The timeless allure of Japanese culture

Japanese culture holds significance in blending both ancient and contemporary beliefs, traditions, and customs. There is an art, reason, and historical purpose to explain how things are conducted in families and society. This is part of what makes it such a fascinating country to visit. If you are looking for something different you are sure to find it here!

Bowing

Japanese people place a high value on politeness and are extremely proud of their international image as being humble.  You've probably heard of the old Japanese tradition of bowing as a greeting, which dates back to Japan’s ancient history. This old custom has persisted in contemporary. Japan, where bowing is performed when you are saying hello and goodbye, thanking someone, apologising, congratulating, and asking for a favour. It is considered impolite not to return a bow to the person that has bowed to you. If you would like to earn some brownie points on your trip to Japan, perform a bow when you are engaging with a local, such as restaurant staff.

Kimono

When thinking of Japanese culture, a Kimono is probably one of the things that first come to mind Many locals still enjoy wearing traditional clothes for special occasions, including graduation, weddings, and festivals.

Matsuri – Traditional Festivals

Japan is home to a myriad of traditional festivals, known as Matsuri, celebrated throughout the year. These festivals vary in theme and purpose, ranging from religious ceremonies to harvest celebrations. Notable examples include Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori, each with its unique cultural significance, traditional costumes, and vibrant performances that showcase the diversity of Japan's cultural landscape.

Temples and Shrines

Temples and shrines make up a huge part of Japanese culture as sacred places for worship. They are marked with the stunning architecture of tori gates and altars. Japan boasts a vast network of these sacred sites, with more than 150,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines spread across the country.

Cherry Blossoms

Spring isn’t only a wonderful time to visit Japan, but it’s also widely known as the season when Sakura trees are in full bloom. One of the most iconic and beloved traditions in Japan is the custom of enjoying the transient beauty of cherry blossoms. Every spring, when cherry trees bloom in resplendent shades of pink and white, people gather in parks for picnics, music, and dance — a thousand-year-old tradition called hanami.

Onsens

According to the Shinto religion, the waters of Japan's natural hot springs (onsens), are considered to be healing waters with the power to cleanse and purify the soul. This conviction has integrated the act of bathing in hot springs into the fabric of Japanese culture. Onsens are dispersed across the country, with Hokkaido having the most onsen facilities in the country.

— kushmita@khaleejtimes.com