Visit Japan to Check out the Nebuta Festival in Aomori

Japan is a culturally rich country and visitors are in for a treat when they go to visit the wonderful ‘land of the rising sun.’ Not only do they get to marvel at beautiful castles and be awestruck by the spiritual constructions and temples, but they can also witness the wonder of nature in spring during the cherry blossom festival.

However, this is not it. There is more to see in Japan than historical and spiritual structures or the beauty of nature. The people of Japan have some beautiful and eye-pleasing rituals they follow. For example, if you are in Japan in the beginning of August then you can witness one of the most colourful and vibrant festivals in all of Japan, the Nebuta festival that is held in the Aomori prefecture in the region called Tohoku, in Japan.

The Occurrences in the Festival

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The Aomori Nebuta festival is held on a grand scale and features huge, lighted floats that include pictures of famous warriors of Japan and Kabuki actors. These floats are seen parading along the streets of Aomori. This is almost a weeklong festival that starts on the second of August and continues till the seventh of the month. Also featuring in this festival is the sound of bamboo flutes and the beating of massive drums. The word, ‘rasseera’ is also shouted from time to time during the event by Haneto dancers. This parade is almost like a six night festival.

The Final Evening and Origin of the Festival

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In the final evening of the festival, a large lantern, called a toro, is floated out into the massive sea. Apparently, this takes along with it evil spirits that might cause any sort of harm. There is also a display of fabulous fireworks that evening. This festival is extremely energetic and visually dramatic. According to historians, the origin of the festival dates back to the 800’s, when a general made large creatures to scare away any kind of rebels in the area. Each float takes about a year to make.

Next time you visit Japan, try and plan your trip so that you can witness the true wonder of the Aomori Nebuta festival.

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Places Where You can Discover the True Essence of Japan

With plentiful ancient temples, medieval fortresses and stunning landscapes to discover, Japan’s highlights span across the major cities and exotic countryside. Travellers can get to see the life under the terrible wartime, wander around the educational sites with family and shop around the bustling shopping districts surrounding the commercials hubs in the country.

Kyoto’s Tourism Highlights

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Koinzan Saiho-ji – This place is also known as the Koke-dera Temple or Moss Temple, because of the 120 different varieties of moss found inside the gardens. This temple was originally the 6th century home of Prince Shotoku but the Buddhist monk Muso Soseki turned the site into temple in 1339 and a two-tier garden was designed around the pond. As the city has only the restricted admission, one requires requesting the temple to provide reservation for admission.

Nijo-jo Castle – The castle was completed building in 1603. A vast moat and imposing walls surround the castle and the nightingale floors, the creaky boards instantly alerting the guards to the presence of any intruder, enhance its security. There is a vast collection of screen paintings and period artwork on display. The self-guided audio tours are rented by the visitors.

Japan’s Natural Wonders

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Mount Fuji – With the height of 12, 388 feet, Mount Fuji is the Japan’s tallest mountain. This is also the primary highlight of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu Park, situated around 2.5 hours from Tokyo. According to estimates, around 200,000 mountaineers climb Mount Fuji every year. At the park, one can also see the coastline along the Izu peninsula and indulge in swimming and SCUBA diving at the coastal stretches.

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Jigokudani-Yaenkown Park – Located inside the Yokuyu River valley in Nagano and well-known for snow monkeys, the Jigokudani-Yaenkown Park is one of the popular tourist spots in the Nagano prefecture. The average temperature in the winter lingers around 5 degrees whereas snow covers the ground for almost four months every year. One can take photographs of monkeys inside the park but cannot feed them. The park officials issue the warning urging visitors to avoid physical contacts with the monkeys, otherwise they may turn aggressive.

Tokyo’s Tourism Highlights

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Ginza – This was one of the earliest cities to modernise during the period of Meiji Restoration and houses plenty of upscale boutiques and retailers. Most department stores in Ginza host their own art galleries and serve varieties of cuisines in the form of refreshments and pre-packaged meals at depachika. On every weekend, the Chuo-dori that is the main thoroughfare in Ginza for pedestrian traffic is organised.

Sensoji Temple – The oldest worship site of Tokyo, the Kannondo Hall inside the temple was built by the Buddhist priest Shokai Shonin in 645 AD. On an estimate, the annual visitors’ count at the temple is around 30 million. In the month of July, the temple hosts Hozuki-Ichi festival.

