Japanese Style

by Robert George, Dec 23, 2002 | Destinations: Japan / Tokyo

Although most women dress in contemporary clothing, many women still hold to the tradition of dressing in kimono for everyday wear.

Although most women dress in contemporary clothing, many women still hold to the tradition of dressing in kimono for everyday wear.

Image © 2002 Robert George

Although most women dress in contemporary clothing, many women still hold to the tradition of dressing in kimono for everyday wear.

Nestled in a quiet corner of this tiny private garden, a stone Buddha adds an element of contemplative serenity.

This ornate lantern adorns Sensoji Temple, located in the Asakusa District of Tokyo. Legend has it that, on the 18th of March in the year 628 A.D., two fishermen, Hamanari Hinokuma and his brother Takenari, cast their nets into the Sumida River and pulled out a golden statue of the Kannon Buddha. Soon thereafter, the village chief Hajino Nakamoto turned his home into a temple to house the treasured icon. Also known as Asakusa Kannon, Sensoji is Tokyo's oldest temple.

Although many Buddhist temples are weathered and simple in design, many others are adorned with dazzling color and elaborate architectural detail.

A story told with photos.

More From This Author

Perhaps the most anticipated and beloved celebration in Japan is the season known as Ohanami. The word translates as flower watching, and depending upon the weather in mid-spring, sometime during the month of April, the entire nation of Japan bursts into bloom with the ubiquitous sakura, the flowering cherry tree. The sakura create a frosty-pink canopy over city parks and country hillsides alike, and the people of Japan emerge after the long winter to rejoice in this ephemeral season. Beneath a canopy of blossoms, street vendors offer an array of traditional foods, including yakitori, skewers of savory grilled chicken.

The Taste of Japan

Japan

Robert George

The Tokyo district of Rygoku is home of one of Japan's most famous Sumo wrestling facilities. Sumo wrestlers train very strenuously for their six annual basho tournaments, and must consume up to 10,000 calories a day to achieve and maintain their enormous stature. When they're not in training however, they can be seen strolling the city sidewalks wearing blue and white cotton robes called yukata.

Japan

Robert George

In Japan, children are treated with the utmost care and attention. The literacy rate in Japan ranks among the world's highest, and the infant mortality rate is among the lowest. Despite its population density and astronomical cost of living, Japan provides excellent 'quality of life' for its children.

A Child's Life - Japan

Japan

Robert George

Shwedagon Impressions

Myanmar

Robert George

More Japan Stories

Cinequest 2016 - Night Song

Love is in the Air at Cinequest 2016

Japan / China / India

Celeste Heiter

A view by the Miyagawa River in Hida Takayama, Japan (c) Sze-Leng Tan

Miyagawa, Takayama: A Morning By the Crystal River

Japan

Sze-Leng Tan

Maiko

My life In Tokyo

Japan / Thailand

Stephen Bueckert

Bardsongs

Lost and Found at Cinequest 21

Japan / Vietnam / Sri Lanka

Celeste Heiter

About ThingsAsian

ThingsAsian is an Asia travel website with stories contributed by a worldwide community. Although we cover a wide range of topics, our emphasis is on art, culture, history and travel. Our writers, photographers and contributors are real people who tell you the stories of their personal travels and experiences. Some of the countries we currently cover are Burma, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Email: info@thingsasian.com