20 Temples in Nagano worth your time

A historic Tendai Buddhist temple in Ueda featuring a National Important Cultural Property pagoda and a museum of local history.

What it is

• A Tendai sect Buddhist temple that succeeded the ancient provincial temple of Shinano.
• The main hall enshrines Yakushi Nyorai and is designated as a Nagano Prefectural Treasure.
• The original temple grounds are preserved as a National Historic Site.
• A stone monument marks the meeting place of Sanada Masayuki and Tokugawa forces.

What to see

• A three-story pagoda designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
• The Shinano Kokubunji Museum which displays artifacts from the site.
• Traditional Somin Shorai amulets distributed during the annual festival.

When to go

• The Yokado Ennichi festival takes place on January 7th and 8th.

Getting there

• The temple is a five-minute walk from Shinano-Kokubunji Station.

Read more about Shinano Kokubun-niji

A historic Sōtō Zen temple in Narai-juku featuring a dragon ceiling painting and artifacts from the Shogun's tea jar procession.

What it is

• A Sōtō Zen temple originally founded in 1366 as Seigō-ji.
• Served as a lodging for the Shogun's official tea jar procession.
• The current main hall dates back to a reconstruction in 1866.
• Final resting place of the Satsuma samurai Fukuzaki Shichinojo.

What to see

• A large dragon painting by Yamaguchi Gonnoshō on the main hall ceiling.
• The mountain gate which was relocated from the Narai-juku Honjin.
• An Enmei Jizo statue carved by the craftsman Moriya Teiji.
• A historical sedan chair used by the samurai Fukuzaki Shichinojo.
• Artifacts related to the historic tea jar processions.

When to go

• Visit in June to see the tea jar procession reenactment start here.

Read more about Chōsen-ji

A Koyasan Shingon sect temple in Nagano known for its historic halls and vibrant seasonal rhododendron displays.

What it is

• A temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect dedicated to the deity Dainichi Nyorai.
• Restored by Ekaku Hoin in 1383 with a mountain name of Iizunasan.
• The current main hall dates back to a reconstruction in 1832.

What to see

• The main hall rebuilt in the nineteenth century after a fire.
• A collection of religious buildings including a Goma hall and a Yakushi hall.
• Traditional architectural features such as a bell tower and a mountain gate.
• Extensive grounds famous for the blooming rhododendron flowers.

Getting there

• A fifteen minute walk from Midoriko Station.
• A ten minute drive from the Shiojiri Interchange.

Official site

jokoji.holy.jp

Read more about Joko-ji Temple

A historic Tendai temple facing north, traditionally visited alongside Zenko-ji to complete a spiritual pilgrimage in Nagano.

What it is

• A Tendai sect temple founded by Ennin in the year 825
• Managed by Joraku-ji and restored by Minamoto no Yoritomo after a fire
• The main hall faces north and was rebuilt in 1721
• Visiting this site alongside Zenko-ji avoids the bad luck of one-sided worship

What to see

• The main hall featuring a unique Shumoku-zukuri architectural style
• A twenty-two meter tall Katsura tree designated as a natural monument
• The Onsen Yakushi Ruri-den which was rebuilt in 1809
• The Aizen-do hall located near the ancient Katsura tree

Getting there

• The nearest station is Bessho-Onsen Station on the Ueda Railway

Read more about Kitamuki-kan'non

Shakuson-ji Temple, also known as Nunobiki Kannon, is a historic Tendai temple with important cultural properties.

What it is

• A Tendai sect temple in Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture.
• Also known as Nunobiki Kannon.
• The 29th temple of the Shinano 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.
• Birthplace of the 'Ushi ni Hikarete Zenkoji Mairi' legend.

What to see

• Principal image is Sho Kannon Bosatsu.
• The Kannon-do Kugaden, built in 1258, is a National Important Cultural Property.
• The Hakusan-sha Shrine is a Nagano Prefectural Treasure.
• Approach along the Nunobiki Gorge offers scenic views.

When to go

• Temple's縁日 (Ennichi) is on May 8th.

Getting there

• Approach takes about 20 minutes from the parking lot.

Address

長野県小諸市大久保2250 Map

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A 17th-century Jodo Shu temple in Saku hosting a nationally recognized ritual dance inside its historic main hall.

What it is

• A Jodo Shu Buddhist temple founded in 1617 by Hoyo Eitein Shonin.
• The temple is dedicated to the principal image of Amida Nyorai.
• It features the Sengoku clan crest with Paulownia and Eiraku-sen symbols.
• The site is known for preserving the Atobe no Odori Nenbutsu ritual.

What to see

• The main hall where traditional ceremonies are currently performed.
• A specialized ritual stage called a dojo built for the annual dance.
• The Kannon-do hall which previously served as the outdoor ritual site.

When to go

• Visit on the first Sunday of April for the Atobe no Odori Nenbutsu.

Read more about Saihō-ji Temple

A historic Shinshu Otani-ha temple in Nagano featuring intricate wood carvings and a unique five-story stone pagoda.

