Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji Temple in Nagano prefecture is one of the most representative Buddhist temples in japan. It was built in 642, when Buddhism had just arrived in Japan, and did not havem any sects. Zenkoji therefore is not affiliated with any sects, which is unique for a Buddhist temple. One famous tradition at the temple is to tour the underground passage, where visitors search for the “key to paradise” in pitch-black darkness. Every seven years, the temple holds their “gokaicho”, where they show their replica Buddha statue to the public. The real statue, the one that was given to Zenkoji when it was founded, is not shown, since it is considered extremely sacred.