The Kaidan-meguri ritual requires visitors to touch a 'key' in total darkness to secure a connection with the Buddha.
The temple is officially affiliated with the Tendai sect of Buddhism.
It is a designated branch or related site to the famous Zenko-ji in Nagano, allowing pilgrims to earn merit similar to the original temple visit.
The structure includes an elaborate altar designed for traditional Buddhist services.
The temple grounds are maintained as a quiet refuge within the urban layout of Seki city.
Seki Zenko-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple in Gifu Prefecture known for its subterranean passageway ritual, known as the Kaidan-meguri. Visitors walk through a pitch-black corridor beneath the main hall, symbolizing the path toward spiritual enlightenment. The temple houses a replica of the sacred Buddha statue originally located at the main Zenko-ji in Nagano. It serves as an active site for local religious practice and community rituals in the city of Seki. The architecture reflects traditional Japanese temple design with a focus on interior meditative spaces. It remains a significant regional site for those seeking the traditional Zenko-ji pilgrimage experience without traveling to Nagano.
The exterior main gate and the path leading up to the main hall, which framed by seasonal garden greenery.
Bring a small coin for a traditional offering before starting your temple tour.
Take a moment to let your eyes adjust to the darkness outside the Kaidan-meguri tunnel to improve your navigation inside.
Remove your shoes before entering the temple hall and wear socks as the floors can be cold.
Do not rush through the underground tunnel; walk slowly with your hand against the wall to avoid disorienting yourself in the total darkness.
Remove shoes at the entrance, keep voices low, and refrain from taking photographs inside the main prayer hall or the dark tunnel.
