The Japanese dedication to refined beauty and detail can be seen in many aspects of life but none more so than through its many traditional pastimes and activities. These experiences range from the simple to highly complex with a shared devotion to meditative practice and aesthetic beauty. Over generations the many traditional arts of Japan have been perfected to the point of mastery but most have their origins in very practical if not simple applications.

— Where is Nagano?

— Cultural Activities Around Zenko-ji Temple

— How to Reach Zenko-ji from Nagano Station

— Guided Tours With Cultural Experiences Included

Trying your hand at traditional Japanese practices is a great way to spend a couple hours while in Nagano, with many on offer in and around the city’s historic Zenko-ji Temple Monzen precinct.

WHERE IS NAGANO CITY?

Located around 245KM to the north-west of Tokyo, Nagano City is the largest city in Nagano Prefecture and the primary transport hub for visitors heading to the region’s most popular destinations including the many ski resorts of Nagano, the Jigokudani Monkey Park, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, multiple national parks and many other fantastic attractions. Nagano Station is a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Tsuruga – 80 to 110-minutes from the capital depending on which service you choose – along with the Limited Express ‘Shinano’ service running to Matsumoto, the Kiso Valley and Nakasendo, and Nagoya; while the Nagano Dentetsu Line runs to Yamanouchi, home of Nagano’s famous Snow Monkeys. Highway and local bus services also run from the station to many regional destinations including Togakushi, the monkey park and the ski resorts of the Hakuba Valley and Shiga Kogen – Japan’s largest resort – making Nagano City the primary transport hub for northern Nagano Prefecture.

While Nagano may be the largest city in the region, it is small compared to the expansive metropolises of Japan with a population of around 370,000. One of Japan’s most livable cities, Nagano is most famous for the near-1400 year old Zenko-ji Temple – a registered National Treasure and one of the most important Buddhist complexes in Japan – along with the Shinto shrines of Togakushi and samurai town of Matsushiro, that lie within the city boundary.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AROUND ZENKO-JI TEMPLE

As the historical, cultural, and religious heart of Nagano, it stands to reason that Zenko-ji Temple would have the biggest collection of experiences to try in the city – and it does! From fire ceremonies to calligraphy, there are many options to choose from and likely something that will spark your interest. Of course, there are more activities available in Nagano than just the below, and so if you want to know more please feel free to contact us!

Join a Mawari Goma Fire Ceremony

Buddhists believe that we must subjugate and ultimately rid ourselves of worldly desires in order to see the true nature of existence.  In order to guide and support us in that goal, qualified monks perform ‘Goma Prayer’ or ‘Fire Ceremony’ in which wooden prayer sticks are burned in a consecrated flame in an act that is believed to be spiritually and psychologically cleansing for participants. The eradication of negative energies, detrimental thoughts, and other impediments, aids us on our journey toward enlightenment and transmutes your visit to Zenko-ji into a personal and cathartic experience.

Please click on the above link for more information on how to get in contact with the temple and book this experience.

Join a Traditional Tea Ceremony

Tea ceremonies or ‘Sado’ in Japanese, offer a respite from the pace of modern life and provide time to relax and relish the sanctity of each moment and movement in life. Originally introduced from China, these ceremonies were refined over centuries to take on a distinctly Japanese appreciation and retain their popularity and significance to this day. For guests wishing to participate in the meditative experience of making your own ‘Matcha’ and then drinking it along with your compatriots, Nagano City is a great place to do so.

To join a tour including a tea ceremony, please see this section.

Practice ‘Zazen’ Meditation

Now famous around the world, Zen meditation has roots in Japan going back centuries. Particularly popular with the Samurai class during the middle ages, it now attracts all kinds of people who wish to take some time out of their busy schedule to focus on the simple things. ‘Zazen’ or ‘Seated Meditation’ focuses practitioners on their posture, breathing and mindfulness. In doing so the body and mind find unity and in the quiet stillness of the practice, we become present in the moment, free of distraction, and open to the true nature of existence. Whether you are experienced in the practice of meditation or trying it for the first time, undertaking ‘zazen’ guided by a monk at one of Japan’s most important temples, will leave an indelible mark on you and your understanding of Buddhist culture.

Please click on the above link for more information on how to get in contact with the temple and book this experience.

Try Your Hand at Shakyo Meditation

The teachings of the Buddha have been passed down to us in the form of written ‘sutras’ or religious scripture. By tracing the sutras in a form of calligraphy called ‘shakyo’, Japanese believe the words flow through you, and through the silence and awareness this studied practice, the body and mind harmonize together in a form of meditation. You can experience this practice at Zenko-ji, instructed by one of the resident Buddhist monks. This practice is equally rewarding for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, affording the practitioner with tranquility and peace of mind as their hand and brush follow sutra to completion.

Please click on the above link for more information on how to get in contact with the temple and book this experience.

Taste Test Local Sake

Nagano Prefecture is famous for making delicious Sake, or Nihonshu, due to its pure waters and cold winters. Of course, buying a whole bottle without knowing the taste first may be a little daunting, so why not try some samples before committing? Our tour of Zenko-ji and the Snow Monkey Park includes a stop at a local Sake Brewery, where your guide will carefully explain how Sake is made, the differences in quality between different varieties of Sake, and anything else you want to know about the national drink of Japan.

