Nagano Cultural Experiences

Traditional Crafts in the Historic Heart of the City

Key features

Traditional Crafts
Workshops
English-speaking
Family-friendly
Mizuhiki
Tea Ceremony
Origami
Paper-making
Calligraphy

Public Transport

JR Nagano Station	20 min walk
Gondo Station	<10 min walk

Popular Attractions

Zenko-ji Temple	2 min walk
Monzen Terrace Enya	immediate
Jigokudani Monkey Park	70 min bus/train

Nagano Cultural Experiences

Traditional Crafts in the Historic Heart of the City

Key features

Traditional Crafts
Workshops
English-speaking
Family-friendly
Mizuhiki
Tea Ceremony
Origami
Paper-making
Calligraphy

The Japanese dedication to refined beauty and detail can be seen in many aspects of life but none more so than through its many traditional crafts and pastimes. Crafts range from the simple to highly complex with a shared devotion to meditative practice and aesthetic beauty. Over generations the many traditional crafts of Japan have been perfected to the point of mastery but most have their origins in very practical if not simple applications. Trying your hand at traditional Japanese crafts is a great way to spend a couple hours while in Nagano, with many on offer in and around the city's historic Zenko-ji Temple Monzen precinct.

Recommended Highlights from Snow Monkey Resorts

Try Your Hand at Traditional Crafts

Located only minutes walk from Zenko-ji Temple, Nagano's historic Monzen precinct is the perfect place to try your hand at Japan's traditional crafts.

Combine Your Visit to Zenko-ji with a Cultural Experience

The area surroundings Nagano’s famous temple has a long history of craft and traditional practices.

Nearby Dining & Accommodation Options

Within easy walking distance of the temple – and even within the temple grounds – there are plenty of options when looking for somewhere to eat or stay.

How to get to the Zenko-ji Monzen Precinct

Easily accessible on foot or by public transport from JR Nagano Station, the city's historic temple and Monzen precinct plays host to traditional activities.

Available Cultural Experiences

Origami (paper folding)

Enjoy Japan's Best Known Craft

Seemingly simple, origami opens-up a world of endless shapes and complex design.

Mizuhiki (paper cord)

An Ancient Art Still Popular Today

The art of “mizuhiki” involves the tying of beautiful, colored cords around gifts as a form of decoration.

Shodo (calligraphy)

Try Your Hand at Traditional Calligraphy

Meaning ‘way of writing’, shodo embodies the virtues of harmony and beauty through the controlled brush strokes

Washi (paper making)

Enjoy traditional Japanese paper-making

Nagano has a long tradition of producing fine handmade paper and while here you can make your own ‘washi’.

Traditional Tea Ceremony

Every Movement Has Meaning

Originally introduced from China, tea ceremony has been refined over the centuries to become a uniquely Japanese experience.

Zazen (seated meditation)

Experience meditation at Zenko-ji

Fundamental to Buddhist practice, meditation at one of Japan's most important temples is a unique and rewarding experience.

Goma Prayer (fire ceremony)

Join a Scared Buddhist Ceremony

As one of Japan's most open temples, Zenko-ji welcomes visitors of any faith and background.

Shakyo (brush meditation)

Follow Your Brushstroke to a State of Mindfulness

Zenko-ji Temple offers visitors the opportunity to be instructed in ‘shakyo’ by one of its resident monks.