The Brilliant Takayama Festivity Explained in Splendour

One of the most notable festivities, the Takayama festival is celebrated across the city by the same name. The Takayama city has still retained its traditional roots which are reflected by the festive celebrations rejoiced here. Over the years, the city has not only been attracting attention of the Japanese community residing here but has also caught the fancy of the travel enthusiasts who consider globe-trotting as a passion to discover the new. The festival covering a collection of festivities plays an integral role in the life of thousands of natives participating whole-heartedly to preserve the evergreen Japanese cultural heritage.

Comprising a pair of festivals, the Sanno Matsuri and the Hachiman Matsuri, the Takayama carnival reveals the colourful and vigorous side of the island country of Japan. Despite the resemblance in schedules, attractions and rituals, the Sanno Matsuri and the Hachiman Matsuri differ with respect to the seasons; while the former is held during spring, the latter is rejoiced during autumn.

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However, travel enthusiasts visiting the place have noticed that both celebrations will feature distinct varieties of floats. Otherwise known as “Yatai” the floats that are taken out on the occasion reveal intricate designs revealing skilled craftsmanship. The intricate detailing reveals crafting excellence clearly reflecting upon the city’s pride, skilled artisans. Artisans residing in the city specialise in carpentry and sculpting. Additionally the floats also focus on the beautiful blend of western and eastern art forms that had existed during the Edo period.

Each of the floats reveals distinct style and design. The Mikoshi procession is usually followed as an evening celebration where these beautiful floats are found to adorn 100 lanterns made of paper. This custom adds to the loveliness of the evening festivity, stirring beautiful sights and sounds. With the end of the festival, the floats are stored inside the Yatai Kaikan. This place displays four of the “Yatai”; every season a different yatai is kept for display.

These tall and majestic yatai reveal heavy ornamentation and karakuri ningyo, sophisticated dolled up figures run mechanically. The karakuri ningyo are crafted to move and dance and are thus known to add to the celebrative mood. The colour of the Japanese life style and culture is reflected through the Takayama festival.

Natives of this region rejoice the celebrative mood as the Mikoshi procession takes place. It is during the procession, that a portable shrine (Mikoshi) is taken out for a parade across the city. The Takayama festivals start and end at respective shrines.

5 Exotic Japanese Destinations to Whet your Travelling Appetite

Has the travel bug bit you? Well, it is just as well that you give in to it and pack your bags. A traveller who has a love for the orient cannot miss a visit to the land of the rising sun. So, if you too have been planning a trip to Japan then let this write up whet your appetite a little more. Check out the breathtaking tourist destinations of Japan that must not be missed.

Mount Fuji:
The tallest peak in Japan has always attracted the attention of the tourists for centuries. Climbed by many via the trekking routes like the Fujinomiya, Kawaguchiko and Gotemba and easily photographed from every angle, Mount Fuji is at the heights of its white glory in the months of winter. It is also considered a holy place since there are a number of shrines situated on it.

Himeji Castle:
Also known as the “White heron castle”, it is one of the most ancient structures in Japan and still survives in its original form. According to the archaeologists, the original portions of the castle were constructed between the years 1333-1346 and it has also been given the title of a “World Heritage Site” by the UNESCO.

KinKaku-ji:
Situated in Kyoto, it is also referred to as the “Golden Pavilion”. It is surrounded by number of lakes and ponds and witnesses waves of tourists from all over the world throughout the year. It was built in 1397 and was the residence of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the famous shogun. But after his death it was turned into a Zen Buddhist temple.

Itsukushima Island:
Located in the sea Seto, it has been a holy site of Shintoism for ages. The first shrine that was built there dates back to the 6th century and the one that is now situated there was built around the 12th. The design of the temple is not only artistic but technical as well.

Imperial palace, Tokyo:
The palace has been destroyed by a number of fires over the centuries and therefore, there has been a need to rebuild and renovate it many a times. The palace is open for the tourists only on two days, the 2nd of January and on the Emperor’s birthday. The other days, however, you will be able to see the East Gardens and the Imperial Household Agency.

