Buddhist temple
Zensan-ji
前山寺（ぜんさんじ）
Ueda, Nagano Prefecture
A temple of the Shingon sect, Chisan school, at the foot of Mount Tokko overlooking the Shioda plain in Ueda, Nagano Prefecture, with Dainichi Nyorai as its principal image. The three-storied pagoda in its grounds is a national Important Cultural Property.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Dainichi Nyorai
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, it was opened by Kūkai in the Kōnin era as a place for goma practice, and the priest 長秀, who came from Zentsū-ji in Sanuki, is said to have opened Zensan-ji at its present site in the Genkō era. As a temple of prayer guarding the kimon (northeast) of Shioda Castle, it was also revered by warriors, and its three-storied pagoda, thought to be in an early Muromachi style, is called “the tower complete in its incompleteness” because it has neither windows nor doors.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 前山寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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