Food & Cultural Walking Tour Around Zenkoji Temple in Nagano

Nagano’s historic Zenkoji Temple is the backdrop for an immersive food and cultural walking tour. Over three hours, visitors can experience the vibrant cuisine and rich heritage of this captivating region. From savoring traditional dishes like Oyaki and Soba Tea to enjoying a delightful sake tasting, this tour showcases Nagano’s culinary treasures. But there’s more than just delectable bites – the tour also explores the 1400-year-old temple and its hidden back streets, offering a glimpse into the city’s artisan craftsmanship and local business owners. It’s an adventure that promises to delight the senses and leave you wanting to discover more.

This experience made our article of Best Tours in Nagano: Our 20 Top Picks.

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Key Points

The 3-hour tour provides an immersive experience exploring the 1400-year-old Zenkoji Temple, a national treasure, and sampling traditional Nagano dishes and sake.
Visitors can discover the temple’s intricate wooden structures, walk the "darkness passage," and learn about Japan’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions.
The tour includes a tasting of local specialties like Oyaki (stuffed dumplings), Soba Tea, and Matcha tea, showcasing Nagano’s rich culinary heritage.
Participants can enjoy a sake tasting accompanied by soy sauce beans and miso soup, providing a deeper appreciation for Nagano’s local flavors.
The tour also offers the opportunity to explore Nagano’s hidden gems, including charming back streets, artisan shops, and family-owned eateries, for a true culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This food and cultural walking tour around Zenkoji Temple in Nagano offers an immersive 3-hour experience.

Priced from $90.49 per person, the tour departs from Starbucks Coffee – MIDORI Nagano. Guests can explore Nagano’s back streets, sample local delicacies, and taste sake.

The itinerary includes visiting the 1400-year-old Zenkoji Temple, trying traditional Nagano dishes like Oyaki dumplings and Soba tea, and connecting with local business owners.

Photography opportunities are available, and tour photos are shared after the experience.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option are also offered.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour itinerary highlights several must-see experiences.

Visitors will tour the 1400-year-old Zenkoji Temple, a national treasure. The tour also includes sampling traditional Nagano bites like Oyaki (Japanese stuffed dumplings), Soba Tea, and Matcha tea.

Plus, guests can enjoy a sake tasting with local nibbles. The tour explores Nagano’s back streets and hidden gems, allowing guests to connect with local business owners and learn about the city’s history and culture.

Photography opportunities are available, with photos shared after the tour.

Visit Zenkoji Temple, a 1400-year-old national treasure
Sample traditional Nagano bites: Oyaki, Soba Tea, and Matcha tea
Sake tasting with local nibbles (soy source beans, Miso soup)
Explore Nagano’s back streets and hidden gems

Zenkoji Temple: A 1400-Year-Old National Treasure

Zenkoji Temple, a revered 1400-year-old national treasure, stands as a symbol of Japan’s rich spiritual heritage. This historic Buddhist temple is renowned for housing one of the country’s most sacred objects – a hidden, unseen statue of Buddha. Visitors can’t see the statue, but they can participate in rituals and explore the temple’s stunning architecture.

Feature	Description
Architecture	Intricate wooden structures with curved roofs and pagodas
Pilgrimage	Millions visit annually to walk the "darkness passage" and pray
Treasures	Hosts a hidden, revered Buddha statue and other sacred relics

Exploring Zenkoji Temple offers a glimpse into Japan’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and the chance to take in Nagano’s captivating history and culture.

Nagano’s Traditional Bites

Visitors on the walking tour can savor a tempting array of Nagano’s traditional bites.

They’ll sample:

Oyaki: These Japanese stuffed dumplings are a regional specialty, often filled with savory ingredients like vegetables or meat.
Soba Tea: A refreshing tea made from buckwheat, a crop grown abundantly in Nagano.
Matcha Tea and Sweets: Participants will sip on the vibrant green matcha tea and enjoy traditional Japanese confections.
Sake Tasting: Local sake, accompanied by savory bites like soy sauce beans and miso soup, provides a flavorful cultural experience.

These tastes offer a delightful introduction to Nagano’s rich culinary heritage.

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Sake Tasting and Local Nibbles

Amidst the cultural exploration, a highlight of the tour is the opportunity to indulge in a sake tasting. Participants savor locally produced sake, accompanied by an array of traditional nibbles.

The sake tasting allows guests to appreciate the nuanced flavors and aromas of this quintessential Japanese beverage. Soy sauce beans, miso soup, and other regional delicacies complement the sake, providing a well-rounded tasting experience.

The guide shares insights into the history and production process of sake, fostering a deeper understanding of this integral part of Nagano’s culinary heritage. This interactive segment adds depth to the overall walking tour, seamlessly blending food and culture.

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Exploring Nagano’s Hidden Gems

Where else can one discover the true essence of Nagano beyond the main attractions?

The tour guides lead guests through Nagano’s tucked-away backstreets, revealing hidden gems that travelers rarely see.

Visitors explore:

Local artisan shops selling traditional crafts and textiles
Intimate family-owned eateries serving authentic homestyle dishes
Serene gardens and shrines offering a peaceful respite from the crowds
Charming alleyways lined with quaint cafes and family-run businesses

Through these off-the-beaten-path discoveries, guests gain a deeper appreciation for Nagano’s rich history, local culture, and community spirit.

Connecting With Local Business Owners

As guests explore Nagano’s hidden gems, they’ve the opportunity to connect with local business owners who are eager to share their stories and traditions.

These interactions provide valuable insights into the city’s history and culture. Visitors can learn about the family-owned shops, their specialties, and the techniques passed down through generations.

Through these conversations, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the local way of life and the dedication of Nagano’s entrepreneurs.

These personal connections enrich the overall tour experience and leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Photography Opportunities and Tour Experience

Throughout the tour, guests are provided with ample opportunities to capture memorable photographs. The tour guide ensures that participants have time to snap photos at the historical Zenkoji Temple and other charming backstreets.

Photographers can look forward to:

Stunning architecture and intricate temple details
Vibrant local markets and quaint shops
Interactions with friendly business owners
Beautifully plated traditional Nagano cuisine

After the tour, the guide shares all the photos taken during the experience, allowing guests to relive the highlights of their culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Any Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no formal dress code mentioned for the tour. Casual, comfortable clothing and walking shoes are generally recommended to fully enjoy the experience and navigate the various attractions on the itinerary.

Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks During the Tour?

The tour does not allow participants to bring their own food or drinks during the experience. However, they provide a range of traditional Nagano bites, Matcha tea, and a sake tasting as part of the included lunch and refreshments.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy if I Cannot Attend?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a "Reserve now & pay later" option available, providing flexibility in case plans change unexpectedly.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is available in English only. Tours are not offered in other languages. However, the knowledgeable English-speaking guides provide insights into the history and culture of the region for all participants.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t currently offer any discounts or special offers. However, there’s a ‘Reserve now & pay later’ option available, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Sum Up

This immersive food and cultural walking tour in Nagano offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s rich history, vibrant cuisine, and artisan craftsmanship. From savoring traditional dishes to enjoying a delightful sake tasting, the tour provides an in-depth exploration of Nagano’s cultural heritage, making it a must-do experience for anyone seeking to truly connect with the heart and soul of this captivating destination.