2-Day Zenkoji Overnight Tour With Shukubo Temple Lodging

Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Zenkoji, one of Japan’s most revered Buddhist temples, with the 2-Day Zenkoji Overnight Tour.

Experience the serenity of staying in a traditional Japanese-style room with futon bedding at a shukubo temple lodging.

This immersive tour includes meals and an English-speaking guide in Nagano City, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.

Witness the mesmerizing fire ceremony and join a guided tour of Zenkoji, delving into its rich history and cultural significance.

Indulge in delicious meals, including a guided sake tasting at Yoshinoya.

Please note that additional expenses such as entry fees to other attractions and optional activities are not included.

Embark on this unforgettable journey, starting at Nagano Station and concluding with check-in at the shukubo temple lodging.

Quick Takeaways

• The Zenkoji Temple is located in Nagano City, Japan and is over 1,400 years old. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Japan and features a blend of various architectural styles. The main hall is a reconstruction from the Edo period.
• The tour includes accommodation in a Shukubo temple lodging, which offers traditional Japanese-style rooms with on-floor futon bedding. Meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are provided with traditional flavors and techniques.
• The tour offers various cultural experiences, such as guided tours, a fire ceremony, and workshops including calligraphy, tea ceremony, kimono dressing, ikebana (flower arrangement), and origami. Participants have the opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Zenkoji and deepen their understanding of Japanese customs and traditions.
• The tour provides English-speaking guides in Nagano City, as well as assistance with cultural activities, access to traditional attire, and materials and tools for workshops. It aims to enhance participants’ cultural knowledge, immerse them in the Japanese way of life, and create lasting memories.

Tour Details

The tour details for the Day Zenkoji Overnight Tour with Shukubo Temple Lodging include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as accommodation at a shukubo temple lodging in a Japanese-style room with on-floor futon bedding. This tour provides an opportunity to take in the rich history and unique architecture of Zenkoji.

Zenkoji is a renowned Buddhist temple located in Nagano City, Japan. It has a history dating back over 1,400 years and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Japan. The temple’s architecture is a blend of various styles and periods, with the current main hall being a reconstruction from the Edo period.

During the tour, visitors will have the chance to explore the temple grounds and participate in the traditional fire ceremony. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural significance of Zenkoji.

Inclusions

The tour includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as accommodation at a shukubo temple lodging. Participants can look forward to a variety of culinary delights throughout the day, with meals provided at designated times.

Along With satisfying their taste buds, guests will also have the opportunity to partake in guided tours and cultural experiences. An English-speaking guide will be available in Nagano City to provide assistance and facilitate communication.

The tour includes a guided tour of Zenko-ji, a renowned Buddhist temple, where participants can learn about its history and significance. They’ll also have the chance to witness a traditional fire ceremony, adding a spiritual element to their experience.

With these inclusions, participants can enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Zenkoji while enjoying a comfortable stay at a shukubo temple lodging.

Accommodation and Meals

Participants of the Day Zenkoji Overnight Tour With Shukubo Temple Lodging can enjoy comfortable accommodations and delicious meals during their stay.

The shukubo experience offers a unique opportunity to stay in a traditional Japanese temple lodging, immersing oneself in the serene atmosphere of Zenkoji. The accommodations feature Japanese-style rooms with on-floor futon bedding, providing a sense of tranquility and simplicity.

As for meals, participants are treated to traditional Japanese meals that showcase the flavors and techniques of the region. From hearty breakfasts to mouthwatering lunches and dinners, each meal is thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. Guests can savor the delicate balance of flavors and textures, experiencing the true essence of Japanese cuisine.

The combination of comfortable accommodations and delectable meals ensures a memorable and fulfilling experience for all participants.

Additional Expenses

Staying within the theme of accommodations and meals, participants of the Day Zenkoji Overnight Tour With Shukubo Temple Lodging should be aware of the additional expenses involved in the tour.

While the tour includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, any additional food, snacks, and drinks outside of the provided meals will be at the participants’ own expense.

Moreover, there are entry fees for certain paid attractions at Zenko-ji, such as the Zenko-ji O-Asaji (1000 yen), Kaidan Meguri (500 yen), and Sanmon (300 yen).

Participants should also budget for any optional activities they may choose to engage in that aren’t included in the tour.

Plus, if participants wish to do some souvenir shopping, they should keep in mind that the cost of any purchases will be an extra expense.

Lastly, local transportation costs to get to and from the meeting point at Nagano Station aren’t included in the tour and should be factored into the participants’ budget.

