This is where you’ll want to start if you’re doing the Zenkoji Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage (Shichifukujin Meguri). The shikishi (the special board for collecting stamps) is sold here for 800 yen, and the staff—usually English-speaking—will provide everything you need, and a short explanation of how it all works.

Just tell them you’d like to buy a shikishi for the Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage, and they’ll take care of the rest.

You’ll also receive an A4 paper with:

• A map with all 8 stops

• A short explanation in English

• And most importantly, a diagram in the bottom-left corner showing the correct stamp placement on your shikishi.
  Each stamp has a predetermined spot, so it’s important to follow this layout carefully to avoid placing them incorrectly. I recommend folding this paper and keeping it close by—you’ll be using it as a quick reference each time you need to stamp your board at the self-serve locations.

You can stop by here on the same day you start the route, or if you’re already in Nagano the day before, it’s a good idea to pick it up in advance so you can begin right from the first temple the next morning without delay.

The center is located inside Nagano Station, right in front of the entrance gates for the shinkansen platforms.