Zenkoji Tour and Tea Experience with 'Shukubo' Temple Stay

4.9 (29 reviews) Nagano, Japan
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Duration2 days
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 8 travelers

Overview

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.’

What's included

  • Tea experience including matcha and traditional sweets
  • English-speaking guide in Nagano City, including guided tour of Zenko-ji and fire ceremony.
  • Accommodation at a ‘shukubo’ temple lodging: ‘Japanese-style Room’ with on-floor ‘futon’ bedding
  • Simple lunch of two oyaki
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Sake Tasting
  • Additional food, snacks & drinks
  • Entry to other paid attractions at Zenko-ji's, or the 'O-Asaji' morning ceremony

What to expect

Day 1: Fire Ceremony, and Local Delicacies
  1. 30m · Admission ticket included
    Enjoy a simple snack of 'oyaki' at Ogawa-no-sho and sake tasting at Imanishiki. (order may be reversed)
  2. Zenko-ji Temple
    2h · Admission ticket included
    Experience a private 'goma' prayer fire ceremony, performing the ritual yourself, inside the Daikanjin temple complex within Zenko-ji. Afterward you will begin your detailed guided tour of Zenko-ji with (time-permitting), free time to also explore the temple grounds for yourself.
  3. Patio Daimon
    45m · Admission ticket included
    Combining tradition with modern style, you will get to make your own matcha while discovering the art and performance of this authentic Japanese experience. When the experience concludes, your guide will say his or her goodbyes, leaving you to enjoy the rest of your evening at the Shukubo.
Day 2: Shukubo (Temple Lodge), and Temple Tranquility
  1. Zenko-ji Temple
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    Day two is a non-guided tour where the guest can enjoy the day according to their preferences. Enjoy a Warm Welcome at Zenko-ji’s Morning Service
    Referred to as the ‘o-asaji’, the ceremony takes places every morning of the year, led by the head of the Tendai and Jodo sects – the two Buddhist sects charged with responsibility for the temple – and welcomes anyone to participate regardless of background or faith.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meetup with your guide inside Nagano Station - they will be waiting for you in front of the large Information Board directly across the Shinkansen / 'Bullet Train' ticket gates - and walk toward Zenko-ji Temple, stopping at the smaller Saiko-ji Temple along the way and onto lunch.

End point

Return to the Shukubo and enjoy your night, including dinner (18:00) and breakfast the following day.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (29)
From
39,800.00 JPY per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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Operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.) · Booked through Viator
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