(Zenkō-ji) Zenkoji temple

Zenkoji Temple is a famous and important Buddhist temple in Nagano. It was built more than 1,400 years ago and is one of the oldest temples in the country. The temple is known for housing the first Buddha statue ever brought to Japan, though the statue is kept hidden and only shown to the public once every seven years during a special event.

Zenkoji Temple is a place where people from all backgrounds and beliefs are welcome. Many visitors come to pray for good health, happiness, and success. A popular experience at the temple is walking through a pitch-dark underground passage beneath the main hall. It is believed that touching the hidden key inside the passage brings a connection to Buddha and grants good fortune.

The temple grounds are large and include beautiful gardens, traditional gates, and smaller shrines. Throughout the year, many festivals and ceremonies take place, making the temple a lively and spiritual place. In winter, the temple often looks magical with snow covering its ancient wooden structures.