Zenkoji

長野県

A non-sectarian temple founded in 642, whose National Treasure main hall enshrines the oldest Buddhist image in Japan and draws millions every seven years for the Gokaicho

Founded

642

Type

Temple

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JR長野駅からバス約15分

長野県長野市元善町491

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Info

Temple

Founded 642

1384 years

Enshrined Deity

一光三尊阿弥陀如来

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Buddhist Sect

無宗派（単立）

Overview

Zenkoji in Nagano City is non-sectarian. Its principal image, the Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai — said to be Japan's oldest Buddha statue — is an absolute secret Buddha, never displayed. The Grand Opening every seven years draws millions nationwide. Founded 642, it famously accepted female worshippers. The main hall is a National Treasure (rebuilt 1707).

Origins

According to temple tradition, in 644 Honda Yoshimitsu of Shinano retrieved the Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai from the canal at Naniwa, enshrining it at the present site — the founding act of Zenko-ji. The icon, regarded as the oldest Buddhist image in Japan, remains an absolutely hidden 'hibutsu' to thi…

句
Haiku Composed Here
— 9

善光寺や灯籠もなき春の山

Kobayashi Issa 1810年

Seasonal word

春の山（春）

善光寺周辺の春の山を詠んだ一茶の句。人工物のない素朴な春の景観への親しみが滲む。

Show all haiku · 8

Divine Benefits

Purification

Rebirth in Pure Land

Cleansing impurity, spiritual purification, driving away evil. Rooted in misogi ablutions and goma fire rites.

Derived from the enshrined deity "一光三尊阿弥陀如来"

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Related Articles
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Zenkoji and Non-Sectarian Faith: Pilgrimage to the Ikko Sanzon Amida

Zenkoji's secret principal image — the Ikko Sanzon Amida, never publicly displayed — and its famous Okaiданめguri pilgrimage through total darkness draw worshippers of all Buddhist sects. This article explores the history and thought behind this uniquely non-sectarian sacred site.

basics

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記

Ohigan — Japan's Buddhist Equinox Weeks for Ancestor Memorial and Temple Visits

Ohigan is a seven-day Buddhist observance centered on the spring and autumn equinoxes, when families visit ancestral graves and temples. This guide explains the origin of the higan-bana flower, the significance of botamochi and ohagi sweets, and the major temple ceremonies at Shitennoji, Zenkoji, Horyuji, Todaiji, and Naritasan Shinshoji.

seasonal

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記

Samantabhadra: The Bodhisattva of Practice on the White Elephant

Samantabhadra (Fugen Bosatsu) is the bodhisattva of practice and the guardian of the Lotus Sutra, depicted riding a white elephant with six tusks. Paired with Manjushri beside Shakyamuni Buddha, he is revered for blessings of longevity, safe childbirth, and protection of women.

basics

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もっと詳しく · 2

人
Related Figures
— 1

Minamoto no Yoritomo

First Shogun of Kamakura

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Minamoto no Yoritomo, founder of the Kamakura shogunate, made a pilgrimage to Zenkoji Temple and held its sacred power in deep reverence. His visit inspired the Hojo clan to devote themselves to the temple as well, and backed by the warrior government's patronage, faith in Zenkoji spread widely among samurai and commoners across Japan.

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Visiting Information

Hours

Main Hall inner sanctuary opens 1 hour before morning service; closing 16:30 (Apr–Oct), 16:15 (Mar & Nov), 16:00 (Dec–Feb).

Admission

Outer sanctuary free. After Apr 1 2026 revision: inner sanctuary + Okaidan + Sanmon set ¥800 adults / ¥300 students / ¥100 elementary. Full combined ticket ¥1,500/¥600/¥200.

As of 2026-07-17. Subject to change.

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刈

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