Nagano Zenkoji Temple and Sake Tasting Private Tour from Tokyo
Active
8h - 9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This tour includes a visit to Zenkoji Temple, a historic temple that attracts worshippers from all over the world, as well as a visit to the temple to enjoy local sake and the optional local delicacy oyaki.
Since the Edo period (1603-1867), it has been said, “Even if you are far away, you must visit Zenkoji Temple at least once.” Many famous warlords and other famous warriors have visited the temple, and it continues to be a power spot for worshippers today.
Another attraction of this tour is that you can walk along the approach to the temple, which has a long history, and visit a sake brewery behind the approach to the temple.
You can also sign up for an optional experience to cook and eat “oyaki,” a local dish of Nagano Prefecture, in a traditional hearth.
Oyaki is made of wheat flour and buckwheat flour, with seasonal vegetables and sweet bean paste sandwiched inside the dough.
Those with wheat or buckwheat allergies are not eligible to apply, so please check in advance.
Available options
Goma Zazen Sake Green Car
Goma Zazen Sake and Oyaki: Enjoy Goma, zazen, sake, and oyaki. Oyaki may not be available on holidays.<br/>Green Car: Round-trip reserved seats in Bullet Train Green Car for comfortable and spacious travel.<br/>Pickup included
Goma Zazen Sake Gran Class
Goma Zazen Sake and Oyaki: Join a Goma fire ritual, try zazen meditation, taste sake, and make traditional oyaki.Oyaki may not be available on holidays.<br/>Gran Class: Round-trip reserved seats in Gran Class on the Shinkansen, offering the highest level of comfort, privacy,and premium service<br/>Pickup included
Premium Goma Zazen Green Car
Premium Goma Zazen Taste Sake: Join a private Goma ritual by a head priest,experience zazen, taste sake, and make oyaki.Oyaki may be unavailable on holidays<br/>Green Class: Round-trip reserved seats in Bullet Train Green Car for comfortable and spacious travel.<br/>Pickup included
Premium Goma Zazen Glan Class
Premium Goma Zazen Sake Oyaki: Join a private Goma ritual by a head priest,experience zazen,taste sake,and make oyaki.Oyaki may not be available on holidays<br/>Glan Class: Round-trip reserved seats in Gran Class on the Shinkansen, offering the highest level of comfort, privacy,and premium service<br/>Pickup included
Goma Zazen Sake Standard Class
Goma Zazen Sake and Oyaki: Join a Goma fire ritual, try zazen meditation, taste sake, and make traditional oyaki.Oyaki may not be available on holidays.<br/>Bullet Train Standard Class : Enjoy a comfortable ride in Standard Class on the Shinkansen, with reserved seating and smooth high-speed travel.<br/>Pickup included
Premium Goma Zazen Sake
Premium Goma Zazen Sake Oyaki: Join a private Goma ritual by a head priest,experience zazen,taste sake,and make oyaki.Oyaki may not be available on holidays<br/>Bullet Train Standard Class : Enjoy a comfortable ride in Standard Class on the Shinkansen, with reserved seating and smooth high-speed travel.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Making Oyaki Experience Fee(Option)
National Licensed Guide in English, Spanish, Mandarin
Hotel or Station Pickup
bullet train between Tokyo and Nagano, public transportation
Admission Fee(Zenkoji Temple)
Detailed itinerary
1
After picking you up from your hotel, we will board the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station.
*Depending on your hotel, the train may depart from Ueno Station.
2
Stop 2
Zenkoji Temple is a very venerable temple that has been in existence for about 1,400 years.
It is one of the most famous temples in Japan that attracts many worshippers from all over the world, especially since it has a history of widely accepting people as a nondenominational temple that does not belong to any particular sect.
In the Edo period (1603-1867), so many people visited the temple that it was said, “Once in a lifetime, you must visit Zenkoji Temple. It has long been believed that if one visits Zenkoji even just once, he or she is guaranteed to live a life of paradise.
3
The site of Zenkoji Temple's Nyorai-do Hall, which was relocated due to a fire, is now the site of the Zenkoji Temple's Nyorai-do Hall.
The Nakamise Street of Zenkoji Temple has been bustling with activity since the medieval period, when street vendors and freak shows began to open on the site where Zenkoji's Nyorai-do Hall was relocated due to a fire.
