Anraku-ji Octagonal Pagoda
Discover a rare octagonal pagoda, a national treasure nestled in serene woodland. Experience unique Song Chinese-style Zen architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery, blue skies
Anraku-ji Octagonal Pagoda
Best Time
Lush greenery, blue skies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a rare octagonal pagoda, a national treasure nestled in serene woodland. Experience unique Song Chinese-style Zen architecture.
"An amazing and highly intricate piece of ancient pagoda architecture that is standing the test of time!"
🎟️ Pagoda Entry Fee
Pay the 300 yen fee to climb to the pagoda; temple grounds are free. Worth it for the architecture!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
Lots of stairs to the pagoda, so wear comfortable shoes for the woodland climb.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Octagonal Pagoda
Temple grounds
A rare, three-story octagonal wooden tower with intricate, original carvings. A national treasure.
Temple Grounds & Bell Tower
Temple entrance
Pleasant stroll through greenery with a black gate and a two-story bell tower. Free to explore.
Woodland Path
Path to pagoda
A breezy, cool walk up many stairs through the woods, offering a sense of seclusion.
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Planning Your Visit
Pagoda Access & Fees
Best Viewing Seasons
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Pagoda Entry Fee
Pay the 300 yen fee to climb to the pagoda; temple grounds are free. Worth it for the architecture!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
Lots of stairs to the pagoda, so wear comfortable shoes for the woodland climb.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Park for free and visit nearby temples too.
📸 Stunning Scenery
The pagoda looks amazing against blue skies or fall colors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Pagoda Entry Fee
Pay the 300 yen fee to climb to the pagoda; temple grounds are free. Worth it for the architecture!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
Lots of stairs to the pagoda, so wear comfortable shoes for the woodland climb.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Park for free and visit nearby temples too.
📸 Stunning Scenery
The pagoda looks amazing against blue skies or fall colors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Anraku-ji's octagonal pagoda as a rare and intricately carved national treasure, beautifully set amidst nature. The pleasant woodland walk and free temple grounds are highlights, though the climb to the pagoda involves many stairs. The nominal fee for pagoda access is considered well worth it for the unique architectural experience.
"A nominal fee to visit a significant heritage property! It was just interesting that while nestled on a hill behind the gated entry of the temple, it is beside lots of grave stones too. An experience to visit and glad we drove specially to visit this amazing and highly intricatw piece of ancient pagoda architecture that is standing the test of time!"
Rtexal Tan
"Loved this temple from the entrance, featuring the black gate and plenty of greenery alongside the road leading to the temple. It was breezy and cool in the shade, which made the stroll very pleasant.
National treasure with the highlight as a three-story octagonal wooden tower. Intricate and original carvings of the tower were amazing to look at.
The tower blended very well with the lush green and the blue skies of early summer typical of Nagano. I suppose this place must also look splendid in the fall with yellow and red leaves as the backdrop.
My visit time was about 45 mins. Free to enter temple grounds, 300 yen to climb up to the wooden tower."
Ha Luu
"The one and only Octagonal shape pagoda can be found here, and it's the Anrakuji treasure . You will need to walk up some flight of stairs to the temple and to the pagoda, but it is worth the entrance fees of 300 yen per adult ( to see the pagoda) . Parking is free . Please park here so that you can visit the other two temples nearby ."
Choo HengHeng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Anraku-ji is located in Bessho Onsen. Many visitors drive, and there is free parking available. The pagoda itself is nestled on a hill behind the temple grounds, requiring a walk up some stairs.
While specific public transport routes directly to the pagoda might be limited, Bessho Onsen is accessible by train. From the station, you would likely need a short taxi ride or a walk to the temple.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The temple grounds and bell tower are free to enter. However, there is a 300 yen fee per adult to access and climb up to the octagonal pagoda itself.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but the 300 yen fee for pagoda access is considered nominal for a national treasure.
While the temple grounds are generally accessible, the hours for pagoda access might vary. It's advisable to check locally or visit during daylight hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 45 minutes to an hour exploring the temple grounds and climbing to the pagoda.
The temple grounds are relatively flat, but reaching the octagonal pagoda involves walking up a significant number of stairs through a wooded area.
Children can visit the temple grounds, but the stairs to the pagoda might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Adult supervision is recommended.
Photography is generally allowed on the temple grounds and of the pagoda's exterior. Be respectful of any posted signage regarding photography restrictions.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the pagoda against the backdrop of lush green trees in summer or vibrant autumn leaves. The woodland path leading up also offers scenic shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites and heritage properties to ensure safety and preserve the atmosphere. It's best to assume it's not allowed unless explicitly stated otherwise.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel: Anraku-ji's Octagonal Pagoda
While the temple grounds and bell tower are free to explore, a nominal fee of 300 yen grants access to the pagoda itself. This fee is widely considered worthwhile for the opportunity to witness such a unique and well-preserved structure up close. The journey to the pagoda involves a climb up a series of stairs through a serene woodland, adding to the sense of discovery and seclusion.
The pagoda's setting is as captivating as its design. It is described as blending beautifully with the surrounding lush green landscape and blue skies of early summer, and is expected to be equally stunning in autumn with vibrant yellow and red leaves. This natural integration enhances the pagoda's aesthetic appeal and makes it a photographer's delight.
Visiting Anraku-ji: Practicalities and Experience
The ascent to the octagonal pagoda involves navigating quite a few stairs through a wooded area. While this might be a consideration for those with mobility issues, it also helps to naturally reduce crowds, ensuring a more intimate experience for visitors. The effort is consistently reported as being worth the entrance fee and the climb.
Many visitors combine their trip to Anraku-ji with visits to other nearby temples in Bessho Onsen, making it a worthwhile stop on a broader exploration of the area. The friendly staff also contribute to a positive visitor experience.
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