What it is

• A Shinshu Otani-ha Buddhist temple founded by Shaku Shudo in June 1573
• The temple carries the mountain name Kanshozan and moved to its current site in the early 1800s
• The current main hall dates to 1889 after several fires destroyed previous structures
• This site served as a free shelter for victims of the Great Kanto Earthquake

What to see

• The main hall featuring detailed wood carvings attributed to the carpenter Yamasaki Gisaku
• A mountain gate that was rebuilt in 1926
• A five-story stone pagoda erected on the temple grounds in 1924
• The grave of the notable Noh singer Usui Yoshisada

Official site

myogyoji-nagano.org

Read more about Myōgyō-ji Temple

Sainen-ji Temple is a historic Jodo-shu temple with important statues and graves.

What it is

• It is a Jodo-shu temple.
• Founded in 1560 by Gyo-o.
• It is the family temple of the Makino clan.
• Became head temple for five temples in Shinano Province.

What to see

• Seated statue of Amitabha Tathagata is the principal image.
• Statue designated a Nagano Prefectural Treasure in 1959.
• Statue has a repair inscription on the back of its knee.
• Graves of the Sengoku clan are on the grounds.
• Grave of Yoshizawa Koken is here.
• Grave of Naito Minokami Masaoki is here.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from JR Koumi Line Iwamurada Station.

Address

長野県佐久市岩村田1188 Map

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Chuzenji Temple is a historic Shingon Buddhist temple with important cultural properties.

What it is

• A Shingon-shu Chizan-ha temple.
• Founded by Kukai for rain prayers.
• Its mountain name is Ryuo-zan.
• Its in-go is Enmei-in.

What to see

• The Yakushido is an Important Cultural Property.
• The current main hall was built in 1734.
• Nagano Prefecture's oldest wooden building is here.
• A wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai statue is an Important Cultural Property.
• A Kongo Rikishi standing statue is a Prefectural Treasure.
• A Chuzenji stone Gorinto is an Ueda City cultural property.

Getting there

• 30-minute taxi ride from JR Ueda Station.

Address

長野県上田市前山1721 Map

Read more about Chūzen-ji Temple

Visit this historic temple to see samurai mausoleums and a unique pagoda.

What it is

• Rinzai sect Myoshin-ji school temple.
• Founded in 1640 by Suwa Tadatsune.
• Principal image is Yakushi Nyorai.
• Family temple of the Suwa clan of Takashima Domain.

What to see

• Mausoleums of successive Suwa lords.
• Yakui-mon gate relocated from Takashima Castle.
• Sanmon gate relocated from Takashima Castle.
• Noh stage relocated from Takashima Castle.
• Multi-storied pagoda rebuilt in 1767.
• Suwa family graveyard, a national historic site.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk from JR Chuo Main Line Kami-Suwa Station.

Address

長野県諏訪市湯の脇1-21-1 Map

Read more about Onsen-ji Temple

Chōraku-ji Temple is a historic Tendai temple known for its scenic beauty and ancient tree.

What it is

• A Tendai sect Buddhist temple.
• Its mountain name is Obasuteyama.
• Main image is Shō Kannon Bosatsu.
• 14th temple of the Shinano 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.

What to see

• Main hall and priest's living quarters, rebuilt 1834.
• Kannon-do hall, rebuilt 1691.
• Omoiwa rock: 15m high, 25m wide, 25m deep.
• National scenic spot Obasute (Tagoto no Tsuki).
• Ancient Katsura tree, 500 to 1000 years old.
• Monument with a haiku by Matsuo Bashō.

Getting there

• Nearest station is Obasute on the JR Shinonoi Line.

Address

大字八幡姨捨4983番地 Map

Read more about Chōraku-ji Temple

An'yo-ji Temple: a historic Jodo Shinshu temple with ancient trees, easily accessible from Matsumoto.

What it is

• A Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha sect temple.
• Formerly known as Azusa-dera Temple.
• Shinran, the founder of Jodo Shinshu, stayed here.
• Moved to its current site between 1753 and 1761.

What to see

• The main hall, rebuilt after a 1969 fire.
• Two weeping cherry trees, 500 and 350 years old.
• One cedar tree and one Koyamaki tree.
• Three trees designated special natural monuments in 2011.

Getting there

• 4-minute walk from Samizo Station.
• Parking lot accessible from National Route 158.

Address

長野県松本市波田三溝1660 Map

Read more about An'yo-ji Temple

Saihoji is an ancient Jodo-shu temple in Nagano with a historic main hall and tranquil pond.

What it is

• A Jodo-shu temple in Nagano City, founded in 1199.
• Its sangō is Anyōzan and ingō is Gokurakuin.
• Moved to its current location in 1504.

What to see

• The main hall, built in 1787, is Nagano Town's oldest large building.
• Inside the main hall, see the four-shaku Amitabha Nyorai and other statues.
• Mūhō Pond, one of the Zenkōji Seven Ponds, is on the grounds.
• Graves of Tsukada Kyokurei are located within the temple grounds.
• Nenbutsu monuments of Yuten and Tokuhon line the approach.

