.

Question 8

Is there a charge just to enter the grounds of Zenkoji?

Accepted Answer

Visiting the grounds and the outer hall is free and open 24 hours a day. A ticket is required to enter the inner sanctuary of the National Treasure main hall, the Okaidan-meguri, the Sanmon gate, the sutra repository and the archive.

Question 9

Can I visit over the New Year period?

Accepted Answer

The grounds are open over the New Year period and you can make the traditional first visit of the year. Opening hours for the paid areas (the inner sanctuary, the Sanmon gate and so on) and some operations may change, so please check the official website for the latest information.

Question 10

What is the Okaidan-meguri?

Accepted Answer

It is a devotional experience in which you feel your way along a pitch-dark corridor beneath the main hall and touch the Key to Paradise directly below the principal image, forming a bond with the Buddha. It is so dark that even after your eyes adjust you cannot see your own hand, and the passage is understood to represent death and rebirth.

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

There are large visitor car parks in the grounds of Zenkoji. They can fill up in busy periods such as the New Year visits and Golden Week, so please also consider public transport.

Question 12

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 15 minutes on an Alpico Kotsu bus from the Zenkoji exit of JR Nagano Station, alighting at Zenkoji Daimon, then 5 minutes on foot. On foot it is about 2 km (about 25 minutes) from the station.

Question 13

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

The outer hall of the main hall is free. The inner sanctuary, the Okaidan-meguri and the archive: 600 yen for general visitors. A combined ticket for the three halls (inner sanctuary, Sanmon gate and sutra repository) plus the archive is 1,200 yen for general visitors, 400 yen for high school students, 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students, and free for pre-school children.

Question 14

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 15

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

491 Nagano Motoyoshi-cho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture

Question 16

What are the visiting hours?

Accepted Answer

From one hour before the morning service until 16:30 (April to October), 16:15 (March and November) or 16:00 (December to February). The Sanmon gate and the sutra repository are open 9:00-16:00.

Question 17

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

The grounds are open 24 hours, every day. The paid areas such as the inner sanctuary and the Sanmon gate have some restrictions over the New Year period.

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