Recently, the number of stalls selling not only souvenirs and Nagano Prefecture's famous oyaki and dango, but also pudding and ice cream, which are popular among children, has increased, making the area a fun place to stroll for men and women of all ages.
Please stop at any store that catches your attention and enjoy!
4
After visiting Zenkoji Temple, enjoy a sake brewery tour at a sake brewery built in the Meiji period. The factory tour hall offers a window into the sake brewing process, allowing visitors to learn about the steps involved in making sake.
5
*This is an optional tour
You can experience making oyaki, a specialty of Nagano Prefecture, in a traditional hearth.
Oyaki is made by mixing wheat flour and buckwheat flour with water or hot water, kneading it into a thin, flaky crust, and baking it with seasonal ingredients such as red bean paste and vegetables.
Oyaki made in the traditional way has a very gentle flavor, and is a local dish that you should definitely try when you come to Japan.
6
After arriving at Tokyo Station by Shinkansen, the tour will be disbanded at your hotel or a place of your choice.
*Depending on your hotel, you may be dropped off at Ueno Station.
What's not included
apx. 15-25 USD per person
Personal Expenses
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
EN
FR
ES
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Those who are allergic to wheat or buckwheat cannot apply for the optional tour, so please check with us in advance. Please check with us in advance. We will guide you on the regular tour.
The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.
Important notes
Please show the ticket to the guide when you meet.
About Chiba
Chiba is a vibrant city in Japan's Chiba Prefecture, known for its stunning fireworks displays, beautiful parks, and proximity to Tokyo. It offers a mix of urban attractions and natural beauty, making it a unique destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Chiba Port Park
A large park with beautiful gardens, a zoo, and a Ferris wheel. It's a great place for families and nature lovers.
Nature
2-3 hours
Free (some attractions may have fees)
Makuhari Messe
A large convention and exhibition center hosting major events, concerts, and trade shows.
Entertainment
Varies by event
Varies by event
Chiba Prefecture Museum of Art
A modern art museum featuring works by local and international artists, as well as special exhibitions.
Museum
1-2 hours
¥300-¥500
Must-Try Local Dishes
Anago Meshi
Grilled conger eel served over rice, a local specialty of Chiba.
Main Dish
Contains fish, not vegetarian or vegan
Kaihin-Makuhari Ramen
A local ramen variant with a rich, soy-based broth and thick noodles.
Main Dish
Contains seafood, not vegetarian or vegan
Popular Activities
Hiking
Cycling
Water sports at Makuhari Beach
Picnicking in Chiba Port Park
Onsen (hot spring) visits
Shopping
Visiting temples and shrines
Attending local festivals
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
These seasons offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn are particularly beautiful.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Chiba is a very safe city with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, travelers should always take basic precautions to protect their belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed taxis and insist on using the meter.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight in crowded areas.
- • Purchase tickets and tours from official sources.
Getting there
By air
- Narita International Airport • 30 km from city center
- Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) • 40 km from city center
By train
Chiba Station, Kaihin-Makuhari Station
By bus
Chiba Chuo Bus Terminal, Kaihin-Makuhari Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Trains are the most efficient way to get around Chiba. The JR Sobu Line connects to Tokyo and other major cities, while the Keisei Line serves local destinations.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, Uber (limited availability)
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Chuo Ward
Mihama Ward
Day trips
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
30 km from Chiba • Half day
A beautiful Buddhist temple complex with a rich history and stunning architecture. It's a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.
Inubosaki Lighthouse
40 km from Chiba • Half day
A historic lighthouse offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Boso Peninsula. It's a great spot for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Festivals
Chiba International Fireworks Festival • August (specific dates vary)
Chiba Cherry Blossom Festival • Late March to Early April (depending on blossom peak)
Pro tips
- Purchase a Suica or Pasmo IC card for easy and convenient travel on trains and buses.
- Visit Chiba Port Park during the cherry blossom season or autumn foliage for a stunning experience.
- Attend the Chiba International Fireworks Festival if visiting in August for a spectacular display.
- Try local specialties like Anago Meshi and Kaihin-Makuhari Ramen for an authentic culinary experience.
- Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner for real-time information on public transportation.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
