Traditional Culture Encyclopedia - Traditional festivals - Introduction to Japan's attractions

Introduction to Japan's attractions

Sightseeing spots

Mount Fuji: Mount Fuji is Japan's first peak, but also the symbol of the Japanese nation, known as the Japanese people as the "holy mountain". Mount Fuji is located in the south-central Honshu, 80 kilometers east of Tokyo, an area of 90.76 square kilometers, 3776 meters above sea level, the peak of the mountain towering into the clouds, the top of the mountain snow-capped. The mountain is cone-shaped, like a fan hanging upside down, Japanese poets have written "Jade fan hanging upside down the East China Sea sky", "Fuji snow reflecting the sunrise" and other poems to praise it. Since Japan's written history, Mount Fuji **** erupted 18 times, the last time was in 1707, since then it has become a dormant volcano.

Tokyo Tower: Tokyo Tower is the tallest tower in Japan, located in the city of Tokyo, completed in 1958. It is modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, 333 meters high, is the highest point in Tokyo. The tower is a prismatic cone in three bright colors: yellow, white and red. Inside the tower, there are aquariums, restaurants, stores, cafes and other facilities, and there are also two observation decks on the tower that are 150 meters high and 250 meters high. The tower has two observation decks 150 meters high and 250 meters high. From here, you can have a panoramic view of Tokyo.

Kinkakuji: Originally the villa of the minister Saionji Kyokei, it was built in the 14th century, and later came under the ownership of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and underwent large-scale renovation and expansion. It has three floors, and the outer walls of the second and third floors are made of gold leaf, which is called "Kinkakuji Temple" because it glitters with gold when seen from afar. The first floor is in the style of the nobility in the Heian period, the second floor is in the style of the samurai in the Muromachi period, and the third floor is modeled after the "top of the tower" of the Tang dynasty in China. At the end of the top of the pagoda, there is a phoenix made of gold and copper, which adds to the beauty of the building. In front of the temple is a garden centered on the Mirror Lake Pond, and the gorgeous Golden Pavilion is reflected in the Mirror Lake Pond, which is a peaceful and elegant view, and is a representative landscape of Kyoto.

Ginkakuji Temple: Ginkakuji Temple is located at the foot of Higashiyama Mountain in Kyoto, and was built in 1482 by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the grandson of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, a shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, in the shape of Kinkakuji Temple. Ginkaku-ji Temple contrasts with the splendor of Kinkaku-ji Temple with its unique style of purity and elegance. It was built in 1482 as an elaborate two-story pavilion. The first floor is known as the Hall of the Heart, a place for monks to recite Buddha's name and practice Buddhism; the second floor is known as the Pavilion of the Chiu Yin, and the third floor is a Zen Buddhist hall. The Golden Pavilion Temple is a temple as well as a place to live in, and it is a place of beautiful surroundings and pleasant scenery.

Tangshoji Temple

Aso Volcano

Todaiji Temple

Itsukushima Shrine

Heian Jingu Shrine

Nachi-Taki Falls

Shimizu-ji Temple

Tohshinbo

Tennohashi-Rikyu (Sky Bridge)

Sakurajima Island

Himeji Castle

World Hakusan Historical Village, a World Heritage Site

This village is an example of how Japanese traditions have been preserved in their entirety. The village has been able to survive in the mountains, which were almost forgotten by mankind in the course of its long history, by planting mulberry trees and developing sericulture. In order to reduce the pressure of snow in the cold winter months, the residents built unique two-story thatched, steeply sloped wooden houses by increasing the slope of the roofs. This type of wooden house is generally 18 meters long and 10 meters wide, with 3-4 floors inside, and usually houses a large family. Because the shape of the roof resembles the way Japanese people put their hands together when worshipping a god, it is called a "koso-ya," or "triangular house. In addition to the significance of these villages in terms of economic prosperity, they show the world the quality of hard work and wisdom of ancient laborers who adapted to the environment and developed the economy.

[Edit]Festivals and Holidays

New Year's Day - January 1, folk traditionally celebrated the New Year's Day custom, but was established in 1948 as a national holiday. According to traditional custom, "big obscure day" (New Year's Eve) for cleaning. Pine, bamboo and plum ("Songmen") (now mostly replaced by pictures) are placed in front of the door for good luck. New Year's Eve meal, the family ate New Year's Eve noodles (buckwheat noodles), after dinner, while watching television programs broadcast specifically for the New Year, while waiting for the New Year's bell, known as the "New Year's Eve". On New Year's Day, the family eats a variety of delicious and festive dishes for breakfast, including mochi (rice cake soup), tsukudani, and omatsuri (a variety of delicious and festive dishes). On New Year's Day, people usually take 5 to 7 days off from work. Adults' Day - The second Monday of January every year was designated as a national holiday in 1948. According to Japanese law, a person comes of age at the age of 20. On this day, all young people who have reached the age of 20 go to a coming-of-age ceremony in full costume. This day marks the beginning of a new life and the fulfillment of rights and obligations under the law. Founding Day - February 11, 660 B.C. According to Japanese mythology, on February 11, 660 B.C., Emperor Shinmu founded the nation of Japan after unifying the country and became the first emperor of Japan. In the old days (before the end of World War II) known as "Era Festival", was abolished in 1945, and was restored in 1966 and renamed to its current name.

Founding Day - February 11

In December 1966, Sato's cabinet proposed February 11 as the anniversary of the founding of the nation, which was implemented the following year. The reason for this is that on February 11, 660 B.C., the first emperor became the founder of the nation. It is the New Year's Day of the first year of the ancient Emperor Jimmu according to the solar calendar.

Cherry Blossom Festival - March 15

March cherry blossoms bloom, the Japanese people believe that the cherry blossoms have elegance, strength, simplicity and independence of spirit. They take cherry blossoms as a symbol of hard work, bravery and wisdom. Generally Japanese people choose this time of year to travel and enjoy cherry blossoms, but it is also a wonderful time to praise nature and relax. However, the flowering period of the same plant can not really be the same day, there is always successive; and the flowering period of cherry blossoms is very short, so in March this cherry blossom viewing month selected the 15th (mid-March) for the Cherry Blossom Festival (when most of the cherry blossoms are also in bloom, early cherry blossoms are not yet fully matured).

The cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan. "If you want to ask the soul of Yamato, see the mountain cherry blossoms under the rising sun." Cherry blossoms in Japan has been more than a thousand years of history, the Japanese people believe that life is short, living should be as brilliant as cherry blossoms. Moreover, cherry blossoms are warm, pure and noble, and after the harsh winter, it is the first to bring the news of spring. Therefore, the Japanese government has designated March 15 to April 15 every year as the "Cherry Blossom Festival". At this time, people bring their relatives, invite friends, in the cherry trees, sitting on the ground, while viewing the cherry blossoms, while drinking, is really a great pleasure in life.

Daughter's Day - March 3

Praying for the healthy growth and happiness of girls

Vernal Equinox - March 20

Formerly known as the "Spring Festival of the Emperor's Spirit.

Older known as the "Spring Imperial Spirit Festival," this is the day when the Emperor pays homage to his ancestors in the spring, and Japanese people also visit the graves of their ancestors on this day. It is also a day to praise nature and love living things.

Green Day -- April 29

Former Birthday of Emperor Showa

Constitution Day -- May 3

The Constitution of the State of Japan was introduced on May 3, 1947

Boys' Day --May 5

Wishing for the growth of boys, this day was designated as a national holiday in 1948 (formerly known as "Dragon Boat Festival") and is now celebrated as a boy's holiday. On this day, all families with boys hanging on the roof of the cloth carp (called "carp banner"), the door set calamus leaves, the whole family to eat cake dumplings.

Summer Festival--August 15

On this day, the government organizes a festival parade, the government and its civic associations hold many performances, and people dress up in beautiful kimonos and go out on the streets to shop, buy things, and take part in recreational activities (what is known as a garden tour in China); stores around the city are also decorated on this day, and various special events are held. The neighboring shops are also decorated on this day, and various special events are held. This original custom of temple fairs originally came from China, but later spread to Japan, and combined with Japan's local culture, there are various kinds of festivals today, and gradually formed Japan's own national cultural characteristics.

Obon ---- is held on the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar

On the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. Obon is the largest traditional festival of Japanese folklore, also known as "Soul Matsuri", "Lantern Festival", "Buddhist All Souls Society", etc. It was originally a day for memorial service to ancestors and praying for blessings, but now it is a festival for family reunion and village happiness. During Obon, Japanese companies take 7 to 15 days off from work, and people rush back to their hometowns for reunions. Those who live in small towns and villages also dance the bon dance in their summer kimono.

Tsukimi ---- Lunar August 15

In the Oriental world, it is customary to enjoy the moon, and in Japan, on August 15, items such as croquettes and seasonal fruits are prepared and placed in the window to offer to the moon, which is then viewed while the moon is shining. The moon hangs high in the clear sky. The moon looks especially beautiful hanging high in the clear autumn sky. For the agricultural-oriented Japanese, moon watching was originally a form of praying for a good harvest, but nowadays it is purely a form of enjoying the moon.

National Day for the Respect of the Elderly - September 15

This day was designated as a national holiday in 1966 to show respect for the elderly who have contributed to society and to wish them a long and healthy life. Celebrations are held across the country on this day and souvenirs are presented to the elderly.

Autumn Equinox - September 23

Formerly known as the "Autumn Imperial Spirit Festival," this is the day when the Emperor paid homage to his ancestors in autumn. It is also a day for people to honor their ancestors.

Sports Day - October 10

The opening day of the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, and in 1966 it was designated a national holiday. The Fall Games are usually held on this day as well.

Culture Festival - November 3

Established in 1937, the festival was formerly known as Meiji Matsuri. Formerly known as Meiji Matsuri, it commemorates the birth date of Emperor Meiji. It is now a day when the Order of Culture is awarded to those who have made outstanding contributions to science and culture. It is also called "Chrysanthemum Day" because of the chrysanthemum design engraved on the medal. On this day, schools at all levels are closed and some meaningful activities are organized.

753 Children's Day - November 15

This day is celebrated especially for 7 and 3 year old girls and 5 year old boys.

Labor Appreciation Day - November 23

Established in 1948, it was formerly known as the "New Taste Festival". Formerly known as the "Shinsengumi Festival", it is the day when the Emperor tastes new rice. It is also a day to respect labor and celebrate production.

Emperor's Birthday - December 23

Emperor Akihito was born on December 23, 1933, the date of his birth.

Christmas - December 25

In Japan, not only Christians, many people exchange Christmas gifts with their family members or boyfriends and girlfriends and enjoy a sumptuous Christmas dinner together on Christmas Eve. They also celebrate with a cake decorated in the style of Christmas. In order to stimulate consumer desire, department stores and companies start to hype up the so-called Christmas campaigns before Christmas. Around the second half of November, department stores and shopping centers will be decorated beautifully and a series of Christmas sales will begin.

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