Hiroshima Peace MemorialThe Hiroshima Peace Memorial is a
haunting tribute to the lives lost when the atomic bomb was dropped
on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Set in a park, the memorial
features Genbaku Dome, the only building left standing in the
vicinity after the bomb dropped. This harsh reminder of a world at
war reminds visitors of the importance of human life and honors the
victims so they will never be forgotten.Jigokudani Monkey
ParkJigokudani Monkey Park is a famous hot spring area near
Nagano,. The name Jigokudani (meaning Hells Valley), is due to
steam and boiling water that bubbles out the frozen ground,
surrounded by steep cliffs and formidably cold forests. It is
famous for its large population of wild Snow Monkeys that go to the
valley during the winter when snow covers the park. The monkeys
descend from the steep cliffs and forest to sit in the warm hot
springs, and return to the security of the forests in the
evenings.Kiyomizu-dera
The Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple is located in Eastern Kyoto
and can be traced back as far as the year 798. An indoor waterfall
fed from the outside river keeps the temple in harmony with nature
and not one nail was used in construction. While locals used to
jump off the edge to have a wish granted (with a survival rate of
85.4%), modern visitors can enjoy the shrines and talismans and
artwork on display without risking life and limb.Himeji Castle
The Himeji Castle is considered the best existing example of
Japanese castle architecture. It was fortified to defend against
enemies during the feudal period, but it has been rebuilt many
times throughout the centuries and reflects the different design
periods. It survived the bombings of World War II and is frequently
seen in domestic and foreign films, including the James Bond movie
You Only Live Twice. The white exterior and design give the castle
the appearance of a bird taking flight, earning the the castle the
nickname white egret castle.Great Buddha of KamakuraThe Great
Buddha of Kamakura is a colossal outdoor representation of Amida
Buddha, one of Japans most celebrated Buddhist figures. Cast in
bronze, the Great Buddha stands at over 13 meters (40 feet) high
and weighs nearly 93 tons. The statue reportedly dates from 1252.
Although it originally was housed in a small wooden temple, the
Great Buddha now stands in the open air as the original temple was
washed away in a tsunami in the 15th century.Todaiji TempleThe
Todaiji Temple in Nara is a feat of engineering. It is not only the
worlds largest wooden building, it is home to the worlds largest
bronze Buddha statue. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and wildlife,
the Kegon school of Buddhism is centered here and the grounds hold
many artifacts of Japanese and Buddhist history. Deer are allowed
to freely roam the grounds as messengers of the Shinto gods.Tokyo
TowerThe Tokyo Tower is a testament to the advancement of
technology and modern life. Inspired by the Eiffel tower design, it
is the second tallest man-made structure in Japan and functions as
a communications and observation tower. Visitors can climb the
tower for unparalleled views of Tokyo and the surrounding areas as
well as visit shops and restaurants.Tokyo Imperial PalaceThe
Emperor of Japan makes his home at the Tokyo Imperial Palace. It
also functions as an administration center and museum to showcase
Japanese art and history. The palace is set on the ruins of older
castles that were destroyed by fire or war, and architects have
honored the past by incorporating design elements of the different
eras into the modern palace. The new palace is surrounded by
traditional Japanese gardens and has many reception and function
rooms to receive guests and welcome the public.Mount FujiMount Fuji
is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 meters (12,388 ft). The
volcanos exceptionally symmetrical cone is a well-known symbol of
Japan and it is frequently depicted in art and photographs, as well
as a popular tourist attraction for sightseers and climbers. An
estimated 200,000 people climb Mount Fuji every year, 30% of whom
are foreigners. The ascent can take anywhere between three and
eight hours while the descent can take from two to five
hours.Golden PavilionKinkaku-ji or the Temple of the Golden
Pavilion is the most popular tourist attraction in Japan and Kyoto.
The pavilion was originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 14th century. Unfortunately, the
pavilion was burnt down in 1950 by a young monk who had become
obsessed with it. Five years later, the temple was rebuilt as an
exact copy of the original. Emphasis is placed on the building and
surrounding gardens being in harmony with one another. The pavilion
is covered in gold leaf which highlights the reflection of the
pavilion in the pond and the ponds reflection on the
building.HokkaidoHokkaido (, Hokkaid) is the second largest,
northernmost and least developed of Japan's four main islands.
