Temples and History

Nagano City’s rich past is shaped by centuries of spiritual tradition. From the founding of Zenkoji Temple in the 7th century to the sacred mountain shrines of Togakushi, the city has long been a place of worship, pilgrimage, and quiet reflection. Step into a landscape where Buddhist influence runs deep and stories from Japan’s temples religious history are still alive today.

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Zenkoji Temple: A Center of Faith for Over 1,400 Year

Nagano City grew around Zenkoji Temple, a sacred site with over 1,400 years of history. As one of Japan’s oldest and most significant temples, Zenkoji played a major role in the spread of Buddhism across the country during the history. Today, it remains a destination for pilgrims and travelers alike. The temple is known for its welcoming spirit and the hidden Buddha statue. But also for its dark underground passage that symbolizes the journey toward enlightenment.

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Togakushi: Sacred Mountains and Shinto Legends

The Togakushi area is home to a series of Shinto shrines located deep in the forested mountains. The area is located to the nortwest of Nagano city center. Long considered a sacred site, Togakushi is rich in myth and tradition, tied to Japan’s creation legends and later associated with ninja training and ascetic Buddhist practice. The towering cedar-lined path to the Okusha (Upper Shrine) is especially famous and draws visitors year-round.

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Buddhist Roots That Shaped a City

Nagano’s identity is deeply tied to its Buddhist heritage. As the home of Zenkoji, the city became a major center for religious activity during the medieval period, attracting monks, pilgrims, and travelers from across Japan. Over the centuries, smaller temples, stone markers, and prayer halls took root in surrounding neighborhoods, many of which remain today. This long-standing spiritual presence continues to shape the city’s atmosphere. Echoes of Buddhist philosophy can still be felt in daily life and seasonal traditions.

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