Chokoku-ji Matsushiro
Discover Chokoku-ji Temple, the historic family temple of the Sanada clan, featuring unique architecture and Sanada Nobuyuki's preserved mausoleum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Mausoleum tours available
Chokoku-ji Matsushiro
Best Time
Mausoleum tours available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Chokoku-ji Temple, the historic family temple of the Sanada clan, featuring unique architecture and Sanada Nobuyuki's preserved mausoleum.
"The architecture is unique and its history with the Sanada clan adds historical value."
🎯 Book Mausoleum Tours Ahead
Advance reservations are required for mausoleum entry. Avoid Tuesdays & Wednesdays for tours.
💰 Admission Fee is Worth It
The 1,000 yen fee grants access to unique architecture and historical insights.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sanada Nobuyuki's Mausoleum
Chokoku-ji Temple
Explore the remarkably preserved mausoleum of a prominent samurai lord, offering a glimpse into feudal Japan.
Unique Temple Architecture
Chokoku-ji Temple
Marvel at the distinctive architectural style of the main building and connected halls, unlike anything seen elsewhere in Japan.
Autumn Foliage
Chokoku-ji Temple Grounds
Experience the temple grounds adorned with vibrant autumn colors, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Chokoku-ji Matsushiro
Understanding the Admission Fee
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Mausoleum Tours Ahead
Advance reservations are required for mausoleum entry. Avoid Tuesdays & Wednesdays for tours.
💰 Admission Fee is Worth It
The 1,000 yen fee grants access to unique architecture and historical insights.
⏰ Arrive Before 3 PM
The admission counter may close early if no reservations are made.
🍁 Visit in Autumn
The temple grounds are stunning with vibrant fall colors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Mausoleum Tours Ahead
Advance reservations are required for mausoleum entry. Avoid Tuesdays & Wednesdays for tours.
💰 Admission Fee is Worth It
The 1,000 yen fee grants access to unique architecture and historical insights.
⏰ Arrive Before 3 PM
The admission counter may close early if no reservations are made.
🍁 Visit in Autumn
The temple grounds are stunning with vibrant fall colors.
🚶 Explore the Grounds
Wander freely around the temple grounds even without a mausoleum ticket.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chokoku-ji Temple is praised for its unique architecture and historical significance as the Sanada clan's family temple, with the mausoleum being a highlight. Visitors appreciate the autumn foliage and the insights provided by the head priest. However, some find the admission fee high and note issues with staff availability and potential early closure of the admission counter.
"Worth it if visiting Matsushiro. The monks are not available to show the mausoleum on Tuesdays or Wednesday i do suggest any other day however. The architecture is unique and its history with the Sanada clan samurai family adds historical value. The main building and connected halls make the structure look like nothing I've ever seen in 11 trips to Japan. Sadly the laziest staff in my 11 trips to Japan as well"
Shan Baker
"The grounds are pretty and the trees in the area are colored beautifully in the autumn. The main attraction of the semetary the mausoleum was closed Wednesday"
Eric Phalen
"over hyped there are better shrines in Matsushiro"
Gravity Priest
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chokoku-ji Temple is located in the Matsushiro area of Nagano. Visitors typically reach Nagano by Shinkansen (bullet train) and then take local buses or taxis to Matsushiro. Specific bus routes and travel times will depend on your starting point within Nagano. +1
Information on specific parking availability at Chokoku-ji Temple is limited, but it's advisable to check local resources or inquire upon arrival, especially if you are driving.
Yes, it's possible to visit Chokoku-ji Temple as a day trip from Tokyo, but it will be a long day. The journey involves taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano and then transferring to local transport to Matsushiro. +1
The nearest major train station is Nagano Station. From there, you will need to take local transportation to reach the Matsushiro area where Chokoku-ji Temple is located. +1
Yes, Chokoku-ji Temple is accessible by public transport, though it requires transfers. After arriving at Nagano Station, you'll need to use local buses or other regional transport to get to Matsushiro. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Wandering the temple grounds is free. However, there is a 1,000 yen admission fee to enter the main building and the mausoleum. Advance reservations are recommended.
