NAGANO -- Here's one way to assure yourself a place in heaven. Get to Nagano City's noted Zenko-ji Temple by June 1 and catch a glimpse of its most sacred icon -- the Maedachi Honzon. According to tradition, making the arduous pilgrimage to this temple to pray to Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of Gokuraku Jodo (Pure Land Western Paradise), guarantees salvation. Now, with the easy access afforded by the shinkansen -- constructed for the 1998 Winter Olympics -- and the availability of organized tours to the area, admission to heaven is just a few hours away.

The Maedachi Honzon (literally, "icon standing in front") is on display for a short period of time called go-kaicho (the unveiling). Go-kaicho is only held every six years, and then only for two months, through April and May. Consequently, visitors make a special effort to go to Zenko-ji during this period. During Golden Week this year, Zenko-ji was Japan's No. 1 travel destination, drawing more than two million visitors.

What makes the Maedachi Honzon so special? According to the temple's legends, it was created by Amida Buddha. During the time that Buddha lived in India, there was a rather impious man of high status called Gakkai, who showed no interest in the teachings of Buddha. But when his only daughter, Nyoze, fell ill, he was persuaded to repent and pray to Buddha. Suddenly, in the sky, the Amida Buddha appeared with two attendant deities, Kannon and Seishin, and healed Nyoze. Then Amida Buddha himself created this representation of the Amida triad.