A visit to the Nagano area would not be complete without seeing the famous Zenkō-ji Temple (善光寺) in Nagano City, said to have been built in the early 7th century. It consists of 39 buildings including Dai-hongan and Dai-kanjin and is the main tourist spot in Nagano.

Zenkoji Temple (善光寺), Nagano City, Japan

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Zenkoji Temple Information

Since Zenkoji Temple is not affiliated with any one particular sect of Buddhism Zenko-ji is open to everyone regardless of their belief, and it is believed that a visit there once in a lifetime will ensure a passage into the Land of Happiness. The temple has grown on the basis of this popular belief from ancient times and therefore been popular amongst a great variety of people throughout its history.

The San-mon Gate you pass through as you enter is designated as an important cultural asset. Its roof was renovated and reconstructed of Japanese Sawara cypress tree wood, just like the old roof that the temple had at its foundation about 250 years ago.

Further into the precincts of the temple you can find the main hall (listed as National Treasure). It was rebuilt in 1707 and is the third largest wooden structure in Japan.

O Kaidan Meguri or “Walking in the Pitch Dark Tunnel” lies under the Main Altar of the temple where you can experience going through the ordination platform designed to be used during the ordination rites of the priests. It’s very dark and requires a great deal of touch and feel as you go. Along the way try to find and touch the key that is reputedly the one to unlock paradise.

A day at Zenkoji starts with a religious service early in the morning. Sutra recitation echoes in the fresh morning air – first by by the saints and priests of the Tendai Sect followed by the Jodo Shinshu sect. The morning service starts at sunrise, usually between 5:30 AM and 7:00 AM depending on the time of year. It is said that, if your head is touched by the beads of the holy priests, the blessing of Buddha is given to you. It is common to see people kneeling in wait for a blessing every morning.

Many deities are enshrined in the temple, including Nure-Botoke, which is said to be a protector of children. You will also the Roku-Jizo and the images of six Ksitigarbha bodhisattva.

The front approach to the main hall of the temple is paved with flagstones (allegedly 7,777 in total). The stores lining the approach, sell a usual plethora of gifts, nick-nacks and local products. These include Buddhist family altars, pickled vegetables and traditional toys.

Admission is 500 yen. Download a Zenkouji Temple tourist brochure here (3.2MB)

Stay in Zenkoji Temple accommodation

Lodgings for pilgrims line the approach to the temple. Zenkoji Tokugyoubou is located right in the grounds of Zenkoji Temple. It is a shukubo – the kind of lodging that is traditionally attached to a Japanese temple. A shukubo is similar to traditional Japanese inns but at a shukubo you can join in morning prayers with the temple monks and eat shojin ryori – the special austere, vegetarian meal for monks. The rooms are traditional Japanese rooms with tatami mats and a light cotton yukata is offered for sleeping. No credit cards accepted.

Map to more accommodation in Nagano City

Matsuya Ryokan is an amazing traditional inn located right at the heart of Zenkoji Temple. Matsuya is recommended for those who love to have a taste of very traditional Japanese culture, architectural design and value for money. There is a Jizo statue related to the Zenko-ji Temple at the entrance. As it is a traditional ryokan, there is no internet access.

See below for more Nagano City accommodation options

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Nagano Station Area Map

Brief directions for getting to Zenkoji Temple

Walking: It is a roughly thirty minute walk from Nagano Station to Zenkoji Temple. Exit Nagano station via the Zenkoji Exit and follow the temple markers.
Bus: From JR Nagano train station, take the bus bound for Zenkoji Temple from Bus Stop #1. The stop is located at the Bus Rotary in front of Zenkoji Exit (see above) of Nagano Station. It takes 15 minutes and costs only 100 yen.
Train: Catch the Dentetsu line train (next to JR Nagano Station) to Gondo or Zenkojishita stations and then walk about 5-10 minutes.
Taxi: A taxi from JR Nagano Station will cost about 1,200-1,350 yen.

Get great Zenkoji Temple accommodation deals here!

Map to Zenkoji Temple

Map of Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji Temple, Nagano Accommodation and Sightseeing Map

View a larger Zenkoji Temple, Nagano Hotels & Sightseeing Map

Video – Zenkoji Temple

Video – Zenkoji Temple

Places to stay in and near Zenkoji Temple, Nagano

View more Nagano hotels at Nagano: Stay in the Heart of of Japan or find great Zenkoji Temple accommodation deals here!