Yes, advance reservations are required to enter the temple's main building and mausoleum. It's best to book ahead to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
The temple grounds are generally accessible, but the admission counter for the mausoleum may close before the stated 4 PM closing time if there are no reservations. It's advisable to visit earlier in the day.
The mausoleum is not available for viewing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as the monks who guide visitors may not be available on these days.
Yes, visitors have reported receiving explanations from the head priest when entering the mausoleum, making the experience more insightful.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Chokoku-ji Temple is the family temple of the Sanada clan and contains the graves of past feudal lords, including the mausoleum of Sanada Nobuyuki. Its origins date back to 1547.
The main building and connected halls at Chokoku-ji Temple are described as architecturally unique, presenting a visual style rarely seen in other Japanese temples.
Many visitors consider Chokoku-ji Temple a worthwhile stop when in Matsushiro, especially for its historical connection to the Sanada clan and its distinctive architecture.
While the temple is historically significant year-round, visiting in autumn offers the added beauty of the grounds being covered in vibrant fall foliage.
Matsushiro has other historical sites, and some visitors suggest exploring them as well, though Chokoku-ji Temple is often highlighted for its unique features.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the unique architecture of the temple buildings and the scenic grounds, especially during autumn, offer excellent photo opportunities.
Photography rules inside the mausoleum can vary. It's best to check with the staff on-site regarding restrictions before taking pictures inside.
The exterior of the unique temple buildings and the surrounding grounds, particularly with autumn foliage, are prime spots for photography.
The temple's distinctive architecture and the natural beauty of its surroundings, especially in autumn, make it a photogenic location.
Photography focusing on the temple's unique architectural details and the seasonal beauty of the grounds, like autumn colors, is popular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during autumn when the grounds are particularly beautiful with fall foliage, which can add an extra layer of visual interest for kids. While there aren't specific child-centric activities, the historical narrative of the Sanada clan and the distinctive temple design can spark curiosity. Ensure you check the availability for mausoleum tours, as Tuesdays and Wednesdays are not ideal days for viewing.
🏛️ History Buffs
The temple's unique architecture, distinct from many other Japanese temples, adds another layer of interest. Learning about its founding, relocation, and survival through various disasters, coupled with the opportunity to hear explanations from the head priest, makes for a deeply enriching historical experience. Remember to book your visit in advance, especially for the mausoleum tours.
📸 Photographers
While the grounds offer ample opportunities for exterior shots, be sure to inquire about photography policies if you plan to capture images inside the mausoleum. Visiting on a clear day, ideally outside of Tuesdays and Wednesdays, will maximize your chances for a good visit and photography session.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sanada Clan and Chokoku-ji Temple
The most compelling aspect for visitors is the mausoleum of Sanada Nobuyuki, which remains in its original state despite the temple enduring damage from fires and other disasters over the centuries. This preservation offers a rare and tangible connection to a significant historical figure and the era he lived in. The opportunity to enter and see this historical site, often with explanations from the head priest, is a key draw for history enthusiasts.
Visiting Chokoku-ji Temple provides a unique window into the history of the Sanada clan and the architectural styles prevalent during their influence. It's a place where history is not just read about but can be experienced through its preserved structures and the stories they hold.
Architectural Uniqueness and Visitor Experience
While the temple grounds are freely accessible, the experience of entering the mausoleum and connected halls requires an admission fee and advance reservation. This structured access ensures a more intimate and informative visit, often enhanced by explanations from the head priest. Visitors have noted that the 1,000 yen fee is considered worthwhile for the historical context and the chance to see these rarely accessible areas.
Despite the potential for early closure of the admission counter if no reservations are made, and the unavailability of tours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the overall visitor experience is often described as rewarding. The combination of unique architecture, historical depth, and the serene atmosphere of the grounds, especially during autumn, makes Chokoku-ji Temple a noteworthy destination.
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