Nagano Photography Workshops enjoy an immense variety of photographic subjects, but few places in Japan have as much rich history and value as the town of Obuse in Nagano. Nagano is, of course, home to the famous snow monkeys and Matsumoto Castle, also known as the Crow Castle for its stark, black walls, but the temples have appeal for those especially interested in Japanese cultural history and the idea of zen.
Jokoji is one of the storied and awe-inspiring temples in Obuse. The temple traces its history back to the Muromachi Period of Japan, more than 600 years ago. Everything about the temple resonates with the simplicity of a prior age. As you begin to walk the path to the temple, you will be greeted by what seems to be a jagged and hazardous boulder path, but when evaluating the path through the eyes of zen, on your second evaluation of the path, you will notice as you focus, that the boulders create a rough staircase to the temple while also preserving a balance with the nature around it. The temple has been largely preserved from its original construction, and when you lay your eyes on it, you will see how well the temple as well as the path blend into the wooded background surrounding the temple.
The eaves extend well beyond the body of the temple which bespeak of its traditional design. And even with human intervention to maintain its structure, the thatched roof shows shades of green as nature subtly attempts to absorb the temple back into itself. Your Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) Photo Tour Workshop Leader suggests you take a moment as you walk the path to take photos of the perfectly bordered path with the temple in view.
The second historic temple is Saishouji temple. On the outskirts of Obuse, you’ll find this quiet, calming temple ready to be explored. You will immediately feel a sense of peace fall over you as you enter the temple grounds. As you move toward the main temple, you will see a bell tower that dates back to the temple’s Muromachi Period origins, another amazing photo op for your Nagano Photography Workshop. Among the distinguishing features of the temple, another one of a kind photo op will present itself with an Issa Kobayashi haiku poem inscribed in rock. The profound insights the poet had of his age are weathering the tests of time and provide you with another opportunity to have a photo unlike any others in your collection.
The hall and main corridors are adorned with one of a kind art, and similar to its companion temple Ganshoin, the ceiling is embellished with amazing pieces of artwork all, so spectacular that you’ll want to spend time photographing each one. Your JDS Photography Workshop Leader recommend actually laying down for just a few moments and taking in all the breathtaking pieces of art to enjoy a moment of calm before beginning to take photos. Then the piece de resistance, the main hall has one glorious ink painting which takes up a massive amount of space, but we want you to enjoy the unveiling of this last gem of the Nagano Photo Tour for when you actually make the journey with JDS.
Many international photographers and enthusiasts come to Nagano and miss the off the beaten path attractions. Having spent more than 20 years of experience working and photographing Japan, let JDS and its photography workshop guides help you see the authentic Japan.