Meeting and Pickup

Arranging a convenient and seamless start to the Day Zenkoji Overnight Tour With Shukubo Temple Lodging, you will meet their guide inside Nagano Station for a smooth transition towards Zenko-ji Temple. This meeting point ensures easy access to transportation and sets the tone for a memorable experience in Nagano City.

Nagano Station: The central hub of the city, offering convenient connections to various attractions and accommodations.

Zenko-ji Temple: One of the most important and revered Buddhist temples in Japan, known for its historic significance and spiritual atmosphere.

Saiko-ji Temple: A hidden gem along the way to Zenko-ji, offering a serene and peaceful environment for reflection and prayer.

For a comfortable overnight stay at a shukubo temple lodging, here are some helpful tips:

Respect the rules and customs of the temple, such as removing shoes and maintaining a quiet atmosphere.

Embrace the simplicity of the accommodations, which typically feature traditional Japanese-style rooms with futon bedding.

Take part in the O-Asaji morning service, a unique opportunity to witness the temple’s rituals and take in the spiritual ambiance.

Start and End Points

The start and end points of the Day Zenkoji Overnight Tour With Shukubo Temple Lodging are essential for a seamless and convenient experience in Nagano City. The tour begins at 12:15 AM at Nagano Station, where you will meet their English-speaking guide. The guide will be waiting in front of the large Information Board inside the station. From there, the group will walk towards Zenko-ji Temple, making a stop at Saiko-ji Temple along the way. After lunch, the tour will proceed to the shukubo temple lodging, located at 良性院, Motoyoshichō-498 Nagano. Upon arrival, you will check-in and the guide will bid their goodbyes. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner between 18:00 and 20:00, as well as breakfast between 07:30 and 09:00 the next day. Optional attendance to the O-Asaji morning service is also available. To facilitate arrival logistics, participants have various transportation options to reach Nagano Station, such as trains or buses.

Start Point	End Point
Nagano Station	良性院, Motoyoshichō-498 Nagano

Transportation Options
Trains
Buses

Optional Activities and Services

There are several optional activities and services available for participants to enhance their experience during the Day Zenkoji Overnight Tour With Shukubo Temple Lodging.

These activities and services include:

• Guided tours: Participants can opt for guided tours of Zenko-ji, where they’ll learn about the temple’s rich history and cultural significance. The knowledgeable guides will provide insights and answer any questions, making the tour informative and engaging.
• Sake tasting: For those interested in Japanese sake, there’s an opportunity to participate in a guided sake tasting at Yoshinoya. Guests can savor different varieties of this traditional rice wine and gain a deeper understanding of its production process and unique flavors.
• Cultural workshops: Participants can also enjoy Japanese culture by participating in various workshops. From calligraphy and tea ceremony to kimono dressing, these workshops offer a hands-on experience that allows guests to connect with the traditions and customs of Japan.

These optional activities and services provide participants with opportunities to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and create unforgettable memories during their Zenkoji overnight tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Choose My Own Room at the Shukubo Temple Lodging?

Yes, guests on the Day Zenkoji Overnight Tour have the option to choose their own room at the shukubo temple lodging. The lodging offers both traditional and modern accommodations to suit individual preferences.

Is Transportation From the Shukubo Temple Lodging to the Start Point Included?

Start point transportation and transportation to the shukubo temple lodging are not included in the tour. Guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the start point and the lodging.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for participating in the tour. All individuals are eligible to join, regardless of their age. Everyone can enjoy the unique experience of the Zenkoji overnight tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Shukubo Temple Lodging?

Yes, guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks to the shukubo temple lodging. However, there may be meal restrictions or guidelines to follow, so it’s best to check with the temple beforehand.

Are There Vegetarian Meal Options Available at the Shukubo Temple Lodging?

There are vegetarian meal options available at the Shukubo temple lodging. Guests with dietary restrictions can enjoy a variety of vegetarian dishes during their stay, ensuring a satisfying and accommodating experience.

The Sum Up

Experience the tranquility and spirituality of Zenkoji temple with the 2-day Zenkoji overnight tour. Stay in a traditional Japanese-style room at a shukubo temple lodging, enjoy delicious meals, and witness the mesmerizing fire ceremony.

With the help of an English-speaking guide, learn about the rich culture and history of Nagano City. Don’t miss this opportunity to indulge in a unique and enriching experience at one of Japan’s most revered Buddhist temples.