Zenko-ji

Zenko-ji is an independent, non-sect Buddhist temple located in Motozen-cho, Nagoya City, Nagano Prefecture. The head priest duties are shared by two positions: the 'Daikokkin Kanju' and the 'Daihongan Shonin', while actual maintenance and operations are handled by the Tendai and Jodo sects. The principal image is the Ichiko Sanzon Amida Nyorai (Zenko-ji Nyorai), believed to be the oldest in Japan, and is an absolute secret Buddha (Zettai Hifutsu). Recent openings of the image, which occur once every seven years, feature a substitute principal image (maedachi honzon). In front of the main hall stands the Ekoba-shira (pillar of merit), which is said to bring blessings if touched. This Zenko-ji Nyorai is regarded as a symbol of authority as a historic Buddha statue. During the Sengoku period, daimyo (feudal lords) competed to enshrine the Zenko-ji Nyorai in their own domains, causing it to move frequently across various locations. Since ancient times, many people have traveled from all over Japan to visit Zenko-ji, with the saying 'One should visit Zenko-ji at least once in a lifetime.' The central urban area of Nagoya City includes the Zenko-ji monzen-machi (temple town), and the Nagano Basin, extending from Nagoya City to the northern Shinshu region, is also known as 'Zenko-ji-daira'.