[🇯🇵Nagano] A relaxing time at Zenkoji Temple

Located in the center of Nagano Prefecture, Zenkoji Temple is known as one of the most important temples in Japanese Buddhism, and attracts many people with its majestic appearance and historical value. In this article, we will introduce the charm of Zenkoji Temple and its history. History of Zenkoji Temple Zenkoji Temple was founded approximately 1,400 years ago, during the Asuka period. According to legend, the Buddha statue "Amida Nyorai" came from the Pure Land in the west and performed many miracles. This temple has been a Buddhist holy place where believers from all over the country gather from the Heian period to the Middle Ages and up to the present day. In particular, visiting Zenkoji Temple has become so widespread that it is said that "you must visit Zenkoji Temple at least once," and visiting the temple has become a proof of faith. The Great Main Hall and its Power The Great Main Hall of Zenkoji Temple is characterized by its magnificent architecture. The large main hall, decorated with luxurious ornaments, leaves an overwhelming impression on the viewer. Inside the main hall, the principal image of the temple, "Amida Nyorai," is enshrined, and believers and tourists quietly place their hands together and offer prayers. The exterior of the main hall is also beautiful, and you can enjoy the scenery that harmonizes with the scenery of the four seasons, so you can feel different charms every time you visit. Worship rituals and "Okaidan pilgrimage" The famous "Okaidan pilgrimage" is a ritual in which you go around the "Okaidan" (altar) located underground of the main hall and touch the hand of the principal image in a pitch black space. This experience is considered to be a very important event for believers, as it is said that "if you can touch the Buddha's hand without getting lost, you will be freed from the worries and confusion of life." Even with your eyes open, it is pitch black, and the time you spend moving forward relying on your five senses will be a special moment to calm your mind. Zenkoji temple gardens and surrounding scenery Beautiful gardens and tasteful scenery are spread around the area of ​​Zenkoji temple, where you can feel the beauty of nature in each season. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, autumn leaves decorate the grounds, so you can enjoy different scenery no matter what season you visit. Especially in the autumn, when the leaves change color, the trees in the temple grounds turn red, creating an elegant and calm atmosphere. Things to do around Zenkoji Temple When visiting Zenkoji Temple, we recommend stopping by the surrounding tourist attractions. The area around Zenkoji Temple is dotted with long-established Japanese confectionery shops, traditional hot springs, and tourist spots in Nagano City. On the approach to Zenkoji Temple, there is Nakamise-dori, where you can enjoy souvenirs and local specialties. In particular, one of the pleasures is enjoying delicious local cuisine such as Nagano's specialty "oyaki" and "Shinshu soba". Summary Zenkoji Temple is a historic and majestic temple that can be said to be a symbol of Nagano. You can calm your mind through quiet worship, and feel the deep meaning of Buddhism through special experiences such as "Okaidan Meguri". The historical charm and beautiful scenery in harmony with nature will heal visitors and provide you with a moment of peace of mind. If you visit Nagano, be sure to stop by and feel spiritual peace. #Zenkoji Temple #Nagano #Temple #Okaidan Pilgrimage #Tourism #History #Shinshu #Japanese Culture #Healing the Soul #Spring 0 Yen Trip