Japan - The Country Of Tomorrow!

Path of Philosophy

View Photos (2) Image © 2008 Milena Riss

For most my friends Japan is the country of modern technologies and incredible architecture (also modern). So, the first things they offered me for my good vacation in Japan was to enjoy the night life. Sultry clubs, expensive food (Japan is really an expensive country, especially if you spend your holiday at the places where the most tourists are), crowds and hustle. These were not the things I expected to see in this country. The country of incredible views and exotic traditions, the place of harmony and calmness. Where were all these places that I dreamed about? Thus, I decided to spend the other days trying to find out this.

All the countries have similar things. There are big cities, small villages and just the areas which can be called only "private". And Japan is not the exception to this rule. After searching through numerous brochures I looked through the description of Path of Philosophy. Such a name that was associated with something grandiose and calm at the same time. Just the things (and emotions) I was looking for. It was located in Kyoto, a must-see place for everyone who traveled Japan. After a busy and noisy capital, this place was so inspirational and revitalizing. So, my visit should be much longer that I planned. I selected a walk along a canal on the eastern side of the city. The scholars called it Path of Philosophy. Walking through quiet neighborhoods, I had the opportunity to visit several temples on my way.

Everyone would have his own emotions while he was be walking along this path and especially when he admired the temples. Of course, you can hire a guide and find out that, for example, the Ginkakuji Temple, which is located on the northern side of the path, was established in 1482. For Japanese this date marks the beginning of modern Japanese life. But temple is not the only thing you must see. I also knew that Japan was famous with its incredible artificial landscape, watched it on TV... but was short of words when saw it during my travel. Miniature mountain, pond, garden... Such a combination of harmony and perfectness.

But let's continue our journey and go further south. There were also several temples, Honen-in and Anrakuji, and Eikando Temple. I tried to climb over the hill in order to see the whole complex from the above. I always asked myself: "How such incredible buildings could be created in 855, when there were no special equipment and specialists?" Perhaps, we really have lost something important during these ages. The must-see was the statue of the Mikaeri-no-Amida, or Amida Buddha looking back over his shoulder. At the end of this path, I appeared in the central area of Kyoto.

But it was not the only place I visited for my pleasure. After watching the movie "Indochine", I was eager to admire the wonderful nature and landscapes I discovered there. Thus, the western coastal park of Shakotan (Niseko-Shakotan-Otarukaigan in full) was my next destination. What views I am talking about? Of course, these are stone pillars bravely standing out in the sea with their shapes reflected in the waters of the Sea of Japan. Of course, it may be not the very place which I admired in the film, but these unbelievable tall stone formations were the things I wanted to see. And their base was really smaller than their main body.

Perhaps, this place is associated with Japan the most of all. Absolutely crystal water, a beach, fishing boat with nets...

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If you want to admire the real Japan, with its incredible views or just need to appreciate the contrasts of modern life and traditions, visit Travel Japan Tips for more information. Hope you will find the place in Japan that will astonish you.

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Published on 3/25/08