Michel Lebon and Walter Sebastian

Modern Tokyo Times

Kukai is one of the most powerful individuals in Japanese history and religion. Today his legacy can be seen throughout Shingon Buddhism and this branch of Buddhism is still growing and developing in new countries. Kukai saw the world in a unique way and relayed this within esoteric Buddhism after various stages of his life created new milestones.

Today if individuals pay homage to Kukai by visiting Koyasan in Wakayama then the natural beauty of Shingon Buddhism shines right through. Koyasan is extremely beautiful and a real gem because of the stunning scenery which can be seen in all directions. This is matched by amazing architecture and plenty of places to pray and think about the bigger picture.

Kukai (774-835) searched high and low to find a place so remote and matched by exquisite nature before laying the foundation stone of this new vibrant faith. He knew immediately when he reached Mount Koya that a new “light” could be found because everything was sublime. Kukai who is also called Kobo Daishi went against the grain in Japan because he taught that enlightenment could be attained in one lifetime. This was extremely revolutionary for people who heard this for the first time.

This theory was extremely powerful in old Japan because now people could be held accountable directly within their current existence providing they had the power to reach enlightenment. Clearly this would have liberated many people and created a new freshness within the Buddhist faith. It also highlights that unlike conservative Islam and Christianity, that individuals within the Buddhist faith were not constrained by dogma or an over bearing “religious state” in this period of history.

It is easy to imagine Kukai spreading this message and debating many things in and around Koyasan. At the same time, it is clear that Kukai wasn’t closed to new concepts because he was a searcher and redeemer through his teaching.

Koyu Sonoda (http://www.asunam.com/kukai_page.htm) comments that “Kukai’s tolerance sprang from his personality and his genius, as well as from the nature of Shingon teachings themselves. In 830 he completed his work on the classification of the teachings and the place of Shingon within them, the Ten Stages of the Development of Mind in ten volumes. The classification was performed at the order of Emperor Junna, who had required all the sects to detail the essentials of their teachings. This work is based upon the chapter “The Stages of Mind” in the Great Sun Sutra. Kukai divided the human mind (or religious consciousness) into ten categories and compared each level with various non-Buddhist and Buddhist philosophies and sects in order to show that Shingon is superior to all. Kukai’s Ten Stages is more than just a classification of the teachings in the traditional style, for he extends the classification beyond the Buddhist sects to all religions and systems of ethics. From the standpoint of the esoteric teachings, the great and splendid wisdom of Mahavairocana Tathagata dwells profoundly within even the shallowest kinds of thought and religion. Consequently, the One Vehicle thought of esoteric Buddhism (Shingon), unlike the One Vehicle doctrine of esoteric Buddhism (Tendai and Kegon), is not incompatible with the Three Vehicles theory of Hosso. This tolerance inherent in Shingon prevented the Buddhist sects of Nara from coming into direct conflict with Kukai’s Shingon, and allowed them, almost without realizing it, to be absorbed within it. It was not only the Nara sects that were so influenced. The same thing is evident in the teaching program of Shugei Shuchi-in, the school Kukai founded next to Toji, which offered Confucian and Taoist as well as Buddhist studies; in social endeavors such as the reconstruction of Mannoike; and even in Kukai’s multifaceted cultural pursuits. As far as Kukai was concerned, even making tea and writing poems in the company of the emperor and nobles were forms of religious activity. The fact that he was so eminently popular among the people can be considered a further expression of his religious outlook.”

“Kukai died on Mount Koya on April 23, 835, and it is believed that even now he remains in eternal samadhi in his bodily form within the inner shrine on the mountain. This belief also is a legacy of the burning admiration felt for him by the people as a whole.”

Kukai learnt much from China when he visited this majestic nation which is extremely rich in culture. On his return to Japan he brought new ideas from China and distant India. Kukai then fused these mass complexities within Japanese cultural concepts whereby the power of Shintoism can’t be ignored.

