Traditional Japan, between refinement and zenitude

Japanese culture has fascinated the West for centuries. A trip to the Land of the Rising Sun will immerse you in traditional Japan with the luxurious kimonos of geishas, the codified ritual of the tea ceremony, the minimalist lines of Zen gardens, and the refined aesthetic of traditional dwellings. It is also an opportunity to discover the entire Zen philosophy that characterizes the Japanese art of living. Even in the heart of bustling cities, there is always room for calm and tradition. A trip to Japan will introduce you to this culture that is so different and so refined.

The Zen Gardens of Kyoto

Zen is a Buddhist school that took root in Japan in the 12th century. Simply put, the goal of Zen is to achieve enlightenment or understanding of the fundamental nature of man. This movement gave rise to many art forms, notably the art of gardens. Gardens conducive to silence and contemplation.

The Rock Garden of Ryoan-ji

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 15th-century garden, the dry garden of Ryoan-ji Temple, leaves the visitor in full contemplation and nothing can disturb this mineral view.

In Japan, garden design is an important and respected art. Zen gardens are composed of rocks, moss, and gravel. ?tdub_video #zengarden #traveljapan #explorejapan #nippon #japaneseculture #zentemple #exploretheworld #letsgosomewhere #neverstopexploring

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The Zen Garden of Tofuku-ji

Located in the south of Kyoto, the temple is magnificent with its many buildings and its four exceptional gardens. The Tofuku-ji temple is a reference in Zen Buddhism in Japan. In autumn, the temple is enhanced when the maples change color. The most beautiful viewpoint to admire the hundreds of momijis (Japanese maples) is undoubtedly at the Tsutenkyo Bridge. The Hojo, which is one of the main buildings of the Tofuku-ji temple founded in 1235, was rebuilt in 1890, and the gardens laid out in the four quarters around the Hojo building were created in 1939 by Mr. Mirei Shigemori (a famous garden builder), who wanted to express the simplicity of Zen in the Kamakura era with the abstract construction of modern arts.

The Gingaku-ji or Silver Pavilion

This temple holds a special place in the hearts of the Japanese. As soon as you pass through the temple gates, the Kôgetsudai surprises you: a two-meter-high mound of sand, reminiscent of Mount Fuji (Fuji-san). The Ginkaku-ji site is especially interesting for its gardens. The visitor is invited to climb higher to better admire it below: a dry garden and a magnificent moss garden wind along the hillside.

Ryokan, stay in traditional Japan

During a trip to Japan, spending a few nights in a ryokan is the simplest way to discover and appreciate the art of living in traditional Japan. Thus, it will allow you to sleep in the most Japanese way possible: a futon rolled out on a tatami. But the condition to fully enjoy this immersion is to respect a few basic rules, such as taking off your shoes before entering the ryokan. A small hall is reserved for this purpose where you will find storage for your shoes and slippers that you can borrow for indoors. Be careful, in the room, you should not walk in slippers, but barefoot. The partitions are sliding and very light. Discretion is therefore required if you do not want to disturb your neighbors… The ryokan also provides yukatas (light cotton kimonos) so that the guest feels comfortable. These inns generally offer breakfast and dinner (included in the price).

Tea Houses

If you do not have the opportunity to sleep in a ryokan (which would be a shame during a stay in Japan), it is possible to visit old restored houses. It is another way to soak up the interiors of traditional Japan.

Ochaya, traditional tea house

In Kanazawa, in the Higashi Chaya district, do not miss the visit of a tea house converted into a museum. The Shima tea house is listed as an important cultural property of Japan.

Shogunzuka, artistic tea house

In Kyoto, there is a place little known to tourists, Mount Higashiyama. A magnificent place located at 220 m altitude offering the most beautiful view to admire the ancient imperial city. At this place, in 2015, a contemporary glass tea house was created: “Kōan” (光庵 “The Shelter of Light”) by designer Yoshioka Tokujin. The work was supposed to be temporary, but it is such a perfect reflection of the origins of Japanese culture that the project has been extended with no end date.

The place is perfectly suited to the tea ceremony, an art born from the appreciation of nature and its cycles.

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To get there, you will need to take a taxi from the city.

The tea ceremony, a whole codified ritual

The tea ceremony, also called Sadō, is an aesthetic ritual in which powdered green tea is prepared and tasted. The ceremony consists of tasting the drink, but also of appreciating the entire experience through the five senses. Thus, from beginning to end, a series of codified steps are faithfully followed. The host prepares the powdered green tea and the guests receive this hospitality. They respect and follow the rules as the ceremony unfolds.