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2025-12-12 / Last updated : 2025-12-12 Sylvain Sightseeing

What To Do around the Snow Monkey Park

Nestled in the mountains of northern Nagano prefecture, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park has become world famous for its unique inhabitants. While watching Japanese macaques soak in the hot springs is a great experience, it is not the only place worth visiting in the area. From historic onsen towns and charming rural villages to cultural experiences in Nagano City, the region offers the visitor many ways to spend a memorable day. Shibu Onsen: Step into the Past and Soak your Cares Away Within walking distance of the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is the traditional hot spring town of Shibu Onsen. With its narrow cobblestone streets and historic wooden ryokans, Shibu Onsen […]
2025-10-14 / Last updated : 2025-10-14 Sylvain History

Zenkoji Temple: From the Meiji Era to the Present (from 1868 to now)

In Nagano’s quiet temple district, a massive wooden gate marks the entrance to something extraordinary. Zenkoji Temple has been welcoming visitors for over 1,300 years, making it older than most European cathedrals and one of Japan’s most enduring pilgrimage sites. What sets it apart isn’t just its age, it’s the radical idea that still guides it today: everyone belongs here. Discover the history of Zenkoji Temple from the Meiji Era to the present. Following up on the first article, Zenkoji’s story didn’t end with the Edo period. The temple has navigated government pressure, war, and rapid modernization while maintaining its role as Japan’s most welcoming pilgrimage destination. Surviving Government Reform […]
2025-10-11 / Last updated : 2025-10-14 Sylvain History

Zenkoji Temple: Origin and History of the Sacred Temple (from 642 CE to 1868)

In Nagano’s quiet temple district, a massive wooden gate marks the entrance to something extraordinary. Zenkoji Temple has been welcoming visitors for over 1,300 years, making it older than most European cathedrals and one of Japan’s most enduring pilgrimage sites. What sets it apart isn’t just its age, it’s the radical idea that still guides it today: everyone belongs here. Discover the origin and history of the sacred Zenkoji Temple. Most Japanese temples belong to specific Buddhist sects, often restricting access based on gender, social class, or religious affiliation. Zenkoji broke that mold from the beginning. The temple established an open-door policy that drew pilgrims from across the country. To […]