Zenko-ji Temple
One of Japan's most important Buddhist temples, enshrining Japan's first Buddhist image — a golden statue that no one has seen for 1,400 years. Every seven years, a wooden replica is displayed, drawing millions. The underground Kaidan-meguri corridor lets you walk in complete darkness to touch the key to salvation.
1–2 hours
Kaidan-meguri (inner hall + underground corridor) ¥600 (adult)
Main Hall 5:30 (dawn service)–16:30; grounds open 24 hrs; Okaidan ¥500
Year-round
15 min walk from Nagano Station (Shinkansen)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
The Kaidan-meguri underground corridor is completely pitch-black — visitors feel their way to touch the "key to salvation"
- 2
Japan's first Buddhist statue is housed here but has never been seen in 1,400 years — a hidden icon
- 3
Every seven years the Gokaicho festival displays a wooden replica, drawing 7 million visitors
Local Tips
Join the 5:30 AM morning service (O-asaji) for a rare procession of monks and the chance to touch the Sacred Key in the Okaidan passage beneath the main hall — doing so grants enlightenment according to tradition. The precinct fills with pilgrims; visit on weekdays.
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