Source: Peatix

[Purpose of the event]
In 2027, the Zenkoji Temple Gokaicho, a once-in-seven-years event, will be held. It would be a shame to let this precious opportunity, which attracts approximately 7 million visitors and enlivens the entire city, end after just one moment! How can we help people experience even more of Nagano City's charm? Using a special lecture by a Zenkoji monk as a starting point, let's brainstorm new tourism ideas that will make people want to visit Nagano City again the year after the Zenkoji Gokaicho!

◆What is the Zenkoji Temple Gokaicho (grand opening)?
This grand ceremony features a special public display of the "Maedachi Honzon," a statue identical in appearance to the strictly secret Buddha image of Zenkoji Temple.
It is said that touching the memorial pillar in front of the main hall will create a connection with the Buddha.
[Zenkoji Temple Gokaicho Official Website]
https://www.gokaicho.com/

[Date and time / Location]
Thursday, August 27, 2026, 17:00-19:00 / SHIBUYA QWS Cross Park (15th floor SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE)

[Organizer/Co-organizer]
Organized by: Nagano Area Tourism Strategy Research Committee (Secretariat: Nagano City Tourism Promotion Division) Co-organized by: SHIBUYA QWS

【guest】
Mr. Gencho Kobayashi, General Affairs Director of Zenkoji Temple
He is a monk at Chōyōin, a temple lodging at Zenkōji Temple. He warmly welcomes visitors with vegetarian cuisine using seasonal vegetables and also serves as the general affairs director of Zenkōji Temple. During the Zenkōji Temple's Gokaichō (grand opening) in 2022, which was held amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, he used IoT-based congestion heat maps to encourage dispersed visits. He is dedicated to realizing a temple that is adapted to the changing times by flexibly incorporating advanced technology while preserving tradition and history.

【time schedule】
16:50-17:00 Doors open and registration begins
17:00-17:05 Introduction
17:05-17:20 [Special Event] Special Lecture by a Zenkoji Temple Monk
17:20-17:30 Input Talk: "The Current State of Tourism in Nagano City"
17:30-18:00 Idea Workshop
18:00-19:00 Exchange meeting

【ABOUT SHIBUYA QWS】
SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE opened on November 1, 2019, directly connected to and above Shibuya Station. SHIBUYA QWS (hereinafter QWS) is a members-only facility located on the 15th floor. With the concept of "Not just asking, not just meeting, not just creating, but changing the world," the facility aims to create a movement that leads to unknown value by intersecting the [questions] of players with diverse backgrounds.
https://shibuya-qws.com/

[Regarding the content of your responses that includes personal information]
The personal information you provide will be appropriately collected, used, and managed by the organizers and co-organizers solely for the purpose of ensuring the smooth operation of this event and for related communications. Personal information will be handled in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and with appropriate security measures in place.
https://shibuya-qws.com/privacy-policy

[About the information listed for this event]
Information regarding speakers and the program will be updated as changes or additional decisions are made.