Zenko-ji Temple

Founded in the 7th century, Zenkō-ji Temple is actually one of the most important and popular temples in Japan, and stores the first ever Buddhist statue bought in Japan when Buddhism was first introduced during the 6th century.

Zenkō-ji’s fame does not stop here, since the temple itself was founded before Buddhism in Japan split into different sects, and as such, Zenkō-ji currently belongs to both the Tendai and Jōdoshū schools of Buddhism. It is co-managed by twenty-five priests from the former school, and fourteen from the latter.

Finally, and unlike many other cities in Japan, Zenkō-ji is at the center of the birth of Nagano City as the city itself was built around the temple.