< Nagano Tour> Nagano Downtown and Japan's Most-Renowned Buddhist Mecca, Zenko-ji Temple Walk
| Tour Features | Nagano, widely known as the host city of the Winter Olympics in 1998, has always been a Buddhist mecca for Japanese pilgrims since ancient times. This renowned temple, Zenkoji, has a history of 1,400 years and has grand 300 year-old Main Hall (believed to be one of the three largest historical Buddist temple buildings in Japan) designated as a National Treasure complementing its natural environs. Walking through the pitch-black passageway underneath the altar of the sacred main image of Zenkoji (Amitabha), and touching the 'Key to Paradise', will give you a deep insight into what Buddhism has meant to the Japanese people. Also learn what Buddhist Hell meant at Saiko-ji. You can see amazing picture scrolls that depict every scene of the Hell(OP). If you are an art lover, especially love the famous Japanese-style painter HIGASHIYAMA Kaii,it is highly recommended you visit this art gallery that owns the most works of his in Japan.(OP) We will walk up the Main Approach to Zenko-ji while enjoying the atomosphere of the old town, and exchanging words with local people. Nagano is only 85 min from Tokyo by Shinkansen. Come visit us. We are looking forward to guiding you soon!! |
| Tour Time | 9:00a.m.- around 12:00p.m.(can be changed at request) |
| Meeting Time | 9:00 or 9:50 a.m (If from Tokyo, take 7:28 Shinkansen Asama 505 (or 7:52 Shinkansen Asama 507.)(Meeting Time can be adjusted to your schedule.) |
| Meeting Place |
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano (1F Lobby)in front of Nagano Sta. |
| Duration | Approx. 3 hours |
| Tour Price | 3,000 JPY for 1 person. Add 1,000 JPY each for more. (applicable to the tours conducted by Nov.2009) |
| Expenses not Included in the Tour Price | Admission fee (500 yen) (Optional:Admission fee for Saikoji Temple and storytelling - 300 yen, Higashiyama Kaii Art Gallery (closed on Wed,and Dec 29 ~ Jan 1) - 500 yen) |
| Itinerary | JR Nagano Station - Downtown & Main Approach to Zenko-ji (mom-and-pop shops, craftsman shops, rows of beautiful warehouses) - Zenko-ji Temple (end of the tour) -option: Higashiyama Kaii Gallery (Maestro of modern Japanese-style Painting ) |
| Guide's Name | Haruko MASUO (Ms.) |
| Language | English |
| Distance of the Route | Approx. 3 kilometers or 2 miles |
| Dates of Operation | Everyday on request basis, throughout the year |
| Guide's Cellphone Number (for Emergency) | +81 (0)90-1996-6161 |
| My Website | http://w1.avis.ne.jp/~masuoha |
| To Make a Reservation, Send an email to us with (1) your name, (2) number of participants, (3) desired tour date, and (4) name and phone number of your hotel in Japan (or your contact phone number). |
welcometonagano@gmail.com |
| Notes | Reservation is necessary. Send email at least 2 days in advance to see the availability. Upon receipt of your application, we will confirm your booking by email. This tour is not insured, so it is highly advised you get health, accident and liability insurance before you join our tour. Credit cards are not accepted. Paypal payment is acceptable. If you would like to walk up to Zenkoji in a pretty kimono, a local kimono shop offers a kimono rental service for 3,000 yen. Reservation is necessary 3 days in advance. Photos(from left) '"Hakuba no Mori"1972 by HIGASHIYAMA Kaii' / 'Zenkoji temple' / 'jigoku-e (part)' Courtesy of Higashiyama Kaii Art Gallery, Zenkoji Temple, Saikoji Temple. Copyright. |