What is Japan Known for ?

 What is Japan Known for ? 

Temples

Japan is popular for its numerous, intricately designed temples. Even the smallest village will have a temple in front, and several homes have their own temples, too.

Most of the popular temples in Japan are far more than just one building. Generally , there’s an inner temple, which will have a designated area for adoration and may not be open to the public. Along with the inner temple, most temple complexes contain many buildings, gates flanked by protective statues, beautiful gardens, and pagodas and ponds. You could simply spend a few hours finding some of the country’s largest temples, such as those around Nara (near Osaka) or Kyoto’s Todai-ji.

There are many various religions and religious sects in Japan. In Kyoto, which has more than 2,000 temples alone, one of the most attractive sights is the Fushimi-inari Taisha temple, a huge complex most popular for its path through the Tunnel of Torii Gate. It’s a Shinto temple (which is indeed referred to as a shrine).

It’s simple to tell the difference between a Shinto shrine and a Buddhist temple, even from afar. Aside from the fact that Buddhist temples will generally have a Buddha in a place of honor, Shinto shrines tend to feature the color red and often have animal-themed statues guarding the gates. Buddhist temples have human-eques warrior figures, called Nio, that save their gates. 2 good examples of this are the Nio outside Shitennoji Temple in Osaka.

Sake

Sake, or rice wine, is one of the best things to purchase in the  Japan. There are a host of important traditions behind the science and art of sake. The nation has been producing it since somewhere between 550 and 450 B.C.E., so it’s definitely a longstanding tradition.

 

You should even try sake in a more casual setting, such as an izakaya. Izakayas are casual Japanese bars giving small snacks along with beer and sake. You’ll discover plenty of them as you stroll the streets of Japan’s major cities. Kyoto’s Dotonbori district is an mainly great place for an evening food-and-sake-tasting stroll.

Geishas

A geisha is a talented performer, artisan, and hostess. These women are trained in traditional Japanese arts and performances and give entertainment at social gatherings and formal functions.

While dressed in traditional robes and sashes, geishas may recite poetry and play instruments, or demonstrate talents such as  origami or dance. Being a geisha needs a lifetime of study also  knowledge on a massive variety of topics to ensure they can give stimulating conversation.

Today, many geishas practice their talents for foreign guests rather than foreign dignitaries, as was often the case in the 13th to 19th centuries. Cities such as Tokyo and Nagasaki offer evening performances paired with dinner for guests who wish to experience geisha culture.

Gardens

One of the things Japan is most recognized for is its gardens, which range from koi ponds and bonsai gardens to dense gardens with oversized trees and secret tea homes. Some gardens are well-manicured and designed to complement the landscapes outside traditional houses, while others are general parks dotted with souvenir stands, temples, and modern art. Every city in Japan has at least a few gardens worth finding.

In Hiroshima, the stunning Shukkeien Garden, built in the year 1620, features koi ponds, bridges, pagodas, and plants so vividly green you’ll think your eyes are doing tricks on you. Kobe’s Sorakuen Garden is a notable downtown garden that boasts beautiful sights of the city.

Kagoshima’s Senganen Garden is a amazing example of one initially built for personal use outside a lavish home. The garden and home were built in the mid-1600 s by a powerful political family and contain everything from bonsai and bamboo pathways to meditative ponds and cherry trees.

Tea is, of course, one of the things Japan is most famous for, and traditional tea ceremonies are normally held on tatami mats in gardens. In Hokokuji, outside Tokyo, you can participate in a traditional matcha a tea ceremony in the bamboo gardens.

Cherry Blossoms

Perhaps the most iconic plant of Japan, cherry blossoms are discovered throughout the country in the spring. Celebrating the spring blooms is a tradition in the Japan and has been for centuries, several  towns and villages throughout the country have their own cherry blossom festivals.

One of the most attractive places in Japan, Osaka Castle is home to more than 600 trees in its Nishinomaru Garden, and since the castle lights up at night, you can see them late into the evening. If you’re closer to Fukuoka, you’ll search  trees at the Fukuoka Castle Ruins, where you can stroll via  huge canopies of cherry blossoms while discovering what was once a sprawling seat of political power.

Another peaceful place to walk below the trees is Chiran Peace Park in Kagoshima. The trees are almost 50 years old, and few are well over 20 feet tall.

Cherry blossoms abound in the March and April, so you’ll likely be able to search a group of them no matter what city you’re in. The trees can adapt to varied climates, so you’ll search them in parks on the northern and southernmost islands.