Tours and Tickets to Experience Zenkoji Temple

See two of the top attractions near Nagano on this full-day excursion. Explore the tranquil grounds of the 1400-year-old Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan's most important temples. Enjoy a guided sake tasting at a nearby brewery and a hearty lunch at a local restaurant. Then, head to the Snow Monkey Park, located down a beautiful forest trail, to witness a group of local macaques known for their willingness to live in the snow and bathe in the local hot springs.

Nagano is a place of incredible Shinto and Buddhist history and home to one of Japan’s most iconic temple and shrine. While many of Japan’s cities lay claim to an identity of nature-meets-human-invention, that atmosphere can be felt in Nagano better than almost anywhere else in Japan. In this tour, your knowledgeable licensed local guide will accompany you on your journey features an historic districts and even ancient pilgrimages. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize your four-hours special tour that's best for you. Note*1 Please pick 1 of the 3areas(Zenko-ji Area, Matsushiro Area,Obuse Area) then you can select 2–3 sites in the same area.(It is not possible to visit more than 2 areas.) Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Enjoy a premium small-group tour—typically 6–8 guests—blending nature, culture, and great local food in one smooth day. Start at Nagano Station and head to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Walk a quiet forest trail to see wild macaques relaxing in natural hot springs—one of Nagano’s most iconic sights. Next, visit Obuse for a local lunch and a historic brewery sake tasting. Then enjoy some free time in this charming town, long associated with the artist Hokusai, whose later years in Obuse helped shape its cultural identity—stroll the scenic streets, browse local shops, and sample a few local treats at your own pace. On 8:45 AM departures, there is also time for an optional visit to Zenkoji Temple—one of Nagano’s most important historic landmarks (not available on 9:35 AM departures). With beautiful scenery, authentic flavors, and a touch of art and history, this tour captures the best of Nagano—comfortably, efficiently, and in a genuinely personal small-group setting.

Nagano is best known for its ski slopes, but this full-day tour from Nozawa Onsen covers its cultural experiences that are just as worthwhile. Your day starts at Jigokudani Monkey Park to watch Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs, then moves to Zenkoji—one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan—after a warming local lunch. Finish on a high with a guided sake tasting at a local brewery.

Discover Two Ancient Japanese Traditions in One Memorable Half-day Experience! Your journey begins with an immersive exploration of Zenkoji Temple, among Japan's most ancient and venerated Buddhist sanctuaries, concluding with an authentic tea ceremony at a traditional local teahouse. Explore Zenkoji Temple's Sacred History and Ancient Legends: Zenkoji Temple stands as one of Japan's most hallowed Buddhist destinations. Throughout feudal times, devoted pilgrims journeyed vast distances to reach this sacred ground, frequently traveling the historic Nakasendo route. From Sacred Grounds to Tea Ceremony Heritage: At the teahouse, a skilled sadōka (tea ceremony master) welcomes you and shares the traditions and ceremonial steps you'll experience. Enter the serene teahouse space and settle into position as your tea ceremony experience unfolds.

This tour includes a visit to Zenkoji Temple, a historic temple that attracts worshippers from all over the world, as well as a visit to the temple to enjoy local sake and the optional local delicacy oyaki. Since the Edo period (1603-1867), it has been said, “Even if you are far away, you must visit Zenkoji Temple at least once.” Many famous warlords and other famous warriors have visited the temple, and it continues to be a power spot for worshippers today. Another attraction of this tour is that you can walk along the approach to the temple, which has a long history, and visit a sake brewery behind the approach to the temple. You can also sign up for an optional experience to cook and eat “oyaki,” a local dish of Nagano Prefecture, in a traditional hearth. Oyaki is made of wheat flour and buckwheat flour, with seasonal vegetables and sweet bean paste sandwiched inside the dough. Those with wheat or buckwheat allergies are not eligible to apply, so please check in advance.

This Tour get's you best locations trip around in Nagano including historic place and delicious Japanese Food. Our experienced Driver will get you around at your ease. Let's visualize Zenko-ji Temple, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park & delicious food at famous restaurant in Nagano area. This trip is fully customizable.

