This is the 4th stop on the Zenkoji Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage (Shichifukujin Meguri) and is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of water, music, learning, and the arts. Originally a river goddess from India, she came to be worshipped across Japan at ponds, riversides, and coastal areas. It’s said this shrine was built here long ago because there used to be a pond in the area.

Benzaiten is often shown playing a biwa (a traditional lute), and the small shrine to the left of the main building has a charming statue of her displayed under glass. She was especially revered by geisha and performers in this part of Nagano, which was once a lively entertainment district.

The stamp here is self-serve. You’ll find a table with multiple stamps, each for a different purpose. The large 300 yen sign on the table might be confusing, but the correct stamp for the Shichifukujin shikishi costs 100 yen. Just drop your coin into the offering slot, then look for the round stamp (you can check the example on the sheet provided at the Nagano Station Tourist Info Center), and double-check the correct placement on your shikishi before stamping.

The entrance to this shrine is very easy to miss—it’s tucked inside Gondo Shotengai, a traditional covered shopping street with old-school charm. Shotengai are common in Japanese cities, lined with local shops and eateries, often with a nostalgic feel. I didn’t include Gondo Shotengai as a full stop in this guide since it’s not a must-see on its own, but it’s definitely worth a short stroll if you're passing through. I’ve marked the shrine entrance in one of the photos—look for the red flags.