These are seven unmissable experiences you need to try in Japan. Marvel at amezaiku (the art of candy crafting) in Tokyo, un-wine-d in a giant pool of vino at the Yunessun Spa Resort in Hakone or check out the Kakunodate Fire and Snow Festival in Akita prefecture.
Home to both futuristic robots and centuries-old shrines, Japan seamlessly blends the old with the new. Here are four experiences you need to cross off your list when visiting.
Around Lunar New Year, in January or February, a snowy corner of Akita prefecture hosts the Hiburi Kamakura Festival, the Fire and Snow Festival. The event, which marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, involves the welcoming of good spirits, or kami. During the first part of the Hiburi Kamakura Festival, a shrine is constructed in the spirits’ honour, and is decorated with offerings and good luck charms. As the night goes on, a bonfire is lit, and bales of hay and charcoal are tied up with lengths of straw rope. Those participating in the Hiburi dance prepare by wrapping their hair in headscarves and slipping their hands into protective gloves, to stop them from getting singed. Read the full history here: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/hiburi-kamakura-the-festival-of-fire-and-snow/.
Visiting stuffy old temples may not seem like the most exciting activity for kids to do, but there are thousands of fascinating temples and shrines in Japan. Gotokuji, for example, is one of the luckiest temples in Tokyo as it is the birthplace of maneki-neko. Gotokji is home to over 10,000 of these cat figurines, which are believed to bring good luck. A classic maneki-neko looks like a Japanese bobtail cat with a calico coat, but the friendly feline now comes in all types and colours. Typically, one or both paws are raised. They are often called ‘waving cats’ in English because of the position of the paw, but in Japan, this gesture, with the palm facing down, is used to beckon someone towards you. Others see a cat raising a paw to wash itself. For more about cats in Tokyo, read: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/this-is-why-you-need-to-visit-tokyos-cat-town/.
Japan has a reputation for innovation, and that extends to its food and desserts. The traditional candy craft of amezaiku blurs the line between food and art. Using hot, malleable taffy, candy artisans, known as ame shokunin, bring these sugar sculptures to life with colour, shape and texture. To get acquainted with this art form, visit: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/amezaiku-traditional-japanese-sugar-sculpture/.
How about unwinding in a giant pool of wine at Yunessun Spa Resort in Hakone? Yes, you read that right. Merlot lovers have a new way of enjoying their favourite tipple. But if wine isn't your thing, don’t worry. You can take a dip in coffee, green tea or sake instead!
Discover more about Japan and start your wishlist here: https://culturetrip.travel/Japan.
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? Credits:
Yunessun Spa Resort, Hakone
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC323XYFBzAKaiF5mbxLcC3A
https://www.youtube.com/user/starletshay
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTs8QxH3qupshvspxUXYfeQ/
Pug Cafe, Kyoto
https://www.youtube.com/user/brosharinternational
Nakizumo, Tokyo
https://www.youtube.com/user/RoninDave
