Kinkakuji, one of Kyoto’s most famous Zen temples, was destroyed in a fire exactly 70 years ago today.
Source: VOX POPULI: July 2 marks the 70th anniversary of the burning of Kinkakuji temple : The Asahi Shimbun
Tokyo’s history whitewash is insult to UNESCO; Nam Sang-Gu; Asia Times
At a time when statues representing histories of slavery, racism and colonialism are being toppled across the United States and worldwide, Japan is moving in the opposite direction. It has – this very month – opened a new historical center that completely ignores historical crimes.
Spotlight on Japan’s Industrial Heritage, Wartime Past at Newly-Opened Information Center; Shimpei Okuhara; JAPAN Forward
Remembering Japan’s Colonial Abuses Against Koreans on Hashima Island; Yuji Hosaka; The Diplomat
Despite the claims of a former resident of the island, Japanese abuses against Koreans were widespread.
Source: Remembering Japan’s Colonial Abuses Against Koreans on Hashima Island
Himeji Castle’s Fascinating Feudal History; DHWTY; Ancient Origins
Himeji-jo, known also as Himeji Castle, is located in Himeji City, in Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture. A fort was originally built during the 14th century AD on the present-day castle site, though the current structure dates to the 17 th century AD.
The Best Places to Visit in Kyoto, Japan; Chris Kane; Planet D
Kyoto is the 7th most populated city in Japan, though to most people, it is their favorite place to visit. This is because Kyoto still has all the conveniences you get in a larger city yet possesses a vast array of historical and cultural entities that are quintessentially Japanese.
Hiroshima Observes Somber Anniversary of Horrific Event; Randy Mink; Leisure Group Travel
Shrines and museum exhibits in this Japanese city recall the suffering caused by the first atom bomb 75 years ago. The attack brought a swift end to World War II.
Source: Hiroshima Observes Somber Anniversary of Horrific Event – Leisure Group Travel
World Heritage Himeji Castle fully reopens after 3-month virus hiatus; Kyodo News
Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a national treasure in western Japan, fully reopens after a three-month closure due to the spread of the new coronavirus.
Source: World Heritage Himeji Castle fully reopens after 3-month virus hiatus
An Outdoor Hot Spring of Eternal Youth with Sunset Ocean Views; Nippon.com
Furōfushi Onsen, a hot spring on Aomori’s west coast, is renowned for its outdoor baths commanding panoramic views of the Sea of Japan. Despite its remoteness, it is well-known among hot spring enthusiasts.
Source: An Outdoor Hot Spring of Eternal Youth with Sunset Ocean Views
Looking forward: The most beautiful places in Japan to dream about; Kasey Furutani; Time Out
Venture beyond Tokyo – add these breathtaking temples, landmarks and hiking trails to your Japan bucket list…
Source: Looking forward: The most beautiful places in Japan to dream about
Getting to Noh: Myths of Japanese Minimalism; Glenn Adamson; Hyper Allergic
The stereotype of Japan as a “less-is-more” kind of country is, in fact, quite misleading.
Climbing Mt. Fuji canceled due to COVID-19; Takahiro Takiguchi; Stars And Stripes Japan
Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest and most iconic mountain, is visible from all virtually anywhere in the Kanto Plain. It calls to even the most novice of climbers and adventure seekers from all over the world.
Mount Fuji to be closed to climbers this summer due to virus; Kyodo News
Mount Fuji will be closed to climbers this summer to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Source: Mount Fuji to be closed to climbers this summer due to virus
Great Buddha in Nara can still be seen, but only through window; The Asahi Shimbun
Nara’s fabulous Todaiji temple, home to one of the world’s largest Buddha statues, is suspending entry to the Great Buddha Hall while the new coronavirus rages.
Source: Great Buddha in Nara can still be seen, but only through window : The Asahi Shimbun
Fifth Ritz-Carlton in Japan on track for May opening; TTM
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has announced that The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is on target to open on 22 May 2020 as the fifth Ritz-Carlton property in Japan.
MY FAVES: Japan castles; Takahiro Takiguchi; Stripes Okinawa
Japan is home to many majestic castles. They are symbols of the country’s history, culture and pride. Showcasing some the nation’s most traditional architecture, they conjure images of samurai and…
Source: MY FAVES: Japan castles
A Goto Island of quarantine: the perfect place to hide; Vicki L Beyer; Japan Today
Up to the mid-19th century, Kashiragashima, a small, rocky island in Nagasaki’s Goto Island chain, was a place of quarantine, where contagious patients were sent to recover or, more likely, die. As a consequence, most healthy people avoided the place. Who can’t relate to that sentiment these days? But there was one group happy to settle on Kashiragashima and make a life for themselves.
Source: A Goto Island of quarantine: the perfect place to hide
Is Hiroshima the true home of okonomiyaki?; Steve John Powell & Angeles Marin Cabello; BBC
Okonomiyaki’s popularity first began to soar in the A-bomb aftermath, when food was scarce and people had to feed their families with whatever they had at hand.
Razed Shuri Castle to be restored; NST
THE world famous Shuri Castle in Shuri, near Okinawa, which was razed in a fire last October, will be fully restored by the Japanese government by 2026.
Psst! Wanna Hear Some Surprising Secrets About Mt. Fuji?; Yu Sato; Live Japan
Mt. Fuji in Japan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standing at 3,776 meters (about 12,388 feet) above sea level, it’s also famous for being the tallest mountain in Japan. These are facts that many people would already be familiar with, but there are some lesser-known trivia about Mt. Fuji that can be quite interesting as well. For example, what is Red Fuji and why is it considered an auspicious sight? Is there really an unidentified mysterious animal called Mossie lurking in the nearby Lake Motosu? Join Yu Sato on this intriguing journey through a few factoids related to Mt. Fuji and let your curiosity be tickled!
Source: Psst! Wanna Hear Some Surprising Secrets About Mt. Fuji? | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
