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The snowy approach to Zenkoji Temple along Nakamise Street, about 10–15 minutes from Nagano Station by Daisei Taxi.

Zenkoji Temple

With a history of about 1,400 years, Zenkoji Temple welcomes visitors of every faith. A Japanese saying goes, "Visit Zenkoji at least once in your life." In winter, the snowy temple grounds, the New Year's Eve bell and hatsumode, the first prayer of the new year, make a visit especially memorable. Daisei Taxi offers private transfers to Zenkoji Temple from Nagano Station, hotels in Nagano City, and accommodations in Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen and Shiga Kogen. We can also combine your visit with Togakushi Shrine or Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park for a full-day tour.

Illustrated travel journal of Zenkoji Temple: about 10–15 minutes by car from Nagano Station, Nakamise Street and the Sanmon Gate, the snow-covered Main Hall (a National Treasure), the pitch-dark Okaidan passage, the New Year's Eve bell and New Year's Day hatsumode, combined with Togakushi Shrine (about 1 hour by car) or Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (about 50 minutes by car), with the Daisei Taxi Alphard.

Travel notes

  • About 10–15 minutes by car from Nagano Station to Zenkoji Temple.

  • The temple grounds are free to visit. A paid ticket is required for the inner sanctuary of the Main Hall, the Okaidan passage, the Sanmon Gate and the Kyozo sutra hall.

  • In the Okaidan, you walk through a pitch-dark passage beneath the Main Hall, feeling your way by hand to touch the "Key to Paradise" directly below the principal Buddha, forming a bond with it.

  • In winter, the stone approach and grounds can be icy. Please wear non-slip shoes and warm clothing.

  • On New Year's Eve, the temple bell is usually rung from midnight on January 1 by the first 108 people in line at the bell tower. Numbered tickets are usually handed out at the bell tower from around 10 p.m. on December 31.

  • During the first three days of the New Year, the Main Hall usually opens from 6 a.m. and is very crowded all day. Nearby roads are also congested, so please allow extra time.

  • Daisei Taxi takes you door to door from Nagano Station or your hotel, with no changes. We can also combine your visit with Togakushi Shrine or Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park for a full-day tour.

※Dates, times and fees may change. Please check Zenkoji's official website for the latest information.

For your trip to Nagano, choose Daisei Taxi.

From airport and train station transfers to transportation between ski resorts and winter sightseeing, please let us know your desired date, time, and destination. We will then provide you with pricing and availability.

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