Experience Illumination and Samurai Culture in Nagano

Discover Zenkoji Temple from a different perspective. Begin your visit by exploring this important Buddhist temple during the day. With the help of your guide, learn why this is one of the most important temples in Japan. After this, head to a local dojo where a samurai master will teach you some basic techniques for wielding a Japanese sword. The tour will end with a return to Zenkoji Temple, this time to soak up the atmosphere of this mystical place at night.

Discover the Spiritual Heart of Nagano

On the day of your tour, your guide will meet you at Niomon Gate and guide you through Zenko-ji Temple, a National Treasure and one of Japan's most significant Buddhist temples. Founded in 642, the temple houses what is believed to be the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan. Welcoming all Buddhist sects, Zenko-ji has served as a major pilgrimage destination for nearly 1,400 years.

Zenko-ji Temple is, along with Matsumoto's castle, among the most vital historical and cultural sites in Central Japan. Therefore, any journey through the region should include time at this temple. This tour brings you into the temple grounds to learn about its history and religious importance.

Samurai Katana Training

Following the temple tour, your guide will escort you to your next activity:  samurai katana training! Located a short distance from the temple, you will meet a samurai instructor who will teach you fundamental techniques of 'katana' (samurai sword) handling!

The session starts by changing into samurai clothing and choosing your sword. After preparation, the samurai instructor will demonstrate proper drawing, attacking and sword techniques. Through this training, you'll gain insight into the samurai while practicing with the weapon that largely defined their identity. The samurai instructor's dedication and knowledge will likely encourage you to stay longer and discover more about Nagano's distinguished feudal history.

A Pathway of Light

After your katana training, your guide will lead you along the illuminated Omotesando to Zenko-ji Temple. During your walk, your guide will share the history and traditions of the temple approach, while providing ample opportunity to wander including taking photographs of the light displays.

Omotesando and Nakamise shopping street, the illumination creates an inviting path through the winter evening. The approach, which has guided pilgrims to Zenkoji for centuries, takes on a festive and comtemplative atmosphere during these winter months.

For visitors traveling in February, the Omotesando also hosts the Tomyo Lantern Festival. During this one-week event, hundreds of handcrafted kiri-e (paper-cut) lanterns line the approach, each lit by candle. The festival commemorates Nagano's 1998 Winter Olympics while honoring the Buddhist practice of offering light to the Buddha.

Tomyo Lantern Festival - One-week Event in February Only

Additional Information

Meeting Location: Niomon Gate, Zenkoji Temple Area. Your guide will meet you at 4:30pm.

Group Type: Group Tour (Private Tour Option available)

Important information:

• This Samurai Katana, Zenkoji Temple & Illumination tour includes afternoon temple exploration. The evening portion focuses on the outdoor illumination (and lantern displays during the separate week long festival)
• You will spend approximately 30 minutes outside during the illumination. Please dress warmly and bring suitable items for winter weather conditions including possible snow
• The samurai training location is situated a short distance from the temple
• In Japan, authentic katanas are classified as illegal weapons under strict licensing laws. Tourists can see them in museums or specialty shops, but theatrical swords are widely used in performances, training, and during our samurai experience.
• This activity focuses on proper sword techniques and kata accessible to all including families. It does not involve any type of slicing or cutting of objects.

The tour itinerary includes the following visits:

• Daytime Zenko-ji Temple Tour – 90 minutes
• Samurai katana training – 60 minutes
• Outdoor walking tour of Zenkoji Temple and Omotesando Illumination (and when running, the Tomyo Lantern Festival) – 30 minutes

Please note that the above times are estimates and that the tour may end earlier or later.

Cancellation Policy: To receive a full refund, cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start date in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.

Terms & Conditions: Please see our Terms & Conditions