2-Day Zenkoji Overnight Tour With Shukubo Temple Lodging

Immerse oneself in the rich cultural heritage of Nagano with the 2-Day Zenkoji Overnight Tour. This all-inclusive experience showcases the historic Zenko-ji temple, a traditional fire ceremony, and a guided sake tasting – all while staying in a charming shukubo temple lodging. Designed for a small group of up to 10 guests, the tour ensures a personalized and accessible journey. Discover the flavors and traditions that make this region truly remarkable.

Key Points

• This 2-day tour in Nagano offers an immersive experience of staying at a shukubo temple and exploring Zenko-ji, a historic Buddhist temple.
• The tour includes guided activities, meals, and accommodations, with a maximum of 10 guests for an intimate experience.
• Highlights include a fire ceremony, sake tasting, and a complimentary can of Shichimi (7 Spice) seasoning.
• The tour is designed to be wheelchair and stroller accessible, with transportation options for easy access.
• The tour has received an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 10 positive reviews, indicating a high-quality experience.

Tour Overview

This 2-Day Zenkoji Overnight Tour provides travelers with a unique opportunity to experience Japanese temple lodging and explore the historic Zenko-ji temple in Nagano.

Offered for a maximum of 10 guests, the tour includes guided activities, meals, and accommodations at a shukubo temple. Highlights include a tour of Zenko-ji, a fire ceremony, a sake tasting, and a complimentary spice can.

The tour starts and ends at Nagano Station, with dinner and breakfast provided at the temple. The tour is wheelchair accessible and most travelers can participate.

Inclusions

The 2-Day Zenkoji Overnight Tour includes a variety of amenities to enhance the experience.

Travelers will enjoy Japanese-style accommodations with futon bedding at a shukubo temple. Meals are provided, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The tour also features guided activities, such as a tour of Zenko-ji and a fire ceremony, led by an English-speaking guide. Plus, guests will receive:

• A 12-14g can of Shichimi (7 Spice) per person
• A guided sake tasting at Yoshinoya

Excluded from the tour price are additional food, snacks, drinks, and entry to paid attractions.

Meeting and Pickup

Guests will meet their guide inside Nagano Station, in front of the large Information Board across the Shinkansen ticket gates. The tour will end at Ryōshōin, a shukubo temple located at Motoyoshichō-498, Nagano, 380-0851, Japan. Dinner will be served between 18:00 and 20:00, followed by breakfast the next day between 07:30 and 09:00. An optional O-Asaji morning service may also be available.

Meeting Point	End Point
Nagano Station, Kurita, Nagano, 380-0921, Japan	Ryōshōin, Motoyoshichō-498, Nagano, 380-0851, Japan
Guide will meet at the Information Board across the Shinkansen ticket gates	–
–	Dinner: 18:00 – 20:00
–	Breakfast: 07:30 – 09:00

Accessibility and Participation

Wheelchair and stroller users can access this tour, as it’s designed to be wheelchair accessible.

The tour is also located near public transportation, making it convenient for a wide range of travelers.

Most travelers can participate in the activities, providing an inclusive experience.

Key accessibility details include:

• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation

Whether you need accessibility accommodations or not, this Zenkoji overnight tour offers an engaging cultural experience for a variety of travelers.

Booking Information

Booking this 2-Day Zenkoji Overnight Tour is straightforward. Travelers will receive confirmation immediately after booking. They can also choose the Reserve Now and Pay Later option. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Booking Details
Confirmation	Yes
Reserve & Pay	Yes
Cancellation	Free	24 hrs

The tour has an overall rating of 4.9 based on 10 positive reviews, with no negative feedback. This provides confidence in the quality of the experience.

Explore Zenkoji Temple

Travelers on the 2-Day Zenkoji Overnight Tour will explore the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most significant and revered Buddhist sites.

At Zenkoji, guests will:

• Witness the temple’s awe-inspiring architecture and learn about its 1,400-year history
• Participate in a traditional fire ceremony, an integral part of the temple’s religious rituals
• Discover the hidden "secret Buddha" housed within the temple, accessible only to a select few

The knowledgeable English-speaking guide will provide fascinating insights, ensuring guests leave with a deeper appreciation for Zenkoji’s cultural and spiritual significance.

Experience Shukubo Lodging

What makes the shukubo temple lodging experience so unique?

Shukubo are traditional temple lodgings where visitors can enjoy the spiritual and cultural traditions of Japanese Buddhism. For this tour, guests will stay in a Japanese-style room with futon bedding at a shukubo temple. This provides an authentic experience, allowing them to participate in Buddhist rituals and ceremonies.

Guests can expect a peaceful and contemplative environment, with meals served by the temple monks. The shukubo stay offers a rare opportunity to connect with Japanese heritage and deepen one’s understanding of the country’s religious practices.

Guided Sake Tasting

As an added experience, the tour includes a guided sake tasting at Yoshinoya.

The sake tasting offers an opportunity to explore Japan’s renowned rice wine. Guests will:

• Sample a variety of premium sakes, learning about their unique flavors and production methods
• Receive guidance from a knowledgeable sake expert, who’ll share insights into the history and culture of sake
• Enjoy the chance to discover their personal sake preferences in a relaxed and informative setting

This sake tasting complements the overall culture of the Zenkoji Overnight Tour, providing a deeper appreciation for Japanese traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Single Traveler?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a single traveler. The tour has a maximum group size of 10 travelers, so solo travelers are welcome to join. The price is quoted per person.

Are Vegetarian or Special Dietary Options Available?

Yes, the tour offers vegetarian and other special dietary options. Guests can inform the tour operator of any dietary requirements when booking, and the temple will accommodate those needs for the included meals.

Is There an Age Limit or Minimum Age Requirement?

There’s no age limit or minimum age requirement for this tour. The tour is suitable for most travelers, though the temple lodging may not be suitable for young children. Families are welcome to participate.

Can I Leave My Luggage at the Hotel Before/After the Tour?

Travelers can leave their luggage at the meeting point before the tour starts and pick it up after the tour ends. The tour provider offers this service to ensure a hassle-free experience.

Is There an Option to Extend or Add Extra Nights to the Stay?

The tour operator doesn’t offer an option to extend or add extra nights to the stay. The package includes 2-day, 1-night accommodations at the shukubo temple. Any additional nights would need to be booked separately.

The Sum Up

The 2-Day Zenkoji Overnight Tour offers an immersive experience in Nagano, featuring authentic shukubo temple lodging, guided activities, and inclusive amenities. Guests can explore the historic Zenko-ji temple, witness a traditional fire ceremony, and savor local sake, all while enjoying the convenience of provided meals and wheelchair accessibility. This tour promises a memorable and enriching journey, complete with a complimentary spice can to add a flavorful touch to the experience.