Rengein, a temple lodging in front of Zenkoji Temple in Nagano Prefecture, reopened on April 15, 2026, after extensive renovations. Based on the faith and spirituality of Zenkoji Temple, which has continued for over a thousand years, it has been reborn as an open temple lodging for quietly confronting oneself.

What Rengein proposes in this modern age, where we are constantly connected to something, is "a space for quietly confronting oneself." What was important in the renovation was "reclaiming the beauty that resides in old things." By making use of the shadows created by wooden pillars, shoji screens, and materials that have stood the test of time, the space was arranged to allow one to feel not only the light but also the stillness of shadow.

The core of the stay is participation in the "morning service" at Zenkoji Temple. Early in the morning, you will head to the main hall of Zenkoji Temple with the head priest of Rengein Temple, and along the way you can learn about history, faith, and Buddhist philosophy. The "morning service," which is held every day throughout the year without fail, allows you to spend time letting go of your thoughts and moving towards a state of mindfulness while being enveloped in the sound of chanting.

For breakfast, based on the philosophy of vegetarian cuisine, a "shōjiki" meal is prepared, consisting mainly of porridge and soup, without meat or fish, incorporating the wisdom of medicinal cuisine. This flavorful menu, featuring vegetables from Shinshu, miso, and soy sauce, is enjoyed with medicinal tea, quietly awakening a sense of contentment and the feeling that "this is enough."

Furthermore, this renovation involved collaboration with architects, craftsmen, and local businesses in Nagano. They also valued the idea of ​​preserving and continuing to use old things, such as individually re-stuffing and reviving the futons that had been used in the temple lodgings.

A neatly swept gate, people quietly putting their hands together in prayer—step outside and you'll find yourself in the everyday life of the town that has grown alongside Zenkoji Temple. Why not spend a stay at Rengein Temple to reflect on yourself?

◆Rengein Temple, a temple lodging at Zenkoji Temple in Shinshu
[Location] 476 Motozenmachi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture
[Telephone number] 026-232-3026
[Number of Rooms] 4-person capacity (with toilet and sink): 2 rooms, 3-person capacity (with toilet and sink): 1 room, 2-person capacity (without toilet and sink): 1 room, 6-person capacity (without toilet and sink): 1 room
[Accommodation Fee] From 10,600 yen per person per night with breakfast (tax included, price per person based on double occupancy)
[Morning service at Zenkoji Temple in Shinshu] Held in the morning / A separate ticket for the inner sanctuary (800 yen) or a combined ticket (1,500 yen) is required.
*Please note that morning services may not be held on days when special memorial services are taking place.