Near the end of Kukai’s life he stopped taking food and water and instead he meditated and it was reported that his body did not decay for several years.  Many legends have sprung up about Kukai and one claims that Kukai was transformed into an eternal Samadhi. Therefore, the legend states that Kukai wanders around Mount Koya where he is awaiting a major spiritual event to take place and this applies to the next Buddha Maitreya appearing.

This article only provides a glimpse into the world of Kukai because individuals should search this powerful religious teacher for themselves. After all, Kukai provides many insights into this world and connects this with the mystery of what is beyond. Yet Kukai also taught that enlightenment was obtainable in this life and for this reason his energy remains vibrant just like it did during his time on this earth.

Lee Jay Walker gave support to both writers

http://www.visiblemantra.org/kukai.html Kukai and information

http://ww2.coastal.edu/rgreen/ Kukai and information

http://www.shukubo.jp/eng/ (stunning Koyasan)

http://www.koyasan.org/ (Information about Koyasn)

Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The artist Tani Buncho felt the rich pull of Chinese culture despite the historical reality of Japan being mainly cut off from the outside world during his lifetime. Buncho was born in 1763 and died in 1840 and throughout his life the Edo period infringed heavily upon his desire to obtain greater international knowledge. This applies to his love of Chinese high culture despite being deprived from visiting this nation because of policies linked to Sakoku (locked country).

Buncho was also influenced by the deep impressions of culture within his native Japan and the snippets of Chinese and Western culture which reached this isolated nation. He is remembered for belonging to the Bunjinga school of thought alongside other notable artists like Kameda Bosai, Hanabusa Itcho, Ike no Taiga, Watanabe Kazan, Tomioka Tessai and several other powerful artists.

Bunjinga equates to literati painting and this school of thought flourished during the late Edo period. It is also known under the name Nanga which applies to the Chinese Southern school. However, Buncho was very inquisitive by nature therefore aspects of Western art also impacted upon him and he wasn’t afraid to search for new ideas. The one binding feature of Buncho was the lore of high culture irrespective if this applies to internal or external forces.

The Saru Gallery states that “Tani Buncho was one of the most important painters of his period, with a tremendous influence on his contemporaries. Born to a samurai family in Edo in 1763, his father, Tani Rokkoku, was a well-known poet and a vassal of Lord Tayasu (the second son of the eighth Tokugawa shogun).”

“Buncho first studied Kano painting with Kato Bunrei and Kitayama Kangan. He then studied the Nanga style under Watanabe Gentai and Kushiro Unsen. He also studied all other types of painting then being practiced in Japan: Tosa, ukiyo-e, Eastern style, and, under a Chinese painter in Nagasaki, the Chinese mode. He was a connoisseur of paintings. He was the author of Honcho Gasan, which contains reproductions of his copies of old Japanese paintings. He also wrote Buncho Gadan, a treatise on painting. Although best known as a nanga artist, he is also well known for his realistic portraits. His work is wildly eclectic.”

It is clear that his background enabled Buncho to reach the heights that he would obtain once he mastered many different styles. The power of poetry also must have blessed him greatly in the field of art because new concepts impacted greatly upon his artistic work.

Despite Japan being mainly cut off from the outside world it is clear that many international cultural influences from the past remained. Also, “small windows” remained open whereby Chinese, Korean and Western culture could enter despite the enormous restrictions. Therefore, Buncho searched these “small windows” in order to obtain new knowledge.

Chinese culture had impacted greatly on Japan in the past. This notably applies to art, culture, philosophy, religion, architecture and other powerful areas. Likewise, Korea also influenced Japan in many powerful areas. Given this reality, then the implementation of Sakoku wasn’t aimed at the traditions and fusions of Japanese society but merely at isolating the country and keeping out “alien concepts” which were deemed a threat to the social fabric of society.

In modern day Saudi Arabia it could be stated that a form of “Sakoku” exists because apostasy leads to the death penalty and this nation doesn’t tolerate outside concepts like socialism, democracy, liberalism, and so forth, which are equally deemed to be a threat to the power mechanisms of society. Likewise, North Korea regulates society just like modern day Saudi Arabia. Therefore, while both nations are very different from old Japan during the Edo period – you can still envisage the difficulties faced by individuals who desire to obtain real knowledge of the outside world. Not surprisingly, the world of China and the West which entered Japan during the Edo period will have been clouded by all the restrictions put upon society.

