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Zenkoji
〒380-0851 長野県長野市長野元善町 イ
Zenkoji is a non-sectarian independent Buddhist temple located in Motozen-cho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture. The abbot holds the dual titles of 'Dai-Kanshin Kanju' (Grand Head of the Great Promotion) and 'Dai Hon'gan Jōnin' (Great Head of the Great Vow), while the actual maintenance and operation are managed by the Tendai and Jodo sects (see below). The principal image is the Ikkō Sannon Amida Nyorai (One-Light Three-Body Amida Buddha), known as the Zenkoji Nyorai, which is said to be the oldest in Japan and is an absolutely secret Buddha. In recent years, the opening of the image, which occurs once every seven years, is performed with a substitute main image (maedachi honzon). In front of the main hall, a Hekō Hashira (Merit-Transfer Pillar) is erected, which is believed to bestow spiritual benefits if touched. This Zenkoji Nyorai is regarded as a symbol of authority as a prestigious Buddhist statue. During the Sengoku period, daimyo (feudal lords) competed to transfer the Zenkoji Nyorai to their own domains (headquarters), causing the statue to move from place to place. Since ancient times, many people from all over Japan have visited Zenkoji, giving rise to the saying, 'Visit Zenkoji once in your lifetime.' The central urban area of Nagano City includes the Zenkoji Monzen-machi (temple front town), and the Nagano Basin, which spreads across Nagano City and the Hokushin region, is also called the 'Zenkoji Plain.'.
History
It is a non-sectarian temple that enshrines a secret principal image considered to be among the oldest in Japan. It is also known for the phrase, 'Led by an ox to Zenkoji.'
Blessings
It is worshipped for the spiritual benefit of fulfilling one's wishes.
What visitors say
The vast temple grounds are beautiful in every season, characterized by a dignified and historical atmosphere. Visitors often enjoy the experience of the 'Okaidan Meguri' (circumambulation of the secret altar) under the floor of the main hall and the views from the inner gate. Early mornings are relatively quiet, and after visiting, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the temple front town in the bustling Nakamise-dori shopping street.
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 – 16:00
- Tuesday: 6:00 – 16:00
- Wednesday: 6:00 – 16:00
- Thursday: 6:00 – 16:00
- Friday: 6:00 – 16:00
- Saturday: 6:00 – 16:00
- Sunday: 6:00 – 16:00
Annual events & festivals
- January 1-3Hatsumode (Shuuse-kai)
Welcoming the New Year at the National Treasure main hall. Includes the New Year's Day morning worship and the Shuuse-kai rite.
Beginning with the pre-dawn morning worship on New Year's Day, the Shuuse-kai rite is held from January 1 to 3 to pray for national peace. This ancient temple, which is non-sectarian, enshrines the Ikkou-sanzon Amida Nyorai (Three-Body Amida Buddha with One Light) as its principal image.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・National Treasure: Zennkoji Main Hall
- ・Asa-goto (Morning Buddhist rites)
- ・Known for the special opening of the main hall in years divisible by 12
- January 7-15Go-inbun Choudai (Receiving the Sacred Seal)
A New Year ritual where a sacred seal is pressed onto the forehead to pray for rebirth in the Pure Land.
From January 7 to 15, monks press the 'Gyuou-hoin' (Sacred Seal of the Ox King) onto the foreheads of worshippers. It is a famous New Year custom believed to promise rebirth in the Pure Land for those who receive it.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Receiving the sacred seal on the forehead
- ・Faith in rebirth in the Pure Land
- ・A signature New Year event
- Around February 3Setsubun-e (Bean-Throwing Festival)
A Tsurugina rite featuring a procession led by wooden chants, with red and blue demons parading to the main hall.
Led by wooden chants, red and blue demons parade to the main hall. The Tsurugina rite and bean-throwing are performed by the toshi otoko (lucky man) and toshi onna (lucky woman) of the year.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Parade of red and blue demons
- ・Tsurugina rite
- ・Bean-throwing
- August 10-11Obon Engi (Obon Market)
A lively Obon market featuring the Great Obon Dance Festival and other events.
On August 10 and 11, events such as the Great Obon Dance Festival and the Seirei-e (Spirit Festival) are held within the temple grounds, adding color to the summer evenings.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Great Obon Dance Festival
- ・Seirei-e (Spirit Festival)
- ・Summer market
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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