HOW TO REACH ZENKO-JI FROM NAGANO STATION

Reaching Zenko-ji Temple from Nagano Station is easy, and as the city’s main attraction there are a wide variety of options when it comes to transport. Please see below for the complete run down:

By Foot: One of the best, and of course cheapest, ways to reach Zenko-ji is simply to walk there from the station. It is only about 1.6 km / 1 mile from the station, and for the most part you will be walking along the main road without any turns. Along the road are many old buildings and beautiful flowers, as well as interesting shops, so if the weather is good and you are up for a stroll this is our biggest recommendation! To reach the temple, you will need only to head north from the station, looking for the road known as ‘Chuo-Doori’. From there, merely follow that road north and you will reach the temple grounds!

By Bus: From the station, head to bus stops 1 or 4 (on the north side), and ride the Alpico Bus from there. Buses run frequently, although it would be a good idea to check the times online before heading to the bus stop to minimize your waiting time. After a roughly 10 minute ride, you will get off at the bus stop called ‘Zenko-ji Daimon’, from where it is only a short walk further to the main precincts of the temple.

By Train: From the Nagaden Line, ride until ‘Zenko-ji Shita’ Station. Please be sure not to confuse the Nagaden Line with the JR Line – the Nagaden Line entrance is completely separate, and underground. You can find it by going down the escalator on the north side of Nagano Station. Once you have arrived at Zenko-ji Shita Station, head west on the main road and you will come directly to the temple grounds.

By Taxi: This one is easy! Just hail a taxi outside the north exit of Nagano Station and ask them to take you to Zenko-ji, or any specific spot you have in mind. Any taxi will do, so if you find one waiting at the taxi rotary outside the station simply indicate you want a ride and they will open the door for you. As there may be a language barrier, it is best to bring up the exact location on your phone to make things smoother.

GUIDED TOURS WITH CULTURAL EXPERIENCES INCLUDED

As one of Nagano’s highest rated tour providers, and locally based in Nagano City, we are proud to offer a number of tours including a visit to Zenko-ji. Our English capable, friendly guides are ready to help you make the best of your trip in Japan with insightful commentary and knowledgeable recommendations. With group tours, private tours, and private charters available, we are sure that we have something to fit your needs.

1 Day Tour

Half-Day Tea Ceremony and Zenkoji Experience Tour
Period	All Year Round
Time	12:15-16:30
Meeting Place	Nagano Station
Adult Rate	¥14,500
Child Rate	¥9,900

Zenkoji has a lot to offer, and on this fun half day tour your guide will lead you right into the heart of its history and traditions. Including a fire ceremony, oyaki lunch, sake tasting, and of course a tea ceremony, you can enjoy Japan’s unique culture in only a short amount of time. Click the banner above for more details!

2 Day Tour

Tea Ceremony and Zenkoji Experience Tour with ‘Shukubo’ Stay
Period	All Year Round
Time	12:15-16:30
Meeting Place	Nagano Station
Adult Rate	¥33,800
Child Rate	¥26,800

For those who really want to get to know Zenkoji, this tour with an included overnight stay at a shukubo, or pilgrims inn, is ideal. With a focus on Zenkoji and its surroundings, you will come away with a new appreciation for the sights, sounds, and flavors of this centuries old temple. The activities on the first day will be the same as the above half-day tour, but when everyone else is going home you will instead be checking in to your room at the shukubo! Book now to secure your room for the night.

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
Period	All Year Round
Time	09:35 – 17:35
Meeting Place	Nagano Station Hakuba (winter only)
Adult Rate	¥17,800
Child Rate	¥11,000

One of our most popular group tours, this eventful day will have you visit the Zenko-ji temple, taste sake at a local brewery, enjoy lunch Japanese style, and last but certainly not least, see the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani! Perfect for all ages and group sizes, there is not better way to see the best of what Nagano has to offer in a single day. By using the bullet train to reach the meetup point, Nagano Station, you may even partake in the tour as a day trip from Tokyo. And in winter, pickup from Hakuba is offered, making for an easy way to enjoy a day off from skiing with no hassle.

Private Tour

[START FROM NAGANO CITY] Private Snow Monkey Tour
Period	All Year Round
Time	09:00 to 17:15 ~ 18:30
Meeting Place	Any location in Nagano City
Price	¥122,000 ~ / group

For larger groups, or people looking to move at their own pace, our private tour of Zenkoji and the Snow Monkey Park will be a perfect fit. With a similar itinerary to the above group tour, but also including a stop at the charming town of Obuse, this tour covers everything you could want out of a day in Nagano City. With pickup available from a number of destinations, there is no simpler and more enjoyable way to make the best of your day.

We also offer full private charter services, using our fleet of clean and modern vehicles. Our friendly and well trained drivers will pick you up from wherever you are, and drop you off wherever you want to go (within the Central Japan region, that is!). While Japan’s public transport is great, our door-to-door service removes the need for rushing to switch trains, or hauling luggage up and down flights of stairs. Please click HERE for more information on pricing and availability.