2638 Zakoji, Iida, Nagano Prefecture
Rating
Cost per person
¥1,500
Motozenko-ji Temple in Iida, Nagano, is the original location where the principal image of Zenko-ji Temple was first enshrined and the birthplace of Honda Zenko. It's said that visiting only Zenko-ji is an incomplete pilgrimage, so be sure to visit both! Explore the inner sanctuary and experience the free dark corridor walk. The Treasure Hall (admission fee required) displays about 80 valuable artifacts, including a wooden carving of the Buddha's Nirvana, votive tablets, and ancient Indian characters written on leaves, which are said to be the origin of the 50-yen postcard. The temple offers parking for 150 cars and 8 large buses. It is located a 7-minute walk from Motozenko-ji Station.
Construction period: Around 1601