Ironically, while this negative reality restricted artists like Buncho – it also could be stated that this fact enabled a unique approach within the bunjinga art world to materialize. After all, the real understanding of the Chinese Southern school couldn’t be fully understood because of all the constraints. This fact meant that replication couldn’t be obtained therefore the bunjinga movement created its own unique style and this also applies to the rich meaning behind the art work.

In another article by Modern Tokyo Times about bunjinga it was stated that “…while the clampdown against Christianity was a reality and converts would be killed without haste, it is abundantly clear that Edo did not infringe on the teaching of other non-Japanese indigenous faiths and philosophies that came to Japan via China and Korea. Given this reality, Chinese ideas ran through the veins of Japanese society because the ruling elites adopted Edo Neo-Confucianism whereby greater stratification took place. The samurai also built many Confucian academies and while the movement called Kokugaku would emerge with greater power and influence, this applies to focusing on Japanese culture, history, the Shinto faith, and ancient literature; the rules of the old world would remain. Given this, Confucian philosophy would still hold sway during the Edo period until the last few decades before the Meiji Restoration of 1868…”

Contemporary ideas from China ceased to impact upon Japan during the Edo period. Therefore, Buncho’s image of old China was stuck in a time warp of exquisite nature when it comes to Chinese high culture. Buncho also utilized his knowledge of the Tosa School of art and ukiyo-e. Not surprisingly, Chinese and Western art entered the world of Buncho through the fog of the power mechanisms of the day.

Buncho leaves a remarkable legacy despite all the restrictions he faced because his creativity and love of culture overcame the many high mountains he faced.

http://jyuluck-do.com/profile_tani_buncho.html

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Olivier LeCourt and  Hiroshi Saito

Modern Tokyo Times

Koyasan is located in Wakayama Prefecture and the stunning nature throughout the year is extremely beautiful. The rich legacy of culture and religion is still alive and Mount Koya provides amazing views. Therefore, you can understand why Kukai chose this mysterious and remote part of Japan.

Nara is where Japanese high culture came alive and Kyoto followed and enhanced the richness of Nara. However, Koyasan is also special and the Kansai region is extremely rich and varied.  The remoteness of Koyasan does not hinder tourism because this place is thriving during the holidays and for religious people it is a place of pilgrimage throughout the year.

Shingon Buddhism is still potent in Koyasan and irrespective if you are religious or not, you can still experience and feel the power of religion and nature.  International tourists flock to Kyoto and Nara, and rightly so because both places are blessed with a rich culture, but a visit to Koyasan would be the icing on the cake because something magical exists in this place.

The architecture, temples, nature, mysterious graveyard, and the entire environment is a real treasure. Therefore, you can leisurely wander around and experience a traditional culture which is still alive in this part of Japan.

Shingon Buddhism and visual images of Buddha alongside sublime art and magnificent architecture all comes together. Garden layouts also relate to time and space and have a spiritual dimension.  Each aspect seems natural and even when no meaning is meant it is easy to think about the bigger picture.

If you are religious then God’s Eden may not be perfect and clearly the failure of humanity throughout history is evidence of this. However, in Koyasan, just like in all nations which have places of rich culture and faith, you have a magical place which is a real gem.

In another article about Koyasan by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “The non-religious may believe that God is an illusion and this may be so; however, in places like Koyasan you can feel “a magical atmosphere.” The “old world” survives within “modernity” but preserves its rich culture and maintains a rare spirituality.”

“Kukai (774-835) who became known as Kobo Daishi established the first monastery in the ninth century on mount Koya (Koya-san).  The Shingon sect had a different thought pattern within the many schools of Buddhism and Kukai believed that enlightenment could be attained in one lifetime.”

“Kukai was a searcher and he visited China and during his stay he studied Esoteric Buddhism.  Initially, he prayed for peