According to historical records, this temple
is believed to have been established by Yoshimitsu
Honda in the seventh Century.
The man image of Zenkouji Temple is said
to be the first image to have been brought
to Japan via Kudara ( currently Korea ).
It became a secret image in 654 and has been
kept hidden from the public.
The occasion on which the Maedachi-honzon,a
duplicate of the original main image is taken
out of the treasure house and displayed to
the public in the Main Hall once in six years
is called the Gokaicho.
This temple has not belonged to any Buddhist
sect and has been widely popular among all
walks of people.
It has been particularly famous for having
accepted female pilgrims since old times.
Although the Main Hall has been burned by
occasional fires, it was reconstructed each
time.
The roof of the Main Hall is the largest
Hanoi-thatcher roof in Japan.
Under the holy altar or " Ruri-dan"
in which the main image of the temple is
enshrined , there is a pitch dark underground
passageway where visitors seek the key to
the Buddhist paradise.
The key can be found directly beneath the
alter.
5 min. bus ride from Nagano Station.
Matsumoto Castle
An impressive example of castle architecture
in Japan and the oldest 5 tiered donjon in
the country, it is nicknamed "Karasu-jo"
or crow castle, due to its shape and black-colored
walls.
Panoramic view of the Plateau from the top.
Designated a National Treasure, it was built
in 1504 during the Warring States Period.
Beautiful cherry blossom trees line the moat.
Open daily 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.except Dec
29-Jan.3.
Admission charge Japan Folklore Museum adjacent.
20-min. walk or 5 min. bus ride from Matsumoto
Station.
Kurobe Dam
Kurobe Dam is the focus of tourist travelling
along the scenic Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
that connects the Ushiro Tateyama Range and
3015m-high Mt.Tateyama. One of the world's
largest of its kind, the arch type dam here
is 186 m high with a crest length of 426
m.
Reflections in the dam are the splendid.
Ushiro-Tateyama Range. When the dam's spillways
are opened, a dramatic scene is created.
Kamikochi
Kamikochi, located at the entrance of a route
to the Hotaka Range of Northern Japan Alps,
is popular with mountaineers . Vistas here
,especially that of overwhelming Mt.Hotaka
soaring ahead , are breathtaking.
Visitors can enjoy sights here all year long
from the pristine Azures River, the onset
of spring colorful alpine flora in summer
and crimson foliage in autumn.
Wasabi Farms
Farming on the Azumino plain extend to the foothills of northern Japan Alps. The area is noted for its wasabi farms. Wasabi (Japanese horse radish) farms are fed by clear flowing streams directly from the Japan Alps. Typical wasabi farms are geometrically laid out with rows of wasabi beds lined on both sides by poplars. Their sight is unforgettable.