zenkoji wine tour zenkoji wine tour

Shinshu Zenkoji boasts a history of about 1,400 years and enshrines what is said to be the oldest Buddha in Japan. The main hall was designated as a National Treasure in 1953. Zenkoji is unique in Japan as a non-sectarian temple, and it has garnered deep and widespread devotion as a spiritual pillar for the Japanese people. There’s a saying, “One should visit Zenkoji at least once in a lifetime”, and the temple is well known for drawing numerous worshippers and tourists from across the country for this pilgrimage.

This event offers a unique opportunity to tour Zenkoji Temple with a monk who works there. The guide will be conducted in English, allowing you to ask questions while deepening your understanding of the history and culture of Zenkoji Temple. Normally, there aren’t many tours directly led by monks in English, making this a rare and special occasion.
Additionally, during the “Zenkoji Temple Tour” experience, the monk will offer prayers for you in front of the Buddha statue in the main hall.

This event offers the unique opportunity to participate in several Buddhist rituals that are usually reserved for followers of the faith.

At Daihongan—one of the temples responsible for protecting Shinshu Zenkoji, traditionally led by female head priests—you will have the chance to meet the Gojushoku (Head Priest) or her female deputy, who will deliver a special sermon. Afterward, you will experience a mock ordination ceremony known as Oteido. During this ritual, each participant will be given a special Buddhist name, usually granted only to those who have completed monastic training, along with an explanation of its meaning.

At Daikanjin—another temple that protects Shinshu Zenkoji—you will witness a fire ritual called Goma-taki, led personally by the Gojushoku. With the flames of wisdom before your eyes, you will have the special experience of offering prayers and wishes.

You will enjoy a specially curated dinner at Zenkoji Daikanjin Shiun-kaku. This exquisite meal is supervised by the renowned Karuizawa Marriott Hotel and is inspired by the original story of the famous manga The Drops of God (Kami no Shizuku). This is a rare opportunity to be among the first in the world to experience this unique menu.

Savor the carefully selected wines while appreciating the traditional fermented food culture of Nagano, known for supporting the region\’s long life and good health. Relax and enjoy this special dining experience.

The dinner will feature Nagano wine, produced in the event\’s host region, Nagano Prefecture. Nagano wine is known for its high quality, nurtured by the region’s cool climate and high-altitude terrain. Chardonnay and Merlot are particularly famous, recognized for their well-balanced fruitiness and acidity. The local wine industry is actively promoted, with increasing recognition both domestically and internationally.

For this event, Karuizawa Marriott Hotel, The Drops of God author, and Nagano Wine Ambassador and sommelier Junya Hanaoka collaborated to carefully select wines under the concept of delivering “the ultimate pairing experience of Nagano cuisine and wine”.

Additionally, during the dinner, Mr. Hanaoka will provide explanations about the wines served.

Born in 1975 in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Junya Hanaoka pursued a career as a chef after graduating from local schools, working in hotels and restaurants in Osaka and Matsumoto. Later, he took over his family’s traditional inn as the head chef. In 2012, he established a Nagano wine specialty shop, Wine Sakaba Kamoshiya, located near Matsumoto Station.

He has authored several publications, including The 100 Best Nagano Wines (Icarus Publishing) and contributed to Let’s Visit Japanese Wineries! (Icarus Publishing).

Currently, Hanaoka serves as the wine and cider specialist for the Nagano Tourism Organization, where he is actively engaged in promoting and selling Nagano wines and ciders both domestically and internationally. In addition to supporting sales for existing wineries, he is involved in the establishment of new wineries, sourcing grape seedlings and raw materials, and supporting production. He also organizes and manages wine events, contributing to the growth and development of Nagano wine.

Title:
Vice Chairman, Shinshu Wine Valley Project Promotion Council
Certified NAGANO WINE Ambassador, Nagano Wine Association
Judge, Japan Winery Awards
Sensory Judge, GI Nagano Wine
Representative, Wine Works
Representative, NAGANO WINE Supporters’ Committee
Shinshu 6th Industrialization Planner (Wine & Cider)
Certified Sommelier, Sommelier Association

With a total worldwide circulation of 15 million copies, an internationally co-produced drama, and the Gourmand World Cookbook Award, “The Drops of God” is a popular manga that Japan proudly presents with a wine theme. For this occasion, the author has written an original story to convey the charm of Nagano wine.

Additionally, at the dinner venue, original illustrations will be displayed on panels. These include special illustrations inspired by the original story by Shu Okimoto, as well as carefully selected pieces from the original work.

This event is filled with special experiences, including a demonstration of “Batto”,a martial art that incorporates the actual practice of “cutting” with traditional Japanese swords. Each movement in the demonstration is imbued with the will and passion reminiscent of the spirit held by samurai. In the moment of drawing the sword, there exists a beauty that transcends time, where tranquility coexists with strength. The sharpness of the blade, combined with an appreciation for the fleeting nature of the moment, captivates the audience and evokes deep emotions.

At this event, there will be an exhibition of Japanese swords, and you will have the rare opportunity to actually handle one.