Japan
CONTENT 1. History of Japan 2. Itsukushima Shrine 3. A day with Tokyo 4. Witnessing Autumn’s Embrace in Janpan’s Sendai 5. Gion Kyoto 6. Japan’s Cherry Blossom festivals
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HISTORY
OF JAPAN
The first human habitation in the Japanese archipelago has been traced to prehistoric times around 30,000 BC. The Jomon period, named after its cord-marked pottery, was followed by the Yayoi people in the first millennium BC when new inventions were introduced from Asia. During this period, the first known written reference to Japan was recorded in the Chinese Book of Han in the first century AD.
civilian leaders in the 1920s and 1930s. The Japanese military invaded Manchuria in 1931, and from 1937 the conflict escalated into a prolonged war with China Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 led to war with the United States and its allies. Japan’s forces soon became overextended, but the military held out in spite of Allied air attacks that inflicted severe damage on population centers. Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s unconditional Japanese religious life from this time and onwards was a mix of native Shinto practices and Buddhism. The Allies occupied Japan until 1952, during which a new constitution was enacted in 1947 that transformed Japan into a constitutional monarchy After 1955, Japan enjoyed very high economic growth under the governance of the Liberal Democratic Party, and became a world economic powerhouse. Since the Lost Decade of the 1990s, economic growth has slowed. On March 11, 2011, Japan suffered from a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami, one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded. The earthquake killed almost 20,000 people and caused the serious Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.
Around the 4th century B.C., the Yayoi people from the Korean Peninsula immigrated to the Japanese archipelago and introduced iron technology and agricultural civilization.Because they had an agricultural civilization, the population of the Yayoi began to grow rapidly and replaced the Jōmon people, a native of the Japanese archipelago who were hunter-gatherers. Most modern Japanese people have primarily Yayoi ancestry (more than 90% on average, with their remaining ancestry deriving from the Jōmon). Between the fourth century and the ninth century Japan’s many kingdoms and tribes gradually came to be unified under a centralized government, nominally controlled by the Emperor of Japan. The imperial dynasty established at this time continues to this day albeit that today in modern Japan the emperor’s role is almost entirely ceremonial. In 794, a new imperial capital was established at Heian-kyō (modern Kyoto) marking the beginning of the Heian period, which lasted until 1185. The Heian period is considered a golden age of classical Japanese culture. The new national leadership of the following Meiji period transformed the isolated feudal island country into an empire that closely followed Western models and became a great power. Although democracy developed and modern civilian culture prospered during the Taishō period (1912–26), Japan’s powerful military had great autonomy and overruled Japan’s 1
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ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE ON MIYAJIMA ISLAND As I arrive, I pass the six pillars of the red entrance or Torii Gate, standing 16m tall and weighing 60 tons, rising from the sea. Surprisingly the pillars are not buried in the seabed but use their own weight to keep them standing. Historically, pilgrims had to steer their boats through the Torii before approaching the shrine. My ferry is rather too large to pass through but there are boats for hire if you’re so minded. The island itself was considered so sacred that, to preserve its purity, only monks were allowed to walk on its hallowed ground. The shrine was built on piles on the water, floating separate from the land, so pilgrims could pray. The complex consists of multiple buildings, including a prayer hall, a main hall and a Noh Theatre stage, all connected by a series of boardwalks. In spite of the crowds, it’s a serene place and the lack of doors and walls exaggerate the sense of space. These days, pilgrims are allowed on the island. Most people climb the 500m Mount Misen, the highest point of the island, either on foot or by a couple of cable cars. It’s too hot for me so I content myself with visiting the Shinto temple of Daishoin, built on a slope. It’s still a bit of climb and the steps are lined with rows of metal prayer wheels which you turn as you pass. Inside a priests conduct religious ceremonies with pilgrims presenting their written wishes to the gods.
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Tokyo Tower
A DAY WITH TOKYO Tokyo is one of the few destinations in the world that has an all-year round appeal. I found myself making yet another trip to one of my favourite countries, a nation that combines a rich cultural and artistic heritage with a technological prowess and strong work ethos. Little wonder, they have earned the title of being world leaders, something they wear lightly and humbly, again in line with their national character. A trip to Tokyo cannot be complete without spending a few hours walking around the glitzy entertainment district of Ginza that has the most classy outlets for dining, shopping, art and leisure. Open seven days a week, the ideal time would be to get in the afternoon and see the streets pick up momentum as dusk falls. Apart from housing flagship stores of international designer brands such as MCM, Michael Kors, Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton, the streets are dotted with affordable fashion chains such as Uniqlo, Zara and Abercrombie & Fitch. Since I wanted to check out the local luxury brands I took a quick peek into the Matsuya store that showcases exotic designs in clothes, jewellery and household accessories. As I head out to the airport to fly back home, I realise that I have been most fortunate to survive my Japan visit in the month of September, when historically it is the typhoon season throughout the country. No doubt, the weather is excellent since it is mild summer with intermittent bouts of rain. The polite, courteous ways of the Japanese and their devotion to work is something to emulate. You really can never get enough of Japan and every visit provides a different experience and leaves you yearning for more.