Itsweatheris harsh in winter with lots of snowfall, below zero
temperatures and frozen seas, while in summer it does not get as
hot and humid as in theother parts of the country. With its
unspoilednature, Hokkaido attracts many outdoor lovers,
includingskiers and snowboardersin the colder seasons and hikers,
cyclists and campers from June to September.Tohoku RegionThe Tohoku
Region (, Thoku Chih, literally "North East Region") consists of
six prefectures in the north of Japan's largest island, Honshu. It
is well known for its countryside, mountains, lakes,hot springs,
high quality rice and rough winters. The Tohoku Region was hit by
the earthquake and tsunami ofMarch 11, 2011and the ensuing nuclear
accident. However, most areas of the Tohoku Region are now safe and
welcoming tourists again. Of all the destinations in our travel
guide, onlySendai,Matsushima,Iwakiand theSanriku Coastsuffered
direct damage from the earthquake and tsunami, and even there most
attractions reopened within a few weeks or months.Kanto RegionThe
Kanto (, Kant, literally "east of the border") is Japan's largest
plain and very densely populated. The large metropolises
ofTokyoandYokohamaare located in the Kanto Region which consists of
seven prefectures.Chubu Region
The Chubu Region (, Chbu Chih, literally "central part")
consists of nine prefectures and is located in the center of
Japan's largest island Honshu. The northern part of the Chubu
Region along the Sea of Japan coast (Fukui,Ishikawa,Toyama) is also
known as Hokuriku Region, while the southern part
(Shizuoka,Aichi,Gifu) is also known as Tokai Region and the
prefectures ofYamanashi,NaganoandNiigataas the Koshinetsu
Region.Kansai RegionThe Kinki Region (, Kinki Chih), also commonly
known as Kansai (, literally "west of the border") encompasses the
Kinki Plain and consists of seven prefectures. It used to be the
political and cultural center of Japan for many centuries and
includes the cities ofKyoto,Osaka,NaraandKobe.Chugoku RegionThe
Chugoku Region (, Chgoku Chih, literally "central country") makes
up the western part of Japan's main island Honshu. It is commonly
subdivided into the heavily urbanized and industrializedSanyo
Regionalong theSeto Inland Seacoast and the much more ruralSanin
Regionalong the Sea of Japan coast.ShikokuShikoku (, literally
"four countries") is Japan's fourth largest island, southwest of
Japan's main island Honshu. True to its name, Shikoku is divided
into four prefectures.KyushuKyushu (, Kysh, literally "nine
provinces") is Japan's third largest island, located southwest of
the main island Honshu. An early center of Japanese civilization,
Kyushu offers many historic treasures, modern cities and natural
beauty.Okinawa PrefectureOkinawa (, Okinawa-ken) is Japan's
southernmostprefecture, consisting of a few dozen, small islands in
the southern half of the Nansei Shoto, the island chain which
stretches over about one thousand kilometers fromKyushuto
Taiwan.Okinawa Prefecture can be divided into three major island
groups, theOkinawa Islands(Okinawa Shoto) aroundOkinawa
Island(Okinawa Honto), the Miyako Islands (Miyako Retto)
aroundMiyako Islandand theYaeyama Islands(Yaeyama Retto)
aroundIshigaki Island.Japanese TraditionsJapan is known for its
unique culture and heritage, which has been preserved by the
Japanese people since ancient times. The age-old Japanese
traditions and customs which give a unique character to the
lifestyle of the Japanese people have to be experienced to be truly
appreciated. Some of the unique aspects of Japanese life are
mentioned here as an introduction to the traditions of Japan.
Japanese Gardens:The original Japanese gardens were inspired by
Buddhist and Chinese philosophy and later evolved to have their own
distinct Japanese identity. The gardens found in Japanese temples
and shrines are inspired by the Shinto religion and the belief in
an ideal state of harmony. The Japanese attempt to recreate this
idealized harmony in their beautifully designed gardens that
include aspects such as water, rocks, gravel, moss and miniature
plants or Bonsai. One of the most famous Zen Rock Gardens in Japan
is the Ryoan-ji Zen Rock Garden in Kyoto.
Japanese Architecture:Traditional Japanese Architecture has a
distinct style deeply influenced by the religions Buddhism and
Shintoism. Houses and temples made of wood, placed on stilts to
raise them above the ground, and with sloping roofs made of thatch
or tiles create a distinctive silhouette in traditional Japanese
architecture. The use of lightweight wood and bamboo to create
Fusuma (sliding doors) and straw or woven grass to create Tatami
(mats) are other unique features of Japanese architectural design.
People usually sat on the floor and furniture only came into
widespread use after the late-nineteenth and early twentieth
century.
Japanese Tea Ceremony:The Japanese ceremony of preparing and
offering tea to revered guests is a formal and stylized ritual,
almost like a meditative performance. The art or skill of preparing
tea and all the elements of the tea ceremony have special and
symbolic meaning. Deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism, the Japanese
tea ceremony has evolved into a cultural ritual which means much
more than the mere sampling of powdered green tea, and is a unique
part of Japanese traditions.
Japanese Cuisine:Japan is an island nation and seafood plays an
important role in Japanese cuisine. Rice and fish along with
vegetables are eaten by most Japanese. Tofu or soya bean curd is
another popular and healthy dish often consumed by the Japanese
people. Japanese food such as Sushi (rice flavoured with vinegar
and combined with seafood or seaweed and sometimes vegetables) and
Sashimi (cut and sliced raw meat, usually seafood) are forms of
Japanese cuisine that have become famous worldwide. Teppanyaki or
food cooked on an iron griddle is another popular form of Japanese
cuisine. Sake or Japanese rice wine is also drunk at traditional
meals as a toast to the health and long life of one's dining
companions.
Japanese Festivals:The Japanese people celebrate many festivals,
most of which are of the Buddhist and Shinto religions. Different
temples or shrines across Japan have their own specific Matsuri or
festive holiday. Some festivals that began long ago are also
celebrated today in a modern form. These include Aomori Nebuta
Festival, the Hadaka Matsuri Festival and the Cherry Blossom
Festivals, which are an integral part of Japanese culture.