Experience the best of Nagano with this immersive tour starting from Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen. Begin your journey with a visit to the renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, home to Japan’s famous hot spring-bathing monkeys. Afterward, savor a delicious winter lunch before heading to the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of the country's most significant Buddhist sites. Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the tour concludes with a sake tasting, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local flavors.

Explore the spiritual and natural beauty of Nagano on this private day tour from Tokyo. Visit the historic Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest and most revered Buddhist sites, and stroll through its tranquil grounds. Enjoy free time for lunch featuring local delicacies like Shinshu Soba noodles before heading to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where you can observe wild Japanese macaques enjoying natural hot springs. Alternatively, discover charming Obuse Town or the Matsushiro Samurai District if preferred. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a cultural escape from the city, offering an intimate experience with an English-speaking guide and private transport. - Full-day private tour from Tokyo to Nagano (10-12 hours) - Visit Zenko-ji Temple and learn about its 1,400-year history - Optional visit to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (seasonal) or local towns - Comfortable private vehicle with hotel pick-up and drop-off included

Discover the shrines and forests of Togakushi with the help of a guide during this small-group walking tour from Nagano. Nestled in a national park, this sacred site offers hidden trails and ancient pilgrimage paths waiting to be explored. As you trek through the lush landscapes, encounter Shinto statues and cedar trees lining your route. Visit three shrines and savor a delicious lunch of Togakushi soba, renowned as one of Japan's top soba dishes.

Discover the spiritual side of Nagano on a guided tour of Zenkoji Temple. Enjoy a tasting of sake at a local brewery, savor the flavors of 'oyaki' dumplings, and take part in a tea experience.

Come to Nagano for a deeper sake experience — compare around 10 local sakes (seasonal selection may vary), taste 3 kinds of amazake(non alcohol), enjoy warm Nagano miso soup, and visit a historic old sake factory area. The brewery has over 300 years of history, and you’ll learn the differences between premium styles like unfiltered, unpasteurized, and seasonal sake. First, enjoy a relaxed walk through the streets of Nagano and the Zenkoji Temple area, then head to the tasting experience before returning toward Nagano Station. -Taste 3 different amazake (a traditional non-alcoholic sweet drink) -Enjoy a warm bowl of Nagano miso soup -Admission included to visit a historic old sake factory area -Explore Nagano’s laid-back streets around Zenkoji Temple and stop by local shops -Learn simple, authentic Japanese tasting etiquette and local food culture -Connect with local business owners and hear stories about Nagano’s history and everyday life

Starting from Nagano City or any of the Nagano's 5 main ski resorts (Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen, Madarao Kogen) , we will pick your party up in our private vehicle to take you on your private tour and drop you off back at the pick up location or in Nagano City. On this tour, you will visit the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park and learn all about what makes the resident monkeys so unique, and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant and experience Nagano’s renowned food culture. Guests will also have a chance to stroll the charming streets of the historic town of Obuse, and enjoy viewing its remaining Edo period buildings, as well as explore Zenko-ji, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, and home to the first known Buddhist statue to be brought to Japan. A Sake tasting experience with detailed explanations from your guide is also included(non-alcoholic options available).

Swap Tokyo's hustle for Nagano's natural beauty on this full-day private tour. Visit highlights like Jigokudani Monkey Park and Matsushiro Castle or customize your itinerary. Learn about history, culture, and architecture with insights from your English-speaking driver while enjoying private transportation and hotel pickup for a seamless experience.

