Located at the entrance to Zenkoji Temple’s grounds, the Niomon Gate marks the start of the Nakamise Street shopping area. For some tours, you will meet your guide near this historic gate. The information below explains how to find it and where your guide will be waiting.

 

Where is the Meeting Point?

Your guide will be waiting near the Niomon Gate, at the top of the stairs (see Map).

 

How to Get There?

The Niomon Gate is about a 30-minute walk from Nagano Station. You can follow signs or use Google Maps for directions. Taxis are also available outside the Zenkoji Exit of the station (see Map).

  • Walking from Nagano Station (Zenkoji Exit)

Exit the station via the Zenkoji Exit and walk straight along the main road (Route 944).

 

Turn right at the Suehirocho intersection. You will see a Japanese sweets signboard on the corner (about two blocks from the station). Continue along Zenkoji Omotesando Road.

 

After about 15 minutes, you will reach Nagano Central Square. Continue for another 15 minutes to reach the Zenkoji Temple intersection.

 

Keep going straight and you will see the Niomon Gate, with its two imposing wooden guardian statues. Your guide will be waiting nearby.

 

  • Walking from Your Hotel or Another Downtown Location

Use Google Maps or follow local signs to reach Zenkoji Omotesando Road, then follow the walking directions above. Just before the Niomon Gate, near the Zenkoji intersection, you will see Yawataya Isogoro, a spice specialty shop with a 280-year history.

 

  • From Any Other Locations Outside of Downtown Nagano

We recommend taking a taxi and telling the driver: "Zenkoji Niomon."

 

What’s Nearby?

Just beyond the Niomon Gate, Nakamise Street offers cafes, restaurants, and shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, and specialties like apple desserts, soba noodles, and oyaki dumplings. Many temple lodgings (shukubo) serve pilgrims in this area. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or to grab a snack while you wait.