Paper Dome Introduction
The Paper Dome, a modern chapel supported by 58 paper tubes, features a geometric rectangular corridor with a softly glowing canopy that creates a gentle and sacred atmosphere. This unique Paper Dome is located in the Eco-Park of the Taomi Ecological Village, rich in natural ecology, making it an excellent spot for summer lotus viewing, butterfly watching, or observing frog ecology. It's perfectly suited for family outings focused on ecological exploration, and guided tours are available to discover the story of the Paper Dome. The story of the Paper Dome began after the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake in Japan, when architect Shigeru Ban built a paper tube church as a temporary place of worship for the collapsed Takatori Church. After fulfilling its purpose, this paper church, symbolizing the significance of earthquake reconstruction, made its way across the ocean to the Taomi community, continuing its mission of comforting hearts after disasters. Entering the Paper Dome, visitors are not only awed by the beauty of the structure, where the softness of paper transforms into resilience supporting the entire building, but they can also sense the strengthened life force of people following adversity. Next to the chapel, the "Visitor Center," made of steel, features steel bent into various shapes, reversing the cold and hard nature of steel to echo the strong structure of the "Paper Dome," originally built from soft and fragile paper, creating an interesting contrast. Best times for lotus viewing in the vibrant park are from May to July, and night frog watching can be scheduled from April to September. In addition to enjoying the distinctly styled Paper Dome and Visitor Center, the park is planted with various butterfly-attracting plants, where visitors can frequently see butterflies dancing. The ecological ponds on either side are home to rich aquatic plants, and at night, the croaking of frogs can be heard. In summer, this area becomes a popular lotus viewing spot, with large pink lotus flowers swaying in the wind, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious food at the restaurant while taking in the beautiful scenery, making for the most pleasant time.