	Chuoukan Shimizuya Ryokan is a traditional and popular ryokan that has over 160 years of history. It is located in the centre of Nagano – just a few minutes walk from the Zenkoji temple. There are single rooms, double rooms and rooms for 3 and 4 persons available. Internet access available. Map to Chuoukan Shimizuya Ryokan, Nagano
	Hotel Sunroute Nagano features modern guestrooms with free wired internet access and comfortable Simmons beds. A breakfast buffet featuring Japanese and Western dishes are served at the dining room. This property is situated in the heart of the city right across from the JR Nagano Station and the Nagano Metro, while the famous Zenko-ji Temple is only ten minutes by taxi.
	1166 Backpackers Nagano is budget accommodation in Nagano City designed to make your stay in Nagano as comfortable as possible. The tastefully refurbished old house was built 60 years ago and still retains the atmosphere of days gone past. An easy walk from JR Nagano Station and to Zenkoji Temple. Map to 1166 Backpackers Nagano
	Kokusai21 Hotel Nagano blends pleasant ambience and cosy atmosphere. Kokusai21 Hotel Nagano is an ideal place for business as well as leisure, with English speaking staff on hand. Situated in the heart of Nagano city, the Kokusai 21 Hotel Nagano is ten minutes drive from the Nagano Station as well as being within walking distance to the famous Zenko-ji Temple. Check reviews for Kokusai 21 Hotel or see map to Kokusai 21 Hotel, Nagano

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Nagano Accommodation, Myoko Hotels: About

The Heart of Japan offers simply the widest range of Nagano accommodation available across the region. You can book online a choice of over 400 ryokan, resort hotels, backpacker hostels, ski lodges, pension & traditional inns and receive instant confirmation.

Find and book Nagano accommodation instantly via our secure travel booking site!

Nagano Accommodation, Myoko Hotels

If you are looking for comfortable, affordable and cheap accommodation in Japan’s “White Triangle” – Myoko Kogen, Hakuba, Akakura Onsen, Akakan Resort, Lake Nojiri, Nozawa Onsen, Madarao Kogen, Togakushi, Joetsu, Yudanaka Onsen (Japan Snow Monkey Park), Shiga Kogen and surrounds – hotels, pension, inns, hostels, ski lodges, cabins, minshuku, b&b or ryokan – then you have come to the right place. We can also help you book online at the same time for any stopovers in Nagano City, Tokyo Airports, Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya or Kyoto. We can also assist with group bookings throughout Japan

Please note that Myoko Kogen and the “White Triangle” is made up of several different areas (as listed above) and the establishments below are only a small fraction of the properties offered. The following are a small selection of recommended inns, pensions, hotels and ryokan. For a full list of accommodation in the different areas of Myoko Kogen and the White Triangle please use the links on our accommodation menu at top. If unsure of the area you are looking for check out our extensive access and maps pages.

Explore the Heart of Japan offer by far the widest available range of accommodation in the area where reservations can easily be done online in English. Each area has its own hotel map so you can see exactly where the property you are booking lies in relation to local transport, resorts and services.

We have gathered all of the available bookable online establishments and are constantly adding to our lists. We utilise only well known reputable companies and you can therefore book securely with confidence, and at the best possible price, via our own secure travel booking site or one of the following – Booking.com, Japanican (JTB), or Rakuten. Confirmation is usually immediate.

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Can’t find what you’re looking for? Ask us via our Nagano Accommodation booking request page

Note: If you have stayed in the area and can recommend (or not recommend) a place you have stayed in we also welcome your input via email or our forums. Without feedback, no responsibility can be taken for the service or standard of any of the establishments listed herein.

English may not be spoken at many of the accommodation options listed.

Myoko’s #1 ski lodge – self catering accommodation in the heart of Akakura Onsen

Nagano Accommodation: Featured places to stay

Myoko Kogen accommodation:

Akakura, Akakura Kanko, Ikenotaira, Suginohara & Seki Onsen

	Ryokan Kofukan is near Myokokogen Station. It was opened in 2004 featuring large rooms with both Japanese and Western style accommodation available, wonderful relaxing hotsprings and a great view of Mt. Myoko. A free shuttle bus service is available to and from Suginohara ski field during the winter. Discount ski lift tickets are also available for purchase. Friendly service (in English), great food and reasonable tariff. Map to Hotel Kofukan, Myoko-kogen
More Myoko Kogen accommodation in the central Myoko Kogen town area here
	The Hotel Silverhorn boasts a fantastic location right opposite the Akakura Kanko (Akakan) Ski Resort. There are twelve semi-Japanese and three Western style rooms. The hotel amenities include washer/dryer, internet access and a ski rental shop. The hotel is only ten minutes by car/taxi from Myokokogen station. A complimentary shuttle bus from the station is also available. Check Hotel Silverhorn ratings and reviews
Check out more Akakura Kanko (Akakan Resort) accommodation options here
	Akakura Hotel is a well known Akakura ski hotel in the very heart of Akakura Onsen Ski Village with only a four minute walk to the lifts. Refreshing 100% natural hot springs equipped with an open-air bath, sauna and jacuzzi. Guests can enjoy visiting various inside and outside onsen baths. Read or Leave Akakura Hotel reviews
Check out more Akakura Onsen accommodation and Akakura Hotel options here
	Soratobu Usagi Myoko in Myoko Suginohara Ski Area is right in the middle of the Myoko Suginohara ski area trails, with one of the chairlifts going almost past the window (see map). They also have some self-contained accommodation which would be ideal for a family or small group of friends.
Check out more Myoko Suginohara accommodation, pension & hotels here
	Tsubame Highland Hotel in Tsubame Onsen (high above Seki Onsen) is the perfect place for relaxing, hiking, trekking and skiing. To get to Akakura Ski Resort you can ski or snowboard down directly from Tsubame Onsen then get a free pick-up by snow tractor.
Check out more Tsubame Onsen & Seki Onsen accommodation and hotels here
	Park Lodge Sekine is located in the beautiful highland area of Ikenotaira Onsen (Myoko Kogen). It offers traditional Japanese style guestrooms and hot spring baths.
Check out more Ikenotaira Onsen accommodation and pension options here

Tokyo Hotels

Nagano Accommodation: Nozawa Onsen, Lake Nojiri and Madarao Kogen

	The Australian owned Alpine Villa Nozawa in Nozawa Onsen is just 200 metres from the ski lifts of and 50 metres from a free-use public hot-spring. Guests can enjoy the fireplace lounge, spacious free-use kitchen and home theatre room at Alpine Villa Nozawa. Read reviews of Alpine Villa Nozawa and/or see map to Alpine Villa Nozawa.
Check out more Nozawa Onsen hotel, pension and ski lodge options here
	Labo Land in Lake Nojiri / Kurohime is five minutes by car from the Shinano-machi interchange. This establishment has a homely cabin feel. Facilities include coin laundry, ski and snowboard rental as well as ski wear, a ski drying room and internet access.
Check out more Lake Nojiri & Kurohime accommodation, cabin and hotels here
	Guests at Fujio Pension in Madarao Kogen enjoy great scenery from their room at a 1,000 metre elevation in Madarao Kogen. The pension boasts connecting family rooms something not common in Madarao-kogen pensions. A popular choice for visitors seeking Nagano accommodation. Map to Fujio Pension in Madarao
Check out more Madarao Kogen accommodation, inn and hotel options here

Japanese Snow Monkeys Accommodation:

Yudanaka Onsen, Shibu Onsen, Kanbayashi Onsen, Shiga Kogen

	Shimaya Ryokan is located in the centre of Yudanaka Onsen and only eight minutes away from Yudanaka station. This inn is our most booked Yudanaka Onsen / Snow Monkeys accommodation option. When requested, the ryokan will provide ‘on-demand’ free shuttle services to and from the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Read or leave a review of Shimaya Ryokan here
Check out more Yudanaka Onsen accommodation, ryokan and hotel options here
	Shibu Hotel in Shibu Onsen is a Japanese-style inn popular with foreign visitors close to the Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Monkey Park) with free shuttle available. The hotel has both Japanese-style rooms and western-style rooms as well as three different types of onsen including a private bath.
Check out more Shibu Onsen accommodation, ryokan and hotel options here
	Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan Ryokan is a small inn past Kanbayashi Onsen with twelve Japanese style rooms which is as close as you can get to the Japan Snow Monkey Park. Cost is around 10,000 yen per person per night (including dinner and breakfast)
Check out more Kanbayashi Onsen hotel, accommodation & ryokan options here
	Hotel Shirakabaso Shigakogen is just a 2-minute walk from the Maruike ski resort offering indoor & outdoor hot spring baths, rooms with free Wi-Fi and a launderette. It features both Japanese-style and Western rooms. Guests can relax in the outdoor hot spring with nature views, unwind in a public bath indoors, or soak in a private-use hot spring bath.
Check out more Shiga Kogen accommodation, ryokan & ski resort hotels here

Nagano Accommodation: Nagano City, Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi Village & Hakuba

	Zenkoji Tokugyoubou in Nagano City is located right in the grounds of Zenkoji Temple. It is a shukubo – the kind of lodging that is traditionally attached to a Japanese temple. A shukubo is similar to traditional Japanese inns but at a shukubo you can join in morning prayers with the temple monks and eat shojin ryori – the special austere, vegetarian meal for monks. The rooms are traditional Japanese rooms with tatami mats and a light cotton yukata is offered for sleeping. No credit cards accepted
Check out more Zenkoji Temple lodgings & accommodation options here
	Togakushi Kogen Hotel in Togakushi Village Located right in front of Togakushi Ski Resort, Togakushi Kogen Hotel offers simple accommodation with views of Mount Togakushi. Free Wi-Fi is available at the public areas. One hour by bus from JR Nagano Station or thirty minutes drive from Hakuba
Check out more Togakushi accommodation and hostel options here
	Just 300 metres from Hakuba Goryu gondola station, the completely non-smoking Bears Den Mountain Lodge has free Wi-Fi throughout and boasts a Japanese-style hot tub with mountain views, massages, a lounge with an LCD TV, board games and books, and a large drying room.
Check out more Hakuba accommodation and Hakuba hotel options here
	Matsuya Ryokan in Nagano City is an amazing traditional inn located right at the heart of Zenkoji Temple. Matsuya is recommended for those who love to have a taste of very traditional Japanese culture, architectural design and value for money.
Check out more Nagano City hotel and Nagano Ryokan options here

Do you own or run local Nagano accommodation, a hotel in Hakuba or Jigokudani Monkey Park, a Togakushi pension, a Nagano ryokan, a Nozawa Onsen lodge, etc.?

If you are an owner/manager of any type of lodging in the area please contact us to see how your establishment can be listed here.

Hotel and Accommodation Booking Links: Myokokogen, Myoko City – Hakuba – Suginosawa, Suginohara – Ikenotaira Onsen – Akakura Onsen, Shin-Akakura – Seki Onsen & Tsubame Onsen – Nozawa Onsen – Togakushi, Iizuna, Iizuna-Kogen – Tangram, Madarao, Iiyama – Lake Nojiri, Kurohime, Shinano – Joetsu, Takada, Naoetsu, Arai – Jigokudani Monkey Park – Nagano City – Tokyo Stopover – Osaka Stopover – Nagoya Stopover – Kyoto Stopover – Group Bookings

Descriptor: Are you looking for Nagano accommodation or a ski hotel in Myoko? Perhaps a Myoko Hotel? On this page is listed Myoko accommodation, Niigata accommodation, Nagano accommodation, Nojiri Hotels, The best places to stay in Hakuba, Cabins in Lake Nojiri, Myoko Hotels, Myoko ski resorts and Myoko ryokan. You will also find an assortment of backpackers, ryokan, pension, minshuku, B&B, hostels and inns for Niigata, Nagano City, Hakuba Village, Nozawa Onsen, Akakura, Ikenotaira, Suginohara, Togakushi, Madarao, Kurohime, Seki Onsen, Tsubame Onsen, Yudanaka Onsen, Kanbayashi Onsen and Shibu Onsen. Please click on any of the main links at the top for further information.,

400+ choices of Myoko & Nagano Accommodation. Myoko Kogen, Snow Monkeys, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Nagano City, Madarao, Lake Nojiri, Togakushi + many more!

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