⛩️ Zenkoji Temple善光寺

Zenkoji Temple has a long history of approximately 1,400 years since its establishment, covering an area of about 59,000 square meters. Zenkoji is a temple that existed before the division of Japanese Buddhism into various sects, allowing people from all sects to come and worship. It is revered by both powerful figures like Minamoto no Yoritomo and Tokugawa Ieyasu, as well as the general public. There is even a saying that "one should go to Zenkoji to worship, even if leading a cow." Today, about 6 million pilgrims visit each year. The main hall is the largest wooden structure in the eastern Japan region and has been designated as a National Treasure of Japan. It enshrines the oldest Buddha statue, "Ikko Sanze Amida Nyorai," which was brought to Japan along with Buddhism in 552 AD. When visiting Zenkoji, one can participate in the circumambulation of the戒壇 (kaidan) activity. It is said that if one walks in darkness through the pitch-black corridor located beneath the main hall and touches the hidden Buddha statue known as "Gokuraku no Kagi" located beneath the main deity, they can form a bond with the main deity, promising to reach the Pure Land after death. The main deity, "Ikko Sanze Amida Nyorai," is a hidden Buddha statue, and a replica known as "Maedachi Honzon," created during the Kamakura period, is displayed instead and is not normally open to the public. It is only exhibited during the special opening every seven years.

With a history of about 1400 years, it is one of Japan's few ancient temples. It is famous for the legend of "not expecting to be led to Zenkoji by an ox," attracting around 6 million visitors each year. The main deity enshrined here is the oldest Buddha statue in Japan, "Ikko Sanzo Amida Nyorai." The "Kaidan Junrei" experience, which connects visitors with the Buddha, is very popular. The "Okaichō," held once every seven years, attracts even more people to visit.