Nagano Zenkoji Temple and Sake Tasting Private Tour from Tokyo

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8 to 9 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 2 more

This tour includes a visit to Zenkoji Temple, a historic temple that attracts worshippers from all over the world, as well as a visit to the temple to enjoy local sake and the optional local delicacy oyaki.
Since the Edo period (1603-1867), it has been said, “Even if you are far away, you must visit Zenkoji Temple at least once.” Many famous warlords and other famous warriors have visited the temple, and it continues to be a power spot for worshippers today.
Another attraction of this tour is that you can walk along the approach to the temple, which has a long history, and visit a sake brewery behind the approach to the temple.
You can also sign up for an optional experience to cook and eat “oyaki,” a local dish of Nagano Prefecture, in a traditional hearth.
Oyaki is made of wheat flour and buckwheat flour, with seasonal vegetables and sweet bean paste sandwiched inside the dough.
Those with wheat or buckwheat allergies are not eligible to apply, so please check in advance.

What's Included

Making Oyaki Experience Fee(Option)
National Licensed Guide in English, Spanish, Mandarin
Hotel or Station Pickup
bullet train between Tokyo and Nagano, public transportation
Admission Fee(Zenkoji Temple)
apx. 15-25 USD per person
Personal Expenses

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

The guide will be waiting for you at your hotel lobby or the gate of the station with your name sign. Please inform about your pick up details in advance.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 to 9 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    After picking you up from your hotel, we will board the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. *Depending on your hotel, the train may depart from Ueno Station.

    2 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 2

    Zenkoji Temple is a very venerable temple that has been in existence for about 1,400 years. It is one of the most famous temples in Japan that attracts many worshippers from all over the world, especially since it has a history of widely accepting people as a nondenominational temple that does not belong to any particular sect. In the Edo period (1603-1867), so many people visited the temple that it was said, “Once in a lifetime, you must visit Zenkoji Temple. It has long been believed that if one visits Zenkoji even just once, he or she is guaranteed to live a life of paradise.

    2 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 3

    The site of Zenkoji Temple's Nyorai-do Hall, which was relocated due to a fire, is now the site of the Zenkoji Temple's Nyorai-do Hall. The Nakamise Street of Zenkoji Temple has been bustling with activity since the medieval period, when street vendors and freak shows began to open on the site where Zenkoji's Nyorai-do Hall was relocated due to a fire. Recently, the number of stalls selling not only souvenirs and Nagano Prefecture's famous oyaki and dango, but also pudding and ice cream, which are popular among children, has increased, making the area a fun place to stroll for men and women of all ages. Please stop at any store that catches your attention and enjoy!

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 4

    After visiting Zenkoji Temple, enjoy a sake brewery tour at a sake brewery built in the Meiji period. The factory tour hall offers a window into the sake brewing process, allowing visitors to learn about the steps involved in making sake.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 5

    *This is an optional tour You can experience making oyaki, a specialty of Nagano Prefecture, in a traditional hearth. Oyaki is made by mixing wheat flour and buckwheat flour with water or hot water, kneading it into a thin, flaky crust, and baking it with seasonal ingredients such as red bean paste and vegetables. Oyaki made in the traditional way has a very gentle flavor, and is a local dish that you should definitely try when you come to Japan.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 6

    After arriving at Tokyo Station by Shinkansen, the tour will be disbanded at your hotel or a place of your choice. *Depending on your hotel, you may be dropped off at Ueno Station.

    2 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Those who are allergic to wheat or buckwheat cannot apply for the optional tour, so please check with us in advance. Please check with us in advance. We will guide you on the regular tour.
  • The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.
Supplied by MY Travel Consulting

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Rail Tours
Walking Tours
Religious Tours
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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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