Address

長野県長野市西町1019 Map

Read more about Saihō-ji Temple

Teishoji is a historic Soto Zen temple with cultural treasures and a famous former residence.

What it is

• Soto Zen temple in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture.
• Established in 1521 by Tomono Teisho.
• Built for memorial services for his father and grandfather.
• One of the "Shinshu Hyakuji" (One Hundred Temples of Shinshu).

What to see

• Three-storied pagoda.
• Former residence of Shimazaki Toson.
• Pagoda and gates are Nagano Prefectural Treasures.
• War memorial for Nozawa Kita High School alumni.

Getting there

• Nakamagome Station on the JR Koumi Line.

Address

長野県佐久市前山1380-1 Map

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A historic Soto Zen temple in Nagano with unique statues and cultural properties.

What it is

• A Soto Zen temple in Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture.
• Its mountain name is Sendo-zan.
• Uesugi Kagekatsu contributed to the temple in 1583.

What to see

• The Rakan-den houses 500 Rakan statues.
• The Kannon-do's main image is a Holy Kannon Bodhisattva statue.
• The current main hall was rebuilt in 1819.
• Main hall transoms are designated cultural properties.
• The main hall's main image is Shaka Nyorai.
• Temple grounds include a main hall, Nio-mon, and Kannon-do.

Address

長野県中野市中野栗和田2132 Map

Read more about Jōraku-ji Temple

Sōtō Zen temple in Nagano with a large Enma statue and a memorial museum.

What it is

• A Sōtō Zen temple.
• Renamed Tenkyū-ji by Sanada Nobuyuki.
• Houses the grave of Takeda Nobushige.

What to see

• Main hall with a natural stone grave.
• Memorial for fallen soldiers from the battle.
• Enma-dō hall in front of the main hall.
• Enma statue, said to be the largest in Japan.
• Kawanakajima Battle Memorial Museum on the grounds.
• Museum displays over 60 temple treasures.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from Nagano Station.

Address

長野県長野市篠ノ井杵淵1000番地 Map

Read more about Tenkyū-ji Temple

Tōkō-ji Temple is a Sōtō Zen Buddhist temple with important statues, worth visiting for its cultural heritage.

What it is

• A Sōtō Zen Buddhist temple.
• Principal image is Batō Kannon Bosatsu.
• Pilgrimage site for Daikokuten of Shinshu Shichifukujin.
• Eighth pilgrimage site of Shinshu Kawanishi Kannon.

What to see

• Wooden standing statue of Amitābha Tathāgata.
• Statue is a city-designated tangible cultural property.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk from Hotaka Station on the Ōito Line.
• Azumino sightseeing bus runs to Todoroki-ya during tourist season.

Address

長野県安曇野市穂高2721 Map

Read more about Tōkō-ji Temple

Visit this Tendai Buddhist temple to see its unique underground passage and historic treasures.

What it is

• A Tendai Buddhist temple in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture.
• Formerly known as Nyorai-ji Temple.
• Dedicated to the main deity Zenkō-ji Nyorai.

What to see

• Experience the Okaidan-meguri, a dark underground passage.
• Explore the treasure hall with its sacred臼 and Aizen Myōō statue.
• See the Bell of Peace.
• Visit the Heiwaden, enshrining Kannon from the Saigoku pilgrimage.

Getting there

• A 5-minute walk from Motozenkō-ji Station.

Address

長野県飯田市座光寺2638 Map

Read more about Motozenkō-ji Temple

Jurin-ji Temple is a historic site with unique monuments, founded in 1601 as a prayer temple.

What it is

• Founded in 1601 by Hoshina Masamitsu.
• Built at the demon gate of Takato Castle.
• Served as a prayer temple for the Takato Domain.
• Became a branch temple of Chishaku-in Temple.

What to see

• Original main image was a copy of Yugao Kannon.
• Current main image is Dainichi Nyorai.
• Monument to Hoshina Masayuki on the grounds.
• Memorial tower for O-Shizu on the grounds.

Getting there

• 30 minutes walk from JR Bus Kanto Takato Station.

Address

長野県伊那市高遠町東高遠2330 Map

Read more about Jurin-ji Temple

Sōen-ji Temple is a historic Jōdo-shū Buddhist temple with notable architecture and clan graves.

What it is

• Jōdo-shū Buddhist temple, mountain name Mizukuchiyama.
• Principal image is Amida Nyorai.
• Established as family temple for the Miyazaki clan.
• Renamed Sōen-ji in 1686 by Miyazaki Shigetsugu.

What to see

• Main hall built in 1833.
• Main hall has gabled entrance with dragon carving.
• Temple gate built around the same time as main hall.
• Bell tower built in 1752.
• Current temple bell cast in 1949.
• Miyazaki clan's successive graves are a historic site.

Address

長野県下伊那郡阿智村伍和1532 Map

Read more about Sōen-ji Temple