• Exclusive Zenkoji Temple Tour Discover the 1,400-year-old Zenkoji Temple, the must-see national treasure of Japan. Starting from an exclusive English guide tour by the head priest, stepping into the rare privilege of accessing the area.

• Participate in Traditional Japanese Rituals Deep dive into Japan's spiritual practices, providing a unique cultural immersion. Participate in special ceremonies, and religious rituals (Oai, Oteido and Goma) for experience of the spiritual depth of Japanese religious practices.

• Traditional Battojutsu Performance Battojutsu, drawing blade technique performance, has the designed ways of slashing the rolled straw mats. The only skillful trainees with experience are able to perform perfectly. Trainees recognize that their sword movements are perfect when the slashed rolled straw mat remains in its original shape after it has been cut.

• Premium Dinner with Nagano wine, featuring The Drops of God Dishes are inspired by the famous Japanese manga "The Drops of God". The evening features a video talk by the manga's author, followed by a live session with local wine experts.

• Stay at a Traditional Shukubo Immerse yourself in Japanese culture by staying at a Shukubo, a temple lodging.

• Explore Winter Wonderland in Nagano Continue your winter adventure on the second day with a variety of seasonal activities. Choose to visit the Snow Monkey watching, take a historical tour of Matsumoto Castle and enjoy a city walk, or create your own itinerary.

Zenkoji is one of Japan's most important and popular temples, located in Nagano. Founded in the 7th century, it houses the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan. A visit to Zenkoji is said to grant spiritual merit, and its main hall, designated a National Treasure, is a must-see.

This is a great chance to join the premium event of ＜Zenkoji Temple Special Experience with Nagano Wine Premium Dinner featuring ”The Drops of God”＞ planned on 24th, 25th, 26th January 2025 in Nagano.

The Drops of God -Kami no Shizuku- Series

By Shu Okimoto and Tadashi Agi

＜Author Profile＞

Tadashi Agi is the joint pen name of a brother-sister duo known for their work as manga authors. They have penned several series, including "Psycho Doctor," "Psycho Doctor Kai Kyosuke," "Drops of God," and "Kaitou Le Vin" for the magazine "Morning." After completing the 26-volume series "Marriage: The Drops of God Final Chapter," the author began the serialization of "Drops of God Deuxième" in 2023.

In 2008, they became the first Japanese recipients of the highest honor at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, the "Hall of Fame." They have also received numerous accolades, including the Chevalier of the French Order of Agricultural Merit in 2010 and the Chevalier of the French Order of Arts and Letters in 2018.

＜Story＞

In the world-renowned manga "The Drops of God," legendary wine critic Yutaka Kanzaki passes away, leaving behind a wine collection valued at over 2 billion yen. At the pinnacle of this collection is the elusive "The Drops of God." To inherit his legacy, one must identify the 12 wines known as the "Apostles" and the "The Drops of God" by name and vintage. This challenge sparks a fierce competition between his biological son, Shizuku, and his adopted son, Issei.

The Drops of God >>>●READ Chapter 1 Drops of God: Mariage >>>●READ Chapter 1

Premium Dinner with Nagano Wine

The premium dinner event is a collaboration between the Karuizawa Marriott Hotel, Agi Tadashi "The Drops of God" author, and Nagano Wine Ambassador Junya Hanaoka.

Nagano produces elegant and refined wines that have been gaining international recognition for over 100 years.

At the premium dinner produced by Karuizawa Marriott Hotel, you will enjoy a selection of the finest Nagano wines. These wines will be paired with fresh and diverse local ingredients, as well as traditional fermented foods, which are said to be the source of longevity.

Shukubo Stay

Immerse yourself in the serene and spiritual atmosphere of the temple. Around Zenkoji , several Shukubo provide an opportunity to offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

NOTE

• A hearty Japanese breakfast is included on the second morning.
• There are several Shukubo around Zenkoji and you will be automatically assigned to one of them. We will help you check in on the day of your stay.
• This type of temple lodge often does not have keys or locks for the guest rooms, as the atmosphere is one of mutual respect.
• For the same reason, toilets and bathrooms are shared facilities rather than en-suite.
• It is likely that you will enjoy sleeping in a traditional Japanese room with a tatami mat and a futon (low bed) in your room instead of a bed. Thanks a lot for your understanding and open-mindedness.

Plan Options

1. Zenkoji Premium Experience including:

• Participating the main event ＜Zenkoji Temple Special Experience with Nagano Wine Premium Dinner featuring ”The Drops of God”＞
• Luxurious Dinner course
• Accommodations at Shukubo
• Japanese traditional Breakfast

2. Zenkoji Premium Experience with sightseeing Continue your winter exploration on Day 2. Please choose one from the following tours (tentative schedule: 9:30 - 16:30):

＜A: Snow Monkeys Course＞ See Japan’s famous hot-spring-bathing snow monkeys in winter. Note: It takes more than 30 minutes to walk from the car park to Jigokudani Yaen-koen. We will provide crampons for your safety.

＜B: Matsumoto Castle and City Walk Course＞ Walk through the traditional street in Matsumoto, and see one of Japan's most beautiful and well-preserved historic castle.

After the tour, you will be dropped off at Nagano Station (or optionally at Matsumoto Station if you are taking the B Plan). Transport cost back to Tokyo or anywhere else is not included.

Including:

• Participation in the main event ＜Zenkoji Temple Special Experience with Nagano Wine Premium Dinner featuring "The Drops of God"＞.
• Luxurious dinner course
• Accommodation at Shukubo

• Traditional Japanese breakfast

• Full English guide for sightseeing

• Tour bus, visiting/ entrance fee of sightseeing spots
• Nagano local cuisine for lunch

Add-on Options (transfer)

Bullet train (Shinkansen) The bullet train will take you from Tokyo or Ueno Station to Nagano station within 2 hours. Suggested departure: 10:30 am Choose comfortable seats option: ＜Ordinary car (Non-reserved Seat) / Green car (Reserved Seat) ＞

Private hire car If you wish, a customized private pick up will be available at the hotel you stay in Tokyo. Depending on the area of departure,, you can enjoy a smooth ride of about 3-3.5 directly to the Zenkoji Temple.