This is just a glimpse into a few of the places that you can visit in exotic Japan. You can take the help of the innumerable guidebooks and also the blogs that are very informative. Many of them are maintained by ardent travellers and therefore, you will get the real picture of Japan and what you expect when you are there.

A Breathtaking Country Waiting to be Explored

I went on a trip to Japan last year and it’s true when they say, Japan is a mixture of modernity and traditionalism. It is a country that is truly the epitome of culture, heritage and history but with a twist of trendiness. The country is picturesque and there are beautiful places you must visit. Here are few of my favourites.

Himeji Castle

Himeji is a place in Japan that is famous for the most extraordinary castle in the island country. The castle was built there in the 17th century. The palace compound in known as Shirasagijo in Japanese, which when translated means The White Heron Castle. The castle is named so because its design resembles a bird with spread wings, ready to fly. To reach the compound of the castle you must follow a set trail. On your way, you will walk pass walls, small tower and huge wooden gates. The daytenshu or the central tower looks at a small yard. Apparently, Samurais used to carry out customary murders in that yard. Apart from the main palace, tourists might want to check out the Literary Museum, Inland Sea and the Historical Museum of Hyogo Prefecture.

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Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto

The Kinkaku-ji Temple was built in 1397 and is also known as the Golden Pavilion. It was the residence of the famous shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it became a Zen Buddhist temple after his death.

If you are in Kyoto, this place is definitely worth a visit as the temple is covered with ornaments made of embossed gold and is surrounded by magnificent Japanese garden. The Golden Pavilion Temple shines like gold and it is most certainly a breathtaking sight. The building holds relics of Buddha and therefore is gilded. The spiritual compound is surrounded by beautiful gardens for example, there is a small pond in front of the pavilion that surrounded by streams, alleys and exotic plants. The gardens of Kinkaku-ji itself are a must visit in Kyoto. This is most definitely one the best places to visit in Japan.

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Itsukushima

Another place I loved was the island of Itsukushima. This island is located in the sea Seto and since ancient times it is a holy place of Shintoism. In all probability, the first shrine or holy building was built in the 6th century. The temple now found there dates all the way back to the 12th century. The temple is not only artistically made but is also very technical in design. It is one of the most visited tourist spots in Japan.

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Fall for the snow, fall for the Japanese Sapporo

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One of the most renowned events celebrated in the island country of Japan, the Sapporo is the festival of snow and attracts travelers from across the world. The festival is named after the city of Sapporo, the place where it is widely celebrated. The Sapporo festival had started way back in the 1950s when a group of 6 local kids from high school had crafted snow statues near the Odori Park. Did you know that every year, the Sapporo festival would attract around 2 million visitors? Each year people would flock to the Japanese city, to watch contestants from across the world reveal their expertise in making snow sculptures in varied forms.

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The diverse range of statues unveils varied attractive forms resembling human beings, wildlife, architecture and more. The ice sculptures reveal the richness of the art that has become widespread across the globe. People would either participate individually or would work in teams to come up with beautiful art works showcasing expertise from every angle.

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During the year 2008, there were around 400 works being displayed at the festival. A record shows that some of the sculptures were as tall as 50 feet. While some of the artists had focused on historical scenes others took to celebrities and various other icons. Today, in addition to viewing the magnificent sculptures, visitors can enjoy dancing; they may even join in musical concerts and karaoke. Indulging in food is also common alongside viewing fabulous sculptures revealing the subtlety and beauty of the art.

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Generally, the ice competition would entail participants to carve out sculptures with the help of chain saws and other sharp tools. Each sculpture is carved from around 130Kgs of ice. Wildlife themes are commonly explored by participants alongside historical figures and scenes. If you are eager to find a sculptor perform his work live then an evening visit is considered most appropriate for the season. The sculptors mainly start with the detailing from late in the evening.

Odori Park

Located in the Hokkaido prefecture, the Odori Park is exactly positioned in the heart of Sapporo. The park generally stretches for a mile or so; and is considered the main site for the snow festival. In order to reach the Odori Park you can browse sites and search for the best places to visit in Japan.

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The sculptures exhibited here reveal beauty of whiteness. It is being learnt that the park is illuminated till 10pm every night. The park reveals a plush side of it during night when the lights are turned on.