Nagoya: Create your own Kakejiku(Hanging scroll) at Temple

Introduction

This tour offering in Nagoya is a fascinating blend of tradition, artistry, and tranquility. While we haven’t personally participated, the detailed descriptions and glowing reviews suggest it’s a truly special way to connect with Japanese culture.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s set in a temple with over 700 years of history—an authentic backdrop for an immersion in Buddhism and craftsmanship. Second, you’ll have the chance to create your own Kakejiku (hanging scroll) with calligraphy, turning a piece of spiritual and artistic expression into a personal souvenir. Lastly, the peaceful setting comes complete with a traditional matcha tea ceremony and Japanese garden views, making it a calming yet enriching activity.

A possible consideration? The experience is tailored primarily for adults and seniors, with the cost of the hanging scroll included only for these age groups. If you’re traveling with children or want extra scrolls, be prepared for additional costs.

This tour is best suited for travelers interested in Japanese culture, calligraphy, and spiritual traditions—especially those looking for a meaningful, hands-on activity that offers both insight and a crafted keepsake.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic setting inside a temple with over 700 years of history
• Hands-on calligraphy experience creating a personalized Kakejiku
• Relaxing atmosphere with matcha, sweets, and Japanese garden views
• Guided by a knowledgeable local who explains Buddhist symbols and sutras
• Suitable for adults and seniors with options for extra scrolls at an additional cost
• Flexible payment options and cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance

A Closer Look at the Experience

This tour transports you into a peaceful corner of Nagoya, where tradition meets personal creativity. Starting with a short walk through the temple grounds, you’ll notice the iconic red gate marking the entrance—an instantly recognizable symbol of Japanese spirituality and culture. Waiting by the gate is a guide dressed in kimono, setting an immediate tone of authenticity and respect for tradition.

Entering the Temple and Sutra Chanting

Taking off your shoes before stepping into the main hall, you’ll be greeted by the serene atmosphere that pervades the temple. The guide will carefully teach you how to chant sutras in front of the Buddha, guiding your pronunciation and posture. This step isn’t just about religious practice but also about understanding the meditative aspect of Buddhist rituals. Many reviewers highlight how this part adds depth to the experience—one traveler, Yoko Mitsui, described it as an “impressive and informative” introduction that enriched her understanding of Buddhism.

Calligraphy in a Traditional Setting

Next, you’ll move into a traditional Japanese-style room for the calligraphy session. Here, you’ll learn the art of Japanese writing, attempting to inscribe Buddhist words and your name in Kanji. The guide’s patience and expertise shine through as they help you grasp the brush techniques and significance of the characters. This session is more than just writing; it’s about appreciating the spiritual weight and beauty of Japanese calligraphy.

What makes this part particularly special? The chance to turn your calligraphy into a Kakejiku (hanging scroll). You’ll transfer your work onto shikishi (square paperboard), which will be assembled into your personal scroll—an exquisite keepsake you can take home. The process is designed to be accessible, even for beginners, and many guests enjoy the creative challenge and the sense of accomplishment.

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Creating Your Kakejiku

The actual making of the scroll involves carefully mounting your calligraphy onto the hanging scroll, a traditional art form that connects you to centuries of Japanese craftsmanship. While the experience includes the cost of the hanging scroll for adults and seniors, you can also purchase additional scrolls on-site if you wish—each costing around 6,000 yen. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, offering flexible options.

Relaxing with Matcha and Japanese Garden Views

After the creative work, it’s time to unwind. You’ll enjoy a cup of matcha paired with traditional Japanese sweets, set against the backdrop of a beautiful garden. This quiet moment is often highlighted as a favorite part of the tour—an opportunity to reflect on the experience and soak in the peaceful surroundings. Guests can choose whether to sit on the floor or on a chair, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

Practical Details

The tour is priced at $89 per person, which includes the guide, sutra reading, temple explanations, calligraphy experience, the display paperboard, and the matcha with sweets. It’s a fair value considering the tactile, spiritual, and artistic elements involved. The experience lasts roughly a few hours, making it suitable for those seeking an enriching cultural activity without overextending their day.

Additional Insights from Reviews

One guest’s review underlines how engaging the guide, Yoko Mitsui, was—she shared fascinating facts about Buddhism, which added educational value. The reviewer also appreciated the patience shown during the calligraphy, describing it as a “wonderful experience.” This highlights how well the tour balances informative content with hands-on participation.

Who Will Love It?

This experience appeals most to those with an interest in Japanese culture, spiritual practices, or calligraphy. It’s especially fulfilling for travelers who want a meaningful souvenir and an active, rather than passive, cultural encounter. It works well for adults and seniors, and the relaxed setting makes it a pleasant, reflective activity for all.

Practicalities and Tips

• Meeting Point is conveniently located next to a shrine and surrounded by a forest, perfect for a peaceful start.
• The guide is dressed in kimono, adding to the authenticity and culture.
• The tour ends back at the initial meeting point, making it easy to plan your day afterward.
• You can reserve and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel schedule.
• Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding peace of mind.
• The experience is not suitable for people with a cold, so plan accordingly.
• If you wish to purchase extra Kakejiku, expect to pay about 6,000 yen on-site.

The Sum Up

This Nagoya experience offers a unique mix of culture, artistic creation, and tranquil reflection. It’s ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, hands-on way to connect with Japan’s spiritual and artistic traditions. The guide’s expertise and the peaceful setting ensure that even beginners feel included and inspired.

The opportunity to craft a personal Kakejiku adds a meaningful touch that outlives typical sightseeing. Paired with the calming matcha and serene temple environment, this activity makes for a truly memorable cultural highlight.

While it’s primarily designed for adults and seniors, those with a genuine interest in Japanese traditions will find it both rewarding and enriching. If you’re after a quiet, authentic experience with a tangible souvenir, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, the Kakejiku is included only for adults and seniors. Children can participate in the experience but will need to purchase a separate hanging scroll on-site if they want one.

What is included in the price?
The price covers a guide, sutra reading, explanations of Buddha statues, calligraphy experience, paperboard display for the scroll, and a matcha with Japanese sweets.

Can I buy additional Kakejiku?
Yes, extra scrolls are available for about 6,000 yen each, payable on-site via cash or credit card.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at a temple next to a shrine, surrounded by a forest, with the guide waiting by the red gate dressed in kimono.

How long does the experience last?
It usually takes a few hours, enough time for sutra chanting, calligraphy, creating your scroll, and relaxing with matcha.

Is the tour available in languages other than Japanese?
Yes, the experience is offered in English and Japanese.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended, and you’ll need to remove your shoes when entering the temple hall.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the main highlight of this experience?
Creating your own personalized Kakejiku in a historic temple setting, combined with a calming tea ceremony and beautiful garden views.

Is the setting accessible?
While not explicitly detailed, the experience takes place in traditional settings that may not be fully accessible for those with mobility challenges.

This tour offers a rare chance to step into centuries of tradition, craft a meaningful piece of art, and relax in a serene Japanese garden—all in one reasonably priced package. Perfect for those craving an authentic, hands-on cultural experience in Nagoya.

You can check availability for your dates here: