Zenko-ji Temple

The first stop on the first day of our trip was the Zenko-ji Temple. The Zenko-ji Temple is unique because it does not belong to any sect of Buddhism. It is non-denominational, so to speak. Every year millions of people make the pilgrimage to this temple to meditate in the large meditation vestibule. Unfortunately, once we were inside the temple proper, we were not allowed to take any pictures. The walls were adorned with the angels of Buddhism, there were old statues everywhere and it was extremely ornate. As a bonus you can go into a tunnel under the vestibule and find the key to enlightenment. The tunnel was pitch black and almost panic inducing if you're claustrophobic. The only way to tell where you were going is to run your hand along the wall. At the end of the tunnel you feel a key If you give the key a shake spiritual enlightenment will be yours.

Enjoy some pictures of this beautiful temple:

The main temple building.

Front view of the main temple.

For 100 yen you could light incense.

And the put the incense in this urn. You then wave the smoke toward you to promote healing and good health.

Buddhas meditating.

Me waving the smoke over my body.

A large bell. This was rung to signify the opening of the Nagano Winter Olympics.

The grounds of the Temple.

Monuments built to those who have died.

A monument built to forgotten graves who have no people left to care for them.

The large gate and entrance to the Temple.