Embark on a guided walking tour of Nagano, a temple town known for its traditional food culture and the longevity it affords. Visit a favorite spot among locals to taste 'oyaki,' enjoy a sake tasting, and tour Zenkoji Temple, including a fire ceremony. Conclude the tour with a tea experience.

Begin your pilgrimage walk along the ‘Omotesando’ – the historic main road of Nagano – toward your ultimate goal of Zenkoji, first stopping at Ogawa-no-sho for a simple lunch of oyaki. ‘Oyaki’ dumplings are made from fermented buckwheat dough and rice powder, filled with all manner of vegetables, fruit, or ‘anko’ bean paste. Simple, healthy, and tasty, they are baked on an iron pan over a raised fire, an experience you’ll enjoy for yourself as they are baked fresh for you.

From there you head to nearby Imanishiki Sake Brewery, for a memorable 'sake' tasting experience. Find out why Nagano Prefecture is one of Japan's leading sake brewing areas, while tasting some of the region’s best ‘sake.’

Only a short walk away from the brewery, begin your guided tour of Zenkoji Temple. Your guide will reveal its storied history and secrets, while also explaining the role of Buddhism in Japan in an enjoyable and engaging way as you head toward the site of the ‘goma’ prayer fire ceremony. The burning of prayers in the sacred flame imbues the experience with a deep spirituality and is often found to rid participants of their immediate, worldly concerns. You will then have some free time to further explore the temple grounds or the many tempting shops selling local food, drinks, and souvenirs.

Lastly, head to nearby Tsumugi for the tea experience, a short walk away from the temple. Combining tradition with modern style, you will get to make your own matcha while discovering the art and performance of this authentic Japanese experience. Your tour concludes, where your guide will say their goodbyes, leaving you to enjoy more time around the temple or walk back to Nagano Station or your accommodation.