"Did you know that the place closest to paradise is in Nagano?"

A place with a mysterious atmosphere that makes you forget the busyness of everyday life and the confusion in your heart. Zenkoji Temple in Nagano Prefecture is not just a tourist attraction, but has been loved by many people as a "spiritual anchor" that accepts everyone without discrimination. Here are 5 reasons why you should visit Zenkoji Temple. ⸻ ✅5 reasons why you should visit Zenkoji Temple ⸻ ① [A "non-sectarian" temple that can save anyone] Zenkoji Temple is a "non-sectarian" temple that accepts everyone regardless of sect. It has a tolerance that transcends the boundaries of faith. 📎Trivia: It is a historic temple that attracts pilgrims from all over Japan, so much so that it is said that you should visit Zenkoji Temple at least once in your lifetime. ⸻ ②【Experience walking in complete darkness on the "Okaidan Tour"】 Walk through the corridors beneath the main hall in complete darkness, searching for the "lock of paradise" that connects you to the principal image... a time to truly face your inner self. 📎**Trivia:** This experience of moving forward without using your eyes, only feeling your way, is said to symbolize "rebirth." ⸻ ③【National Treasure Main Hall and a wooden building with over 350 years of history】 The imposing wooden main hall is a national treasure built during the Edo period. Its size and beauty are overwhelming. 📎Trivia: The main hall is one of the largest wooden buildings in Japan, and was rebuilt over a period of 20 years in the mid-Edo period. ⸻ ④【A rare temple where you can climb to the top of the mountain gate】 At Zenkoji, you can enter the mountain gate (an important cultural property) and climb it, offering a panoramic view of Nagano city. 📎**Trivia:** Inside the temple gate, the "Sixteen Arhats" are enshrined, allowing you to experience the world of Buddhism up close. ⑤ [Purify your soul with an early morning morning service] Anyone can freely participate in the "morning service" held at around 7am every morning, where the monks chant sutras and perform a solemn ritual. The chanting echoes through the clear air, like music that penetrates into the soul. 📎**Trivia:** After the morning service, the head priests gently stroke the heads of worshippers with Buddhist altar implements, known as "Ojuzuchodai," which is said to bring good luck and ward off evil. ⸻ 🛕Summary Zenkoji is not just a tourist spot, but a place to touch the soul. With its unusual non-sectarian stance, its attitude of accepting all kinds of people gives important hints even to modern people. The experiences themselves, such as the pilgrimage to the altar where you “go through the darkness to find the light” and the early morning service, have deep meaning and will take you on a journey of the heart. Why not spend some time “facing yourself” at Zenkoji Temple on your next day off? You may find a quiet and warm realization within yourself. #Nagano #DomesticTravel #ZenkojiTemple