Zenkoji Temple in Nagano

Zenkoji Temple is a non-sectarian Buddhist temple located in Motozenmachi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture. The temple is jointly managed by two head priests: the 'Daikanjin Kanshu' and the 'Daihongan Shonin.' The principal image enshrined here is the Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai, said to be the oldest in Japan, and it is a hidden Buddha that is never shown to the public. The Zenkoji Nyorai, the principal image of Zenkoji Temple, is considered a symbol of authority and has a storied history. During the Sengoku period, various feudal lords competed to relocate the Zenkoji Nyorai to their own territories, causing it to move from place to place. To get to Zenkoji Temple from JR Nagano Station, please take the bus from the Zenkoji Exit Bus Rotary, Platform 1 (bound for Zenkoji). The journey from Nagano Station to Zenkoji Daimon takes approximately 15 minutes and costs 190 yen.