Founded in the 7th century, National Treasure 窜别苍办艒-箩颈 is home to the revered statue Ikk艒-Sanzon, said to be the first Buddhist image to arrive in Japan (AD 552). Not even 37 generations of emperors have seen the image, though millions of visitors flock here to view a copy every seven years during the Gokaich艒 Matsuri. 窜别苍办艒-箩颈's immense popularity stems partly from its liberal welcoming of pilgrims, regardless of gender, creed or religious belief.
Its chief officiants are both a priest and a priestess. The current building dates from 1707.
Any bus from stop 1 in front of Nagano Station's 窜别苍办艒-箩颈 exit will get you to the temple (楼150, about 10 minutes); alight at the Daimon stop. It takes about 30 minutes to walk up Ch奴艒-d艒ri from the station to the temple.