Discover the beautiful region of Nagano on a private full-day tour tailored to your preferences. Visit the famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park to observe wild Japanese macaques in their natural habitat. Explore the historic Zenko-ji Temple, a significant site in Japanese Buddhism, and immerse yourself in the traditional atmosphere of Shibu or Yudanaka Onsen Town. Stroll through the charming streets of Obuse, known for its delicious chestnut sweets and art. This tour provides a personalized experience with a professional driver-guide and a private vehicle for utmost comfort. - Full-day private tour tailored for couples, families, and seniors - Visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and Zenko-ji Temple - Explore traditional towns like Shibu, Yudanaka, and Obuse - Flexible itinerary with hotel or station pickup and drop-off included

This engaging special event tour transports you to Nagano’s hidden samurai town of Matsuhiro for an afternoon of samurai experiences and discovery of the open secret beneath its feet before enjoying an early dinner and guided evening tour of the city’s near-1400 year old Zenko-ji Temple during it’s Tomyo Lantern Festival.

Seeing the snow monkeys of Jigokudani is at the top of many travelers' Japan bucket lists, but making your own way there from Tokyo can be a hassle. This seamless private day trip saves you hours of logistical planning by taking care of round-trip transportation to Nagano. You’ll tick off the area’s top sights, including Zenko-ji Temple home to one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist statues, while enjoying the undivided attention of your guide.

Dive into Nagano’s food culture with a hands-on cooking and walking experience. In a traditional Japanese house with a sunken hearth, you’ll learn how to make oyaki—a beloved local dumpling filled with seasonal vegetables or sweet bean paste—and enjoy them warm with soba tea by the fire. After the cooking session, stroll through the peaceful backstreets leading to Zenkoji Temple. Discover small, locally owned shops, taste unique regional flavors, and learn about Japanese dining customs and everyday culture from your guide. ・Make two oyaki dumplings and enjoy them with soba tea in a traditional Japanese hearth house ・Explore Nagano’s backstreets on the way to Zenkoji Temple ・Discover local flavors and learn about Japanese dining culture ・Meet small business owners and hear stories of the neighborhood *Please let us know if you have any food restrictions beforehand*

Explore the magnificent temples and natural wonders of Nagano on a full-day tour and benefit from the undivided attention of a private guide. Visit the famous Zenkoji Temple and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, enjoy lunch (own expense) in Obuse Town, then choose a soak in the hot springs at Shibu Onsen.

Hi, I'm Kye. A slightly sarcastic Japan-born half-Australian semi-pro photographer who's quick with a joke. Traveling through Japan can be awesome, it can also be very confusing and difficult. Japan Xperiences is here to make your trip smoother, more comfortable, and zero stress:) Not to mention, more memorable! The three destinations that this trip covers are the places we think everyone visiting Japan should see at least once! Mt Fuji needs no introduction, so let me tell you more about the other two: Takayama is a rural town north of Nagoya and is often called miniature Kyoto. There is a ton of history to immerse yourself in:) The best part? It's not overcrowded yet! Takayama is my hometown so you'll be sure to get a lot of authentic local experiences;) The standard car we use is a 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. A Japanese luxury van is available as an option as well in case you want the extra space!

Enjoy a guided temple tour and a fire ceremony as well as a traditional tea experience, sampling of local dumplings, ‘sake’ tasting, and a unique stay at a traditional ‘shukubo.’

Discover Nagano’s many highlights on this private 2-day tour. You’ll have a guide to show you around on the first day, and then free time to explore on the second day. Overnight stay in a Japanese Ryokan, entrance fees to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple, and a private onsen experience is included, making it the ultimate hassle-free tour.

Discover the essence of Nagano on this full-day adventure combining nature, culture, and local tradition. Visit the world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and witness wild monkeys relaxing in natural hot springs — a truly heartwarming and unforgettable sight for all ages. Explore the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most significant Buddhist landmarks, and feel the deep spiritual atmosphere that has attracted pilgrims for over 1,400 years. Continue your journey into the sacred Togakushi forests, home to ancient shrines and mystical legends, where your expert local guide shares insider stories about mountain worship, ninja folklore, and regional customs. Enjoy a taste of local cuisine and the serene beauty of Nagano’s countryside. With hotel pick-up and comfortable transport, this tour is perfect for families with children, travelers with limited time, culture enthusiasts, and adventure seekers looking for an authentic and memorable Japan experience.