2-Day Zenkoji Overnight Tour with 'Shukubo' Temple Lodging

Designed to provide guests with an intimate yet entertaining understanding of Nagano’s near-1, 400 year-old Zenko-ji temple, this 2 day group tour combines an in-depth guided experience at the temple including a private ‘goma’ prayer fire ceremony and an exploration of the region’s food culture and renowned ‘sake’ with an overnight stay at a traditional ‘shukubo’ (temple lodging).

Itinerary

Day 1: Fire Ceremonies, and Local Delicacies

Stop At: Saiko-ji Temple, 1398 Kitaishidocho, Nagano 380-0826 Nagano Prefecture
A smaller Buddhist temple on the way from Nagano Station to Zenko-ji Temple that have been around since Kamakura period (1185–1333).
Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Yawataya Isogoro Honten, 83 Daimoncho, Nagano 380-0841 Nagano Prefecture
Dating back to the mid-18th century and Japan’s celebrated ‘Edo Period’, traders sold local spices outside the temple gate – where the shop stands today. Combining locally-produced capsicum, sesame, hemp seed, shiso, Japanese pepper, mandarin peel, and ginger, the ‘shichimi’ or ‘7 Spice’ is considered a signature specialty of Nagano and Zenko-ji, an image of which adorns the distinctive cans – which you will be provided as a gift before leaving the store.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Zenko-ji Temple, I-491 Nagano Motoyoshicho, Nagano 380-0851 Nagano Prefecture
Experience a private 'goma' prayer fire ceremony, performing the ritual yourself, inside the Daikanjin temple complex within Zenko-ji. Afterward you will begin your detailed guided tour of Zenko-ji with (time-permitting), free time to also explore the temple grounds for yourself.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Nishimon Yoshinoya, 941 Nishinomoncho, Nagano 380-0857 Nagano Prefecture
Enjoy a guided 'sake' tasting experience at nearby Yoshinoya - one of Nagano's oldest and most renowned breweries - along with sample of their acclaimed 'miso', 'tsukemono' and other traditional food.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Lunch: Enjoy a simple lunch of 'oyaki' (Japanese dumpling made from buckwheat dough wrapped aroundJapanese vegetables)
• Dinner: Including traditional (vegetarian) dinner at your Temple Lodge
Accommodation included: Overnight 'Shukubo' (Temple Lodging) Stay

Day 2: Shukubo (Temple Lodge), and Temple Tranquility

Stop At: Zenko-ji Temple, I-491 Nagano Motoyoshicho, Nagano 380-0851 Nagano Prefecture
Day two is a non-guided tour where the guest can enjoy the day according to their preferences. Enjoy a Warm Welcome at Zenko-ji’s Morning Service
Referred to as the ‘o-asaji’, the ceremony takes places every morning of the year, led by the head of the Tendai and Jodo sects – the two Buddhist sects charged with responsibility for the temple – and welcomes anyone to participate regardless of background or faith.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Including traditional (vegetarian) breakfast.
No accommodation included on this day.

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.