Goshuin number 45 is from 安楽寺 (Anraku-ji). Home to the country’s only three-story octagonal pagoda, this temple has been on my list for a while. It’s also the oldest zen temple in Nagano!

The walk up to the pagoda was silent and peaceful. The pagoda itself wasn’t open so we couldn’t see what was inside, but that was just fine with me. We sat on a bench nearby and relaxed for a little bit. There were signs all around the pagoda asking tourists not to wander through the gravestones. While the pagoda is a national treasure, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s located in the middle of a graveyard, and some people come to visit deceased family members. Be respectful!

Admission: ￥300

Date acquired: March 29th, 2019