There are many countries that are the beacons of modernism:
technological developments, latest lifestyle, skyscrapers and ultra modern
people they have it all. Visiting such places can be a futuristic experience.
Then there are others that seem to have refused to pace with the time several
centuries back to preserve the goodness of old times. They can instantly
transport you to the era gone by and everything associated with it. Rare are those that combine the heritage of
the past and the developments of modernism. Japan, certainly, is one among
them.
The past heritage and modern lifestyle live together here in
a peaceful harmony. Its skyscrapers and ultra modern technology with
unbelievable inventions can remind you of star wars while well preserved
heritage sites, forts and palaces can give you a perfect glimpse of medieval
lifestyle. Well, that’s an understatement. These beautiful sites can actually
make you feel or even “live” the medieval lifestyle.
Japan is a beautiful country with scenic nature, great
historical monuments, friendly people and some great masterpieces of art.
Though counted among the most technologically advanced countries of the world,
it is equally traditional at the same time. Japanese are proud of their glorious
past and that is evident from well managed historical monuments and rich,
well-curated museums. The old-world heritage sites peacefully co-exist with new
world skyscrapers. Heritage of the past peacefully co-exists here with the
modern world technology.
Hiroshima Peace
Park
The Hiroshima Peace Museum is built as a tribute to the
Hiroshima Bomb Blast. The site highlights the negative result of human violence
and carries a subtle message on the importance of non-violence. A single glance
there can move even the brutes into sensitive beings.
JigoKudani
Monkey Park
If you are expecting a lush green garden with pleasant
ambience where your regular happy-go-lucky monkeys will be perching on trees
waiting for you to feed them a banana or two, you might be in for a big
surprise. Neither the park nor the dwellers here can be called “usual”.
The conditions of the park are quite intimidating with hot
boiling water coming out from the frozen ground. The steep cliffs and cold,
dense forests inhabiting a variety of formidable animals surround the place.
The formidable place converts into a visiting place during winters when the
unique resident of the surrounding area, "wild snow monkeys" with red
face and white hairy body leave the steep cliffs and comes down to the park to
enjoy some moments in hot water warding away the cold-blues. A large number of
monkeys gather in the park and sit in the hot water cuddling together.
KiyoMizu Dera
This peaceful Buddhist temple has unique characteristics to
instantly transfer you to the paradise of peace. The whole atmosphere here is
very spiritual. It seemed that the rules of non-violence were strictly followed
while constructing the temple. The legend is that not even a unique nail was
used in the construction. There is an indoor waterfall that was fed from
outdoor river. The history of the temple spans many centuries. It is believed
to be erected during last few years of 8th century. The artwork and shrines
further satiates the artistic cravings.
The Himeji castle
This castle is one of the best examples of architecture.
Sturdy exteriors perfectly guard the interiors with great artistic value. The
architecture of the fort is exemplary and calling it a masterpiece would not be
an exaggeration. The sturdy walls of the fort even survived the world war
second bombings. The fort was built and rebuilt throughout the centuries and
thus reflects the architecture of different periods and clans. The best thing
is that different schools of architecture exist in harmony here with each one
complimenting and seamlessly blending with the other. The building from far
gives a look similar to a bird about to take flight.
Great Buddha of
KamaKura
Thus is the great idol of Amida Buddha that is considered
one of the Japan's most celebrated and revered Buddhist figures. This bronze
idol is huge in size, 13 meters to be accurate. The weight is around 93 tones.
Originally it was placed in a small temple made of wood but about 5 centuries
back a tsunami blew away the temple. So now the Idol stands in the open air
with the whole world acting as its temple and the vast sky, its roof. Looking
at the peaceful face with calm countenance has an instant meditative effect.
The idol is a great example of art with every minute detail perfected by
phenomenal craftsmanship; be it the eye lashes or the wrinkles of Buddha's
robe.
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