365 Narai, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture
Rating
Cost per person
¥500
Chousenji Temple, located in Narai-juku, a well-preserved post town in Kiso, is a serene temple known for its impressive dragon ceiling painting in the main hall. Once a lodging place for the "Ochatsubo Dochu," the procession carrying tea to the shogunate in Edo, the temple still houses one of the original tea containers. Visitors can admire the detailed dragon artwork free of charge and explore the peaceful grounds, including a bell tower and a small graveyard with a samurai tomb. It's a quiet escape offering a glimpse into the Edo period and the history of the tea ceremony.