Moto Zenkoji

Motozenkoji Temple is a temple located in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, and is a charming tourist spot with beautiful cherry blossoms and a legendary mortar. In the spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the temple, offering a beautiful view. Additionally, the exhibition facility called the "Houtokuden" houses the legendary mortar, "Zakou no Usu," which can be viewed. This mortar is said to have been used by the Buddha, and there is a legend that it emitted a brilliant light. Please come and visit to see the beautiful cherry blossoms and legendary mortar.

When visiting a temple, start by paying your respects at the main hall. The main hall houses the secret Buddha statue, the Ichikou Sanzon Amida Nyorai statue. It is said that this statue is the same size as the one that was moved to Imoiki Village (now Nagano City) and that Honda Zenkou personally carved it. Here, you can enjoy a "pilgrimage to the main hall" that mimics the journey through the womb of Buddha. Follow the handrail through the darkness and touch the lucky lock directly beneath the main statue to establish a deep connection with Buddha. The pilgrimage is free and easy to do as you can wear your shoes.

There are many other must-see sights in the grounds. The large bell, called the "Bell of Peace," was recast in prayer for peace from a bell lost during the war and bears the name engraved by Prince Asahito of the Kujo family. The "Hall of Peace" enshrines the Kannon statues of each of the 33 temples of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage and is a facility where visitors can participate in the "sand-treading pilgrimage." Sand-treading pilgrimage involves standing on sand collected from each temple and praying, with the same benefits as visiting each temple in person. Both are places you'll want to visit with a prayer for peace in your heart.

There are various goshuin that make travelers want to visit. First, you can receive a regular goshuin at the main hall. In the center of the main hall, there is a wooden carving of the main deity, and on the left and right sides, Amida Nyorai and Yakushi Nyorai are enshrined. The goshuin from the main hall depicts these three deities and you can feel the solemn atmosphere. Next, you can receive a limited goshuin at the treasure hall. It depicts a grinding bowl with a light shining on it, and its mystical power is attractive. Also, from April to May every year, there is an exhibition period, during which you can receive special goshuin. The goshuin from the exhibition period depicts not only the main deity and the grinding bowl but also the highlights of Motozenkoji, such as the stage cherry blossoms and the dedication pillars. The stage cherry blossom is a semi-double weeping pink higan cherry tree designated as a treasure of Nagano Prefecture, and it blooms beautiful flowers in the spring. The dedication pillar is a pillar erected during the exhibition held every seven years, and you can write your gratitude and wishes to the Buddha. You may want to visit during the exhibition period and collect all the goshuin!

The area around the temple is filled with beautiful nature, and just taking a walk can be soothing. Especially in autumn, you can enjoy leaf-peeping in the "Momiji Valley". There are also many hot spring resorts in the area, allowing you to enjoy both sightseeing and hot springs. Why not refresh yourself in the nature-rich area around Motozenkoji? Additionally, at the "Takeda Osen-no-Suke Memorial International Marionette Museum", located about a 15-minute walk from Motozenkoji Station, you can learn about the history and techniques of marionettes and puppet theater from Japan and around the world. You can also enjoy live performances and experiences with marionettes.