There are several other locations thronged with the tourists throughout the year. One can get to know about these tourism hot spots on Japan travel guide book. Do not forget to go through the guide books before heading to this East Asian economy giant country.

Tourist Spots in Japan that can’t be missed

Japan is an exquisite country to visit. If you are planning a trip anytime soon, you must include Japan in the list of places you should visit. The country is an amalgamation of the modern and the antique. It is the epitome of tradition, culture, art, customs and history. Japan has two sides. From one angle is an ancient city soaked in many historic tales and from another angle, it is the technological capital of the world.

If you do visit the country, make sure you plan out the places you must visit and shouldn’t miss.

The Tohoku Region

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This region that includes a place called Aomori. The Nebuta festival held here attracts tourists from all over the world. Another very popular city in this region is Sendai City. Here, attractions like the Sendai Castle and the Sendai Tanabata festival, that takes place annually, draws many tourists top this region.

The Kanto Region

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The most important city in this region is the capital of Japan, Tokyo. You will find in this region many tourist attractions like amusement parks, temples, theatres and shrines. This region is also known for its shopping district. Therefore, if you are a shopaholic, then you must visit this region. Tokyo will be the easiest city to visit for tourists who do not know any other language but English. Other places tourists visit in this region are Hakone, Kamakura, Yokohama and Nikko.

The Chubu Region

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If you want to visit Mount Fuji, the highest peak in Japan, you have to visit this region. Other places in this region that tourists frequent are Kenrokuen Park to witness Japanese gardens, Nagoya for its famous castle, Nagano for the ‘Japanese Alps, and many more.

These are some of the top places to visit in Japan. If you do go to the country for a vacation, stop by in a few particular regions to soak in the essence of Japan.

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Nara: Once a Capital City, Now an Unfrequented Tourist Spot

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Most people planning their holiday trip to Japan tend to include the big and famous cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka on their itinerary. They assume these places to cover their fascination of experiencing old and modern culture and lifestyle in Japan. However, majority of the visitors overlook the charm and beauty of old cities like forgotten capital of Japan, Nara.

Tokyo is indeed a fascination of youths who visit Japan to experience the modern-age technologies and view a number of skyscrapers. There are several little shops sprawling in and out the narrow lanes. Tech savvies can find all sorts of hi-tech toys, manga and anime characters at the Akihabara. On the other hand, Kyoto is very much considered the remnant of old days. With several magnificent temples, cosy restaurants and kimono shops, Kyoto also attracts a large number of visitors.

Historical Importance of Nara

In contrast, Nara is an old city and was the capital of Japan between 710 and 784. This city was the first permanent capital of Japan and famous as the centre of Buddhist activities with several monasteries and Chinese-influenced architecture. Nara has lent its name from Nara period. With lots of historical and cultural attractions, Nara is one of the must visit places in Japan.

Narrow and Stretched Out Streets Selling Sweets and Traditional Artefacts

Outside the Nara train station, there are many old-style sweet shops tempting you with varieties of sweets made of rice flour and filled with sweet red bean and tea leaves. Although younger generation has started to eat out more Western-style sweets like cakes and pastries, traditional sweets are still the hot favourite of people in Nara prefecture.

The narrow streets in Nara offer varieties of objects to traditional art-loving visitors. One can find hand-crafted objects, kimonos, attractive hair pins, traditional Momiji dolls, colourful umbrellas fabricated with special kind of paper and several other artefacts at the shops in Nara. These are ideal gifts and souvenirs to bring home or present to the friends in Japan.

Deer Park in Nara

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Away from the narrow and stretched out streets, Nara is full of greeneries and deer. There is a deer park in Nara where you can get to see different breed of deer roaming all across the park. Vendors outside the park sell deer-biscuits and shika senbei to feed the deer. According to the legend, the god Takemikazuchi entered the Nara on a white deer that started being recognised as “heavenly” animal since that day.

Todai-ji Temple

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Visitors can take a walk through the park to reach to the world’s largest wooden building, Todai-ji Temple, which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. This temple houses the world’s largest Buddha statue.

Restaurants in Nara

The streets lit up during the evening time. The classic-style restaurants and eateries open for the business after the sunset. These restaurants serve healthy and delicious traditional Japanese dishes. You can take a walk through the quaint wooden houses after the meal.

So, if you are planning an itinerary to the Japan, do not forget to experience the old world charm of Nara.

Cherry Blossom Season in Japan is a True Wonder! by Pretzel William