Cherry Blossom Festivals:Every year in Spring the Japanese
people make time to appreciate the beauty of nature as the Cherry
trees burst into full bloom and their lovely pink flowers offer a
wonderfully appealing sight. People picnic in the Cherry groves,
drink tea and Sake and enjoy music in the delightful ambience of
the blooming Cherry flowers. The Cherry Blossom festivals at
Okinawa and at Matsuyama Castle in Ehime prefecture are the
best-known among many flower festivals across Japan. The natural
beauty of the Cherry blossom season is celebrated by the Japanese
in their art and music, and even in the designs of their
traditional clothing, the Kimono.
Japanese Kimono:The traditional Japanese costume, the Kimono, is
a graceful full-length robe that falls from the wearer's shoulders
to their ankles. The robe is tied around the middle with a sash
called the Obi. Kimonos for special occasions were made of rich
fabric such as silk, satin and brocade and feature designs inspired
by nature such as Cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, butterflies and
pine trees. Kimonos are now worn mostly for ceremonial occasions
and events such as festivals and marriages.
The Great Wave of Kaganawa Japanese Painting:Japan has a long
tradition of painting and woodblock printing.Some of the famous
Japanese painters are Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) who is famous
for the Ukiyo-e or woodblock printing style of art. Another famous
Japanese painter is Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) who is famous
for a series of woodblock prints depicting Mount Fuji. The best
known among these is The Great Wave off Kanagawa.
Japanese Calligraphy:The Japanese script consists of characters
which were traditionally painted using smooth brushstrokes on
handmade paper. The fine art of calligraphy requires many years of
practice and was considered essential learning for an accomplished
person in Japanese society.
Ikebana:The Japanese cultural practice of flower arrangement is
a fine art that encompasses the ideas of aesthetics, spirituality,
discipline and harmony with nature. It is believed to have evolved
from the Buddhist practice of offering flowers in memory of those
who have passed away. The emphasis on minimalism, attention to the
line and form of the plants or flowers used in an arrangement and
the harmony of the overall arrangement exemplify this Japanese
tradition.The 7 Rules for Happiness Japanese Style1. Dont step on
the edges of the tatami mats2. Honor your ancestors.3. Appreciate
simple beauty4. Respect sacred places.5. See How Art Reflects
Nature6. Wear shoes outside. Wear slippers inside7. Enjoy the 4
seasons. The seasonality of life: everywhere, in everything, all
the time.Facts & Trivia
1. Late-nightdancingwas illegalin Japan until 2015.2. Japan
suffers 1,500 earthquakes every year.Z3. Japan has more than50,000
people who are over 100 yearsold.4. Japan has just 2 gun-related
homicides per year5. The World's Oldest Company operated in Japan
from578 AD to 2006.6. Square Watermelons are grown by japanese
farmers for easier stack and store.7.In Japam there are more pets
than children.8. Japan's birth rate is so low that adult diapers
are sold more than baby diapers.9.98% of all adoptionsin Japan are
ofmale adultsso that family businesses can remain within the
family.10.In Japan,90% of mobile phones are waterproofbecause
youngsters use them even in the shower.11.Japan has5.52
millionvending machines.12.Sleeping on the jobis acceptable in
Japan, as it's viewed as exhaustion from working hard.13.Around24
billionpairs ofchopsticksare used inJapaneach year.14.In Japan,
there's abuildingwith ahighway passing throughit.15. InJapan,
there's afestivalthat is a celebration of thepenisandfertility.16.
Black catsare considered to bring good
luckinJapan.17.InJapan,Ronald McDonaldis calledDonald McDonalddue
to a lack of a clear "r" sound in Japanese.18.InJapan,KFCis a
typical feast ofChristmas Eve.19.ManyHot springsandpublic
bathhousesin Japanbancustomers withtattoosfrom entering.20. There's
anislandin Japan that'sfull of rabbits.21. In Japan, there's atrain
that "floats"above the tracks by magnetism, reaching500 km/h (311
mph).22. If you commitsuicide in Japanby jumping in front of a
train, thefamilyof the deceased will becharged a disruption
fee.
23. There's atown in Spainwhere700 peopleshare the surname
"Japon" as they aredescendantsof 17th-centurysamuraiswho stayed
there after an embassy returned to Japan.24. NorwayintroducedSalmon
Sushito the Japanese in the 80s.25.Moststreetsin Japan haveno
name.26.In Japan, there's a'Crying Sumo' contest, where wrestlers
compete to see who canmake a baby bawlfirst.27.In Japan, Burger
King has anall-black burger.28.Godzillais an
officialCitizenofJapan.29.The Japanese authorities constructed
afence around a volcanoat Mount Mihara to stop a trend of over 2000
peoplecommitting suicideby jumping in.30. Japanhas over70 flavors
of Fanta including 'The Mystery Fruit', 'Genius Energy' and 'Hip
Hop' flavor.6. 10. 11. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 24. 26.
27. 28. 29. 30.