ACTIVITIES
ZENKOJI TEMPLE
Traditional Activities at Nearby Patio Daimon

Traditional Activities at Nearby Patio Daimon

Only moments walk from the temple, Monzen/Patio Daimon offers a range of traditional activities suitable for visitors of all ages.

 

Located just outside the temple grounds, Monzen (also known as Patio Daimon) is a small, picturesque precinct made-up of historic ‘kura’ (traditional warehouses) converted for use as craft workshops and eateries. Modern buildings are designed to blend into the traditional aesthetic of the area, making Patio Daimon an ideal destination to combine with your visit to Zenko-ji.

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Trying your hand at traditional Japanese crafts at the Monzen/Patio Daimon district is a great way to spend a couple hours while in Nagano. All activities are conducted in English and suitable for guests of all ages:

 

‘Shodo’ / Calligraphy Experience


 

The practice of calligraphy in Japan has its origins in China. First practiced among the aristocracy and later becoming popular across all social classes, ‘shodo’ was introduced to Japan around the 8th century and continues to be play a critical role in Japanese society to this day.

By controlling your posture, breathing and brush strokes and focusing on the line, shape and spacing of the character on the paper, the practitioner enters a meditative state and a simple written character takes on beauty and transcends its functionality to become art.

 

For full details please refer to the ‘shodo’ activity page.

 

‘Origami’ / Paper Folding Experience


 

The humble art of ‘origami’ is perhaps the best known of all Japanese crafts. Developed in the 6th century, paper folding has a rich and meaningful history and continues to embody the Japanese talent of revealing the exceptionally beautiful from seemingly simple movements.

International visitors are often amazed by the ability of Japanese children to fold cranes, frogs, and even hats to wear at school from paper! Great fun for guests of all ages, joining an origami workshop makes for an enjoyable and addictive morning or afternoon activity while in Nagano.

 

For full details please refer to the ‘origami’ activity page.

 

‘Washi’ / Japanese Paper Making Experience


 

Much like calligraphy, the traditional practice of paper-making has its origins in China but has been refined over centuries to constitute another uniquely Japanese craft. Derived from the words ‘wa’ (Japanese) and ‘shi’ (paper), ‘washi’ has been essential to daily life. Stronger, lighter, and longer lasting than Western methods of paper-making, washi continues to be used for everything from the production of books, umbrellas, packaging and wrapping, lanterns, sliding doors and everything in between!

Made from ‘kozo’ (mulberry plants), the paper is known for its strength, translucency and irregular texture which feels pleasant to touch. With this in mind it is no surprise that washi is used for both origami and shodo/calligraphy, acting as the perfect durable and amenable surfaces for these precise and fine crafts.

 

For full details please refer to the ‘washi’-making activity page.

 

‘Mizuhiki’ / Paper Cord Making Experience


 

Spend time in Japan and you will quickly be aware that gift-giving plays a vital role in the culture. Often wrapped in ‘washi’, the presentation of gifts is often complemented by the tying of ‘mizuhiki’ (paper cord), in-keeping with a tradition which dates back centuries and originally made popular by the samurai-class.

Mizuhiki designs range for the simple to highly complex with colors carrying their own meaning and symbolism. Tying one for yourself is highly enjoyable and makes for a great keepsake, gift decoration or gift in itself.

 

For full details please refer to the ‘mizuhiki’ activity page.

 

‘Sado’ / Tea Ceremony Experience


 

Perhaps the quintessential Japanese experience, tea ceremonies play an important role in Japanese society in which the ‘teishu’ (master/host) and guest honor each other in their consider preparation, serving, and enjoyment of all aspects of this ritual.

Performed in a ‘chashitu’ (tearoom) – considered an enclave from daily life – every aspect of the ceremony is designed elicit praise and appreciation from the guest. From the utensils used in the ceremony, to the surroundings including wall hanging or other decorations, and the tea itself, this ceremony is overflowing in symbolism and a uniquely Japanese expression of quiet beauty.

 

For full details please refer to the ‘sado’ activity page.

 

How do I get to Patio Daimon/the Zenko-ji Temple area?


 

From Nagano Station, both Patio Daimon and Zenko-ji Temple are easily accessible on foot or by public bus.

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Walking takes approximately 20 minutes and is easy to navigate. Simply exit the station via the Zenko-ji Exit and you’ll see major road and traffic lights around 100 meters in front of you. Cross over the road and go to your right, where shortly after the road will split in two. The road that leads to the left – which will have a Starbucks on your right and 7/11 on your left as your walk along it – leads you past shops and restaurants to another major road. Once there, turn right and you are now on the road leading straight to the temple. Simply follow it up the hill and within 15 to 20 minutes you’ll see Patio Daimon on your right, at the last major intersection before you reach the temple.

nagano-station

If you prefer to use the public bus, you also need to exit the station via the Zenko-ji Exit and wait at bus stop No.1. Buses run frequently and will have you up to Patio Daimon and the temple quickly.

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Want to try any of these activities on a private tour or charter? Feel free to contact us and let’s get planning together!