Top Things to do in Koshinetsu
What to do and see in Koshinetsu, Chubu: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites
Discover the best top things to do in Koshinetsu, Japan including Zenko-ji Temple, Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine, Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, Daiszenji Temple, Kuon-ji Temple, Togakushi Shrine Okusha, Yahiko Shrine, Untoan Temple, Suwa Shrine, Kozenji Temple.
Restaurants in Koshinetsu
1. Zenko-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,931 reviews
Reviewed By hfot2 - Vermont, United States
We have visited Zenko-ji on three different sakura trips and each time the blossoms did not disappoint. The weeping tree on the side of the main hall is spectacular when in full bloom - not to be missed. Bridal shoots occur throughout the temple compound in this season, but especially at this tree. The grounds are lovely throughout. Don’t miss the trees behind the main hall and the many stone lanterns there and elsewhere. There are several small gardens with more flowering trees. If you stand near the photogenic bell tower long enough, you will be there when the ringer arrives, bows to the bell and using the beam suspended on ropes strikes the bell which resonates for a very long time. Statues abound, especially the seven Jizo Bodhisattva at the Sanmon Gate. Many side buildings are more peaceful and less crowded than the main hall area and they too contain statues, bells and lanterns. If you walk behind the main hall and up a bit you arrive at the pagoda which contains the Zenkoji History Museum. It can take several hours to walk around, view, and photograph all that is here. Take your time to enjoy the whole temple compound. There is a city bus that runs to the temple from the station, or you can walk up the hill to the temple from the station - it takes about 30 minutes. The road immediately in front of the gate is full of shops selling souvenirs, religious items, and food. Good soft ice cream can be had here. The streets running parallel to this one are very interesting and worth a stroll. Even if the cherry trees are not a peak, and even if it is not sakura season at all, Zenko-ji is definitely worth a visit.
2. Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By 184cmk - San Diego, United States
Mossy stone lanterns dating from early Edo period line the entrance path, surrounded by towering Japanese cedars, give this shrine the most tranquil and peaceful feeling when you enter through the torii gate. The shrine dates back to the year 110 when the shrine was built for worshipers of Mt. Fuji. The existing structures date back to 1561 and are well preserved. The main torii gate is said to be rebuilt (larger--every time it is rebuilt) every 60 years and is one of the largest wooden torii gates in Japan. The Otorii gate or blimbing gate is located on the west side of the shrine and serves as the entrance to the Yoshidaguchi climbing trail....the starting point for the Mt. Fuji pilgrimage and focal point of worship and pilgrim activities. I highly recommend visiting this shrine...just beautiful!
3. Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By end0t - Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
Definitely one of the most stunning viewing point in Kawaguchiko area. A beautiful spot throughout the year, once in your life must come place. If you like to hike there is a walking trail you can walk for couple of hours.
4. Daiszenji Temple
5. Kuon-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
Reviewed By VinnyP1 - London, United Kingdom
We loved this temple. We found it almost by accident. On the day we visited it was busy with hundreds of Buddhist students having graduation photos taken. But after they left it was quiet and peaceful. Its a working temple but everyone is incredibly friendly. We bumped into the head monk who took pity on our lack of Japanese and explained many things to us. There is a ropeway Aka cable car to the summit where you get spectacular 360 views including of course Mount Fuji if you are lucky. There is also a cafe up there with OK food but an amazing view. Highly recommended for a good couple of hours at least.
6. Togakushi Shrine Okusha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 615 reviews
Reviewed By From_Hotel_to_Hotel - Singapore, Singapore
Visited Togakushi for the 2nd time. Return bus tickets can be purchased at the Alpico bus office, across the street from Nagano stn. Board the bus to Togakushi at bus stop #7 which is just outside the office. About 50mins journey to the entrance to the path to giant cedar trees which leads to the upper shrine. There is also a small path to Lake Kagami. Since I had visited the upper shrine, which in my opinion small and I knew that the nicest views are located just around the giant cedar tree area, this time round decided not to continue to hike up to the upper shrine. You may want to do the same should you are there just to see the trees or running out of time. The path and stairs to the upper shrine are steeper and views are not that nice. Bus day pass entitle some discount at selected soba restaurants on Togakushi area. From the upper shrine, I walked down around 30mins to middle shrine although one can also choose to take the bus. The middle shrine is much more beautiful than the upper shrine. Several soba restaurants are nearby, check the validity of the day bus pass to enjoy discount. Overall it is a nice place to spend at least half a day. On the way down, I stopped at the Zenkoji temple to admire the amazing structures and its beautiful garden. The day bus pass also come with a separate ticket for bus fee from Zenkoji temple back to Nagano stn, although one can choose to have pleasant 30mins walk to Nagano stn.
