Japan: Strength & Beauty
Trip Start
Unknown
1
7
14
Trip End
Ongoing
Kyoto, Kinki, Japan
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
As our Japan trip winds down (we are going to a Sumo Tournament today and head to the Hanoi Hilton tomorrow...Yes, we are staying at the Hanoi Hilton), we figured that sharing some pictures and reflections was in order.
Over the past 5 days, we have been staying in Nagoya (on the 40th floor of a tower over the train station) and taking day trips to Japan's historic capitals of Kyoto and Nara while seeing a quaint Japan Alps town of Takayama
Popular Culture
. We have seen incredible temples, experienced local festivals, tasted delicious regional delicacies, and attempted to indulge in the truly unique culture which pervades this society. While in Kyoto, we visited the Sanjusangen-do Temple. Although no pictures are allowed, the temple is the longest wooden structure in the world and houses 1001 Kannon (goddess of mercy) statutes which in their gold exterior, 700 year antiquity, and lined structure are a true spectacle. These 1001 Kannon are nonetheless guarded by 28 eerie looking statues which are their 'protectors' and reflect warrior poses seen by statues surrounding precious temples around the region. We also visited the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle (a Shogun's complex created in the 1500's), and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple area which houses numerous pagodas, temples, and ancient artifacts while being elevated above the city ( is elevated above the city (historically important for purposes of defense). We happen to be visitng during the Gion Festival and saw local parades and ritualistic dances including fiery bamboo, intriguing costumes, and large floats. Finally, just meandering the streets at night was quite the experience. We 'made eye contact' with a Geisha and had exceptional Shabu-Shabu and Sukiyaki for dinner.
Our visit to Nara, albeit fairly brief, was exceptional
Kyoto Temple
. Founded in 710, Nara served as Japan's first capital almost 1300 years ago. Since Japan has witnessed centuries of earthquakes and wars, the very existence of the Temples which adorn a large local park in Nara is incredibly fortuitous. Nara Park is a 1300 acre park which encompasses a series of temples and pagodas and is roamed by over a hundred deer which serve as 'guardians' of the park. These deer are not only unafraid of people, but actually seek attention. It serves as a remarkable backdrop to the largest wooden structure in the world, the Todai-ji Temple (over 150 feet high, wide, and long) which houses a enormous Buddha (dating from 752) and Kukuzo Bosatsu. It is difficult to capture in words, but the serenity of the park coupled with the staggering historic temple was breathtaking.Finally, Takayama was a quaint village recommended by friends who had lived in Japan. The 2.5 hour train ride was magnificent and reminded Eric of traversing the Swiss Alps by train with rugged mountains towering over running rivers. We perused the largely intact Edo-period shops and were able to enter houses from the era. The town had a quaint charm and was like being thrown back to a different era in a very different society. Watching sake brewed and miso made was fun too!
Hope all is well with you and see you from the Hanoi Hilton (if we don't get sat on by a sumo wrestler first)!
Comments
Becca's b'day
What a way to celebrate! Thinking back on 2 yrs ago and now Japan, you do know how to party. I'm loving the blog and am living your trip from afar. Many thanks and much happiness, janj