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WITNESSING AUTUMN’S EMBRACE IN JAPAN’S SENDAI
At Jozenji-dori, rows of magnificent maple trees with branches extending to each other transform into golden canopies at the kiss of autumn. From afar, the ground is covered with the same sprinkling of gold. It is a popular landscape in Sendai, the heart of Miyagi prefecture, whose nickname City of Trees become more sound as the fall season arrives. The breath-taking foliage becomes more remarkable as backdrops of the city’s most prominent landscapes. Zuihōden, tucked inside the heart of the metro, vibrantly contrasts the earthy colours with its elaborate gold and red motif. It is the mausoleum of the city’s founder, Date Masamune, a powerful daimyo nicknamed as the “One-Eyed Dragon.” There are vast legends about this man, but the city never forgot its roots. Despite seeing the original mausoleum crumble during World War II, Sendai rebuilt the ornate homage in 1979, complete with its elaborate furnishings one that bears semblance to Tokugawa’s own Nikko Sendai, without a doubt, bears an unwavering spirit one seen by the world after the March 11, 2011 earthquake. Months after the tragedy, the city raised itself up with resilience, and now regains its standing as one of the most loved cities in Japan, with faint traces of its past struggles. 7
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As the gateway of the Tohoku region, Sendai possesses noteworthy trails that explore the nature draped landscape. Matsushima is just under an hour away from the city and is known for the hundreds of forested islands that dot Matsushima Bay, showcasing the beauty of the autumn colours all across. Yamadera is a heart-stopping view of a grand temple perched on a steep mountainside, adorned with trees that seem to veil it from view. Sanriku coast, once hit by the 2011 tsunami, never lost its dramatic splendour as the Pacific waters lap against its 300 kilometres of coastline hiding countless bays, cliffs and coves. There is magic in Sendai. Here, the urban skyline beautifully harmonises with the surrounding foliage, as if the trees are expected to bloom as lushly as their economy. The temples are respectfully preserved, still exuding their former glory, and castles are less imposing, more inviting to their guests, foreign and locals alike. Aside from exploring shrines, take a weekend jaunt at the fox village. Or, visit its collection of cute pets at an owl cafe. Dive into local dishes: imoni is popular in autumn, a blend of taro and meat soup eaten heartily with friends. Then, revel in a spread of zunda, a sweet delicacy made of green soybeans, usually turned into mochi. In October, the mesmerizing Michinoku Yosakoi Festival beckons a crowd of traditional dancers, performing in the streets. In December, Jozenji becomes a holiday haven for lovers, being lit with festoons of light. Travel Magazine
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Remember that happiness is a way of travel - not a destination Roy M.Boodman
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Shirakawa Sometimes the best way to explore a city is to just dive in head-first; no plan, no itinerary, just feet on the pavement, eyes open wide and propelled by an unquenchable curiosity. A wander through the Shirakawa area (see map) is a location for this style of exploration and discovery, and it’s ideally located within the Gion district. This historic street runs parallel to Shijo Dori (another great strolling spot, see below), along with the Shirakawa Canal. Shirakawa’s roads are flanked by tall willow trees sagging under the weight of their own leaves and dotted with fancy traditional dining establishments, this is Kyoto at its most picturesque.
KYOTO GION KYOTO HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GEISHA DISTRICT
A beautiful place to visit if you’re looking for a meal or tea with a view, most of the establishments here look out onto the canal, which is equally as stunning by night as it is by day. Sometimes it can feel almost impossible to avoid the tourist crowds in Kyoto, but thankfully the area of Shirakawa is slightly off the beaten track and much quieter than most main shopping and dining strips.
Hanami Lane The entertainment district of Kyoto known as Gion has long been associated with geisha (or geiko, as they are known in Kyoto) and traditional Japanese arts. Hanami Lane (hanamikoji, see map) contains some of the most beautiful traditional architecture in the district. This lane stretches north and south, intersecting Kyoto’s central Shijo Dori which leads to Yasaka Shrine. Hanamikoji’s southern end is a flagstone path lined with well-preserved historic teahouses. Gion district owes much of its historic charms to the many antique machiya which line the streets. Machiya are wooden townhouses built for city life, with the front of the home usually sectioned off for use as a shopfront. They’re often long, narrow and built up to three stories high, possibly to evade the land taxes of the day which taxed the width of a building and not the length. These days, many machiya have been converted into art galleries, antique shops, art sellers, kimono stores and other shops selling traditional crafts. You can also find many of the Best Places to Buy Ceramics in Kyoto in this area.
Centuries ago, this area east of the Kamo River was nothing but a rest stop for the pilgrims on their way to Gion Shrine (modern day Yasaka Shrine). Today the Gion district of Kyoto is known for its charming, historic atmosphere and strong ties to the world of traditional Japanese arts, making a visit to this area one of the best things to do in Kyoto. From the incomparable architecture of Hanami Lane to the bustling boutiques of Shijo Dori; from the calm serenity of Yasaka shrine and Kenninji Temple to the high-spirited celebration of Gion Festival; delve into Kyoto’s rich history by exploring 9 of our favorite destinations in Gion.
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JAPAN’S
BEST CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVALS FOR 2021
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Cherry blossom season, also known as the sakura or hanami flower-watching season, brings life and magic to Japan each spring. Admiring the flowers’ fleeting beauty is a practice that dates back over a thousand years. The small, delicate pink sakura and ume plum blossoms flower at different times throughout the season. The massive bloom starts in the far south, in Okinawa, and slowly works its way up to northern Japan in late May. It’s possible to follow the Japan’s Cherry Blossom festivals all the way up the coast, but be prepared to take your time and explore all the things to do in Japan along the way, because bloom and festival dates will vary depending how warm the year has been. Hanami festivals are embraced and celebrated in so many different ways, but most involve eating (often home-cooked meals) and drinking out in the parks. Blossom viewing areas are the perfect places for people to enjoy the transitory season together, usually accompanied by performances, stalls, and activities. Wander into any convenience store in March or April and you’re sure to find pink and flower-themed goods, from coffees to sandwiches.
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MEP- INDESIGN CLASS: D2006H2 FC: NGUYEN LE GIANG STUDENT: HOANG THI QUYNH NHU
