Zenko-ji Temple
Nagano, Japan • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Apr, Aug, Nov
4°C – 17°C, mild and pleasant; cherry blossom season brings floral beauty and comfortable temperatures, high crowds, peak season
4°C – 17°C, mild and pleasant; cherry blossom season brings floral beauty and comfortable temperatures, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Wheelchairs and ramps available, but some stairs and uneven paths exist.
Wheelchairs and ramps available, but some stairs and uneven paths exist.
Value for money
Medium
Entry fees are reasonable, experience is enriching.
Entry fees are reasonable, experience is enriching.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Serene Atmosphere
Couples found the temple grounds peaceful and perfect for a shared experience.
Hidden Gem
Visitors appreciated the unique O-Kaidan Meguri, a journey of enlightenment.
Beautiful Architecture
The Main Hall's architecture impressed, creating a memorable visit for couples.
Overcrowded Weekends
Travelers should expect larger crowds, especially during peak season and holidays.
Entrance Fees
Some couples felt the combined ticket prices were a little high for what's offered.
Limited Privacy
The Nakamise-dori can get very busy, diminishing privacy for couples.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Explore the captivating activities near the serene Zenkoji Temple.
A globetrotter embarks on an enlightening journey to the serene Zenkoji Temple.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
-3-6°C
Cold, early winter weather with occasional light snowfall. The temple grounds are quiet and atmospheric.
Cold, early winter weather with occasional light snowfall. The temple grounds are quiet and atmospheric.
Open
No restrictions except for possible closures of some nearby shops and earlier closing hours due to the season.
No restrictions except for possible closures of some nearby shops and earlier closing hours due to the season.
Recommended
December offers a serene experience at Zenko-ji, with few tourists and a calm winter atmosphere, ideal for those seeking tranquility.
December offers a serene experience at Zenko-ji, with few tourists and a calm winter atmosphere, ideal for those seeking tranquility.
January
LOW
-6-4°C
Cold, often snowy; temperatures are frequently below freezing and snow accumulation is common.
Cold, often snowy; temperatures are frequently below freezing and snow accumulation is common.
Open
Temple grounds are open, but some areas may have limited accessibility due to snow or icy paths.
Temple grounds are open, but some areas may have limited accessibility due to snow or icy paths.
Not recommended
Visiting Zenko-ji Temple in January offers a quiet experience, but expect cold weather and possible snow-related disruptions.
Visiting Zenko-ji Temple in January offers a quiet experience, but expect cold weather and possible snow-related disruptions.
February
LOW
-5-6°C
Cold with occasional snowfall; slightly warmer than January but still winter conditions.
Cold with occasional snowfall; slightly warmer than January but still winter conditions.
Open
Temple is open but take care on icy or snowy paths; some events may be limited.
Temple is open but take care on icy or snowy paths; some events may be limited.
Not recommended
Quiet winter atmosphere; good for solitude, but weather may hinder outdoor exploration.
Quiet winter atmosphere; good for solitude, but weather may hinder outdoor exploration.
March
MEDIUM
-2-11°C
Transition to spring; snow begins to melt, temperatures gradually rise, and occasional rain replaces snow.
Transition to spring; snow begins to melt, temperatures gradually rise, and occasional rain replaces snow.
Open
No significant restrictions; accessibility improves as snow melts.
No significant restrictions; accessibility improves as snow melts.
Recommended
March marks the start of spring, offering milder weather, easier access, and a livelier temple atmosphere.
March marks the start of spring, offering milder weather, easier access, and a livelier temple atmosphere.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Take the city bus from bus stop #1 at the Zenkoji Exit of JR Nagano Station. The journey takes 10-15 minutes to the Zenkoji Daimon bus stop, a short walk from the temple.
Train
Recommended
The Nagano Electric Railway (Nagaden) from Nagaden Nagano Station (adjacent to JR Nagano Station) to Zenkojishita Station (5-10 min walk).
Walking
Recommended
Enjoy a 30-minute walk from JR Nagano Station to the temple, following Chuo-dori.
Car
Zenko-ji Temple is accessible by car from the Joshin-etsu Expressway (Nagano IC or Suzaka-Nagano-Higashi IC). Public parking lots are available.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at JR Nagano Station for a quick ride to Zenko-ji Temple.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required