Nagano
Category: Central Honshu Tags: Hiking, Mountains, skiing, Zenkoji Temple
The host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano city is surrounded by world-class ski slopes and breathtaking summer hiking.
Nagano city grew up around the Zenkoji temple. Founded in the seventh century, this ancient place of worship holds a statue of Buddha which is said to be the first such effigy brought to Japan. Every seven years a replica of the hidden statue is put on public display – the next viewing is scheduled for 2017.
The temple also offers “the key to paradise” attached to a wall in an underground tunnel. Any visitor able to locate and touch the key in the pitch black tunnel is reputedly granted enlightenment.
Experiences in Nagano
![Yamabushi hiking](https://intojapan.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/yamabushi-150x150.jpg)
Hiking with a Yamabushi Monk
![](https://intojapan.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/onbashira-150x150.jpg)
Suwa – Onbashira Festival
![](https://intojapan.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/japan_ski-150x150.jpg)
Skiing & Snowboarding in Honshu
Accommodation in Nagano
![The Minka](https://intojapan.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/minka-banner-150x150.png)
Tonari no Ie
![The Kura, Togari Onsen](https://intojapan.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/kuramain-150x150.jpg)
The Kura, Togari Onsen
Contact us
Tel: 01865 841443
Fax: 01865 841445
Into Japan Specialist Tours
The Dovecote, Manor Farm, Ball Lane, Tackley, OX53AG