Zensanji Temple
Nagano, Japan • INR 5207 approx.• 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Apr, May, Nov
5°C – 17°C, mild and pleasant spring weather, high crowds, peak season
5°C – 17°C, mild and pleasant spring weather, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Temple grounds have uneven paths and stairs; limited accessibility.
Temple grounds have uneven paths and stairs; limited accessibility.
Value for money
Medium
Admission is affordable, but travel costs add up.
Admission is affordable, but travel costs add up.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Peaceful Ambiance
Couples found the temple grounds serene and perfect for a quiet, romantic stroll.
Stunning Pagoda
The unique three-story pagoda provided a beautiful backdrop for photos and reflection.
Scenic Surroundings
Travelers loved the temple's seasonal flowers and the overall tranquil setting.
Limited Access
Some couples found the uneven paths and stairs challenging to navigate together.
Not Accessible
Visitors noted the lack of accessibility options for those with mobility issues.
Travel Hassle
Public transport is limited, making it difficult to reach without a car or taxi.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
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USD 45
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GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
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USD 70
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KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
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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.
Experience the captivating allure of Zensanji 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
-3-7°C
December is cold with occasional snowfall, especially later in the month. The air is crisp and clear, and the temple grounds are tranquil.
December is cold with occasional snowfall, especially later in the month. The air is crisp and clear, and the temple grounds are tranquil.
Open
Temple is open, but some outdoor areas may be slippery due to snow or ice. Dress warmly.
Temple is open, but some outdoor areas may be slippery due to snow or ice. Dress warmly.
Recommended
December offers a peaceful atmosphere at Zenkoji Temple, with the possibility of scenic snow if visiting later in the month.
December offers a peaceful atmosphere at Zenkoji Temple, with the possibility of scenic snow if visiting later in the month.
January
LOW
-6-3°C
Cold winter weather with frequent snowfall. Temperatures often remain below freezing, and snow accumulation is common.
Cold winter weather with frequent snowfall. Temperatures often remain below freezing, and snow accumulation is common.
Open
Temple grounds are open, but some external facilities or paths may be limited due to snow and ice.
Temple grounds are open, but some external facilities or paths may be limited due to snow and ice.
Not recommended
January offers a peaceful experience at Zenkoji Temple, but heavy snow and cold can make access challenging. Winter scenery is beautiful for those prepared.
January offers a peaceful experience at Zenkoji Temple, but heavy snow and cold can make access challenging. Winter scenery is beautiful for those prepared.
February
LOW
-5-5°C
Continued cold, with snow still possible. Occasional sunny days, but overall winter conditions persist.
Continued cold, with snow still possible. Occasional sunny days, but overall winter conditions persist.
Open
Open to visitors, though snow and ice may affect outdoor accessibility.
Open to visitors, though snow and ice may affect outdoor accessibility.
Not recommended
Zenkoji Temple is quiet in February, ideal for those seeking solitude, but winter conditions continue to pose accessibility challenges.
Zenkoji Temple is quiet in February, ideal for those seeking solitude, but winter conditions continue to pose accessibility challenges.
March
MEDIUM
0-11°C
Temperatures begin to rise, snow melts, and early spring arrives. Occasional rain and chilly mornings.
Temperatures begin to rise, snow melts, and early spring arrives. Occasional rain and chilly mornings.
Open
Fully open; minor disruptions possible from lingering snow or early spring rain.
Fully open; minor disruptions possible from lingering snow or early spring rain.
Recommended
March marks the transition to spring, making it a pleasant time to visit Zenkoji Temple with comfortable weather and manageable crowd levels.
March marks the transition to spring, making it a pleasant time to visit Zenkoji Temple with comfortable weather and manageable crowd levels.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
From JR Nagano Station, take a bus to Zensanji Temple. From Shimonogo Station, the Shinshu Ueda Ley-Line Line bus connects to the temple.
Car
Recommended
Driving is recommended, with on-site parking. Access via Ueda Sugadaira Interchange on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway.
Train
Recommended
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Ueda Station. From Ueda Station, transfer to the Ueda Dentetsu Bessho Line to Shiodamachi or Shimonogo Station.
Taxi
Taxis are available at Ueda Station and can be used to reach the temple directly from nearby train stations.
Walking
Walking from Shiodamachi Station is possible (approx. 30-40 minutes), but requires appropriate footwear.
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