Located in northern Nagano Prefecture, Zenkoji Temple is preparing to host a rare and significant religious event known as Gokaicho, scheduled to take place from April 4 to June 19, 2027. This ceremony, which occurs once every seven years by traditional count (or every six years by modern calculation), draws devotees and visitors from across Japan and beyond.

Zenkoji, which houses what is believed to be the oldest Buddhist statue in Japan, was founded approximately 1,400 years ago by Yoshimitsu Honda. The original sacred statue, known as Zenkoji Nyorai, is kept hidden within the temple and is considered so holy that even the priests are not permitted to view it. Instead, during the Gokaicho event, a replica statue called the Maedachi Honzon is displayed to the public for 77 days.

Visitors to Zenkoji often begin their journey with a scenic 30-minute walk from Nagano Station through Omotesando Avenue, a street lined with shops and eateries offering local specialties such as oyaki dumplings and soba noodles. The pathway leads to the temple grounds, entering first through the Niomon gate, which features imposing guardian statues known as the Nio—Agyo and Ungyo—symbolizing the beginning and end of all things. Further into the complex, visitors encounter Nakamise Street, noted for its 7,777 flagstones, and the sanmon gate, which incorporates five hidden pigeons within the kanji for Zenkoji. The main hall, or hondo, constructed in classical Buddhist architectural style, holds the status of a National Treasure.

Inside the main hall, worshipers customarily touch the Binzuru Sonja statue, believed to aid the healing of ailments corresponding to the touched area. The statue's surface has become smooth over years of use. For a nominal fee, visitors may enter the temple’s inner sanctum to view elaborate decorations and the altar concealing the original statue. Another notable experience is the Okaidan Meguri, a pilgrimage-style descent into a dark stairway beneath the temple, where touching a key beneath the sacred statue is said to guarantee passage into paradise.

The Gokaicho event is marked by unique rituals underscoring the temple’s spiritual heritage. A sacred cord, initially gold-colored, is connected from the right hand of the Maedachi Honzon to a 10-meter pillar called the eko-bashira outside the temple. The cord transitions into five colored strands within the temple before recombining as a white cord leading to the pillar. Touching this pillar is believed to establish a direct connection with Buddha.

Highlighting the ceremony are the Chunichi-teigi Daihoyo Special Services, characterized by a procession of monks in vibrant robes accompanied by children scattering lotus petals to purify the space and usher in Buddha’s presence. Another central feature is the Goimon Chodai, the reception of blessings from three sacred gold seals believed to represent the statue’s alter egos. When monks press these seals against worshipers’ heads, it is said to promote good health, fulfill wishes, and ensure spiritual salvation.

Daily practices continue to maintain Zenkoji’s longstanding religious significance. The Oasaji morning service, conducted at sunrise, opens the doors of the Maedachi Honzon’s altar closet on the first day of Gokaicho for the statue’s public display. Another early ritual, Ojuzu Chodai, involves pilgrims kneeling as the head priest passes by, hoping to receive blessings through the touching of rosary beads.

Zenkoji also offers temple lodgings, or shukubo, where visitors can stay overnight and sample shojin ryori, a traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine. Throughout the year, and especially during the Gokaicho period, the temple draws pilgrims and tourists alike who come to experience its rich history, architecture, and spiritual atmosphere amid Nagano’s natural beauty.

More information regarding the upcoming Gokaicho event can be found on the temple’s official social media channels.