Of course, not many will go to Japan specifically for a sightseeing tour. It is too far, too expensive, and there is nothing to do there in summer: too much rain and sun. The best time to visit the land of the rising sun is spring, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, or autumn (September to early October). At that time, it is 17-20 degrees Celsius and not as humid. Although there are also typhoons, which are occasionally reported on the evening news broadcasts.
When planning a trip to Japan in autumn, keep in mind that you will most likely not see cherry blossoms, but rather momiji – the scarlet autumn leaves of the maple, which evoke a quiet and somehow bright melancholy. Momiji should be contemplated, and they say that only those who have at least once examined spiderwebs on the grass, listened to the rustle of falling leaves, or the babbling of a brook can understand it. In other words, Japan during momiji season is for naturalists, lovers of gardens, stones, and introspection. And also for those who love life. They say that a person exists as long as they are able to contemplate momiji.
So, you have arrived
The capital island of Honshu (Tokyo is located on this island), despite its urban guise, also specializes in agricultural products: rice and fruits. But, as many eyewitnesses note, you can never say for sure whether you have left the limits of Tokyo or not. All the surroundings are one big city, and the railway lines are so close to the houses that it is simply surprising how people live there.
Still, you should not ignore futuristic Tokyo. This city was founded in the 15th century by shogun Tokugawa, who took Chinese Xi'an (the starting point of the Great Silk Road) as a model. This city has several centers: Otemachi, Kasumigaseki, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro. Some feel like a mouse tangled in a bonsai, knowing that there is space somewhere, but unable to find the way there. And there is indeed a path. Each of the city centers is a huge island in the midst of a sea of tiny one-story houses. Wise Japanese elderly live there a measured life, as well as those who do not accept Tokyo's frantic race. Even here you can find provincial Japan, where respected family matrons wear kimonos, their important husbands like to go to traditional baths, and there are plenty of small temples, tiny gardens, lost in narrow alleys.
Among the attractions on Honshu are also the Olympic city of Nagano and Niigata Prefecture, known for its rice paddies, which in turn are famous for loudly croaking frogs that keep decent citizens awake at night.
Yama-no-Kami with a view to residency
On Honshu is the city of Nara, which became the first imperial capital in the 8th century. Pilgrims and seekers of spirituality and exoticism flock here from all over: the most significant Buddhist structures are located here, which is why the city is called an open-air museum. In such cases, contemplating momiji should be combined with a visit to Kofuku-ji Temple with the Hokuendo Pavilion (720 AD), Todai-ji Temple with the Daibutsuden Hall (8th century), the Great Buddha sitting on lotus petals (legend has it that all of Japan's bronze was used to make it, and this is one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world), as well as the park where more than a thousand tame deer live, which are considered "divine messengers" and, taking advantage of their status, beg for treats from kind tourists. In Nara, you can wander through a huge number of temples, pagodas, and see monks' dwellings.
When making your way through Nara, be sure to drop into the village of Yoshino, which is mentioned in legends. The Japanese "Tale of Bygone Years" – the mythological compendium "Kojiki" – tells that long, long ago, the Kudu people lived here, who loved to feast on nuts and frogs, sang beautiful songs, accompanying themselves on "lip drums." Now they don't play the lip drums. The young, as elsewhere in the world, go to the cities; the elderly who remain here honor the traditions.
One of the traditions is worshiping the mountain god Yama-no-Kami. It is from him that they ask for progeny, health, and wealth in the home. The most important celebration of the deity takes place on October 17. On this day, men (strong and healthy) take a palanquin o-mikoshi, put children inside, and carry it around all the surrounding areas. According to legend, this promotes a high birth rate in the region. Foreign "legionnaires" can also participate in such a procession, but the locals will definitely warn you that Yama-no-Kami will not let go of the one who carried the o-mikoshi in his honor. In other words, a residence permit is guaranteed.
Wealth, wisdom, or health?
The city of Kyoto is considered the cultural capital of Japan. There are many temples here, and until 1868 it was known to the world as Heian-kyo ("city of peace and tranquility"). Kyoto's culture was shaped by many factors: the most important, of course, was the life of the imperial court and nobility; second in importance one could name the samurai, patrons of Zen Buddhism and the tea ceremony. Here crowds of tourists scurry among parishioners who are mentally addressing Buddha and practically not noticing foreigners. However, tourists themselves are sometimes not averse to talking to Buddha and actively take off their shoes on temple terraces (it is not customary to enter them wearing shoes). One of the many temples, Miscanthus, is dedicated to one of the thousands of bodhisattvas who attained nirvana but returned to the world to enlighten it. Sometimes students run in here, for whom enlightenment is simply necessary during exam sessions. And after, they come to thank for the bestowed wisdom. Requests, by the way, can be left in writing. This temple is also famous for three streams that grant wealth, wisdom, and health. The catch is that you can drink from only one source. And then you must definitely come again and thank the gods for granting the wish.
To escape modernity in Kyoto, head toward the Gion district: since feudal times, there were shops for pilgrims and other foreigners. Over time, the shops turned into tea houses. And in the 16th century, Gion became a real entertainment center – the Kabuki theater moved here. Here and now, among all kinds of tea houses and shabby low houses, women in kimonos, geishas, walk with small steps, creating an impression of unreality of what is happening around. In the imagination immediately appear beautiful fans, memories of fine porcelain in which tea becomes unusually tasty, small netsuke, yakuza, samurai, as well as the main competitors of hamburgers – sushi.
Must-see program
Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the most Japanese sushi in the world (if you are short on time, you can order sushi with delivery from a restaurant), admire the amazing upbringing of Japanese children, "smart" Japanese toilets with photocells, ideal cleanliness in crowded places, witness the crazy love of the Japanese for trees, lawns, traditions and ancient customs.
The main symbol of glossy Japan is the wooden "sacred gates" (torii). The gates belong to the Itsukushima shrine and are located on the sacred island of Miyajima. The wooden gates stand directly in the water in a small bay, and the monastery is right there, on stilts.
The second "star" shrine of Japan is Mount Fujiyama, or simply Fuji (3,776 m). It is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world with very picturesque surroundings.
The third place among the main attractions is shared by the Seto Ohashi Bridge, built in 1988, and the famous "pearl farms", which are visited by up to half a million foreign tourists a year. And the bridge is interesting because according to the architect's design, it was thrown across the Seto Inland Sea from Honshu to Shikoku.
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