Embark on a guided walking tour of Nagano, a temple town known for its traditional food culture and the longevity it affords. Visit a favourite spot among locals to taste 'oyaki,' sake tasting, and a tour of Zenkoji Temple including a fire ceremony. Conclude the tour with a tea experience.

Begin your pilgrimage walk along the ‘Omotesando’ – the historic main road of Nagano – towards your ultimate goal of Zenkoji, first stopping at Ogawa-no-sho for a simple lunch of oyaki. ‘Oyaki’ dumplings are made from fermented buckwheat dough and rice powder, filled with all manner of vegetables, fruit, or ‘anko’ bean paste. Simple, healthy, and tasty, they are baked on an iron pan over a raised fire, an experience you’ll enjoy for yourself as they are baked fresh for you.

‘Oyaki’ dumplings are made from fermented buckwheat dough and rice powder, filled with all manner of vegetables, fruit, or ‘anko’ bean paste. Simple, healthy, and tasty, they are baked on an iron pan over a raised fire, an experience you’ll enjoy for yourself as they are baked for you before enjoying them as a simple lunch. From there you head to nearby Imanishiki Sake Brewery, for a memorable ‘sake’ tasting experience. Find out why Nagano Prefecture is one of Japan’s leading sake brewing areas, while tasting of some of the region’s best ‘sake.’

Only a short walk away from the brewery, drop off your luggage at the ‘shukubo,’ and begin your guided tour of Zenkoji Temple. Your guide will reveal its storied history and secrets, while also explaining the role of Buddhism in Japan in an enjoyable and engaging way as you head towards the site of the ‘goma’ prayer fire ceremony. The burning of prayers in the sacred flame imbues the experience with a deep spirituality and is often found to rid participants of their immediate, worldly concerns. Whether you are a practising Buddhist or seeking a memorable and meaningful experience while in Japan, ‘goma’ prayer will leave a deep and lasting impression on you.

After the fire ceremony, you will have some time to explore the temple grounds or check out the many tempting shops. Your tour guide will then help you check-in at your ‘shukubo’, show you around the temple lodging, and explain all you need to know about your stay. Lastly, head to nearby Tsumugi for the tea experience, a short walk away from the temple. Combining tradition with modern style, you will get to make your own matcha while discovering the art and performance of this authentic Japanese experience.

Your tour concludes, where your guide will say their goodbyes, leaving you to explore further around the temple or walk to your ‘shukubo’ accommodation to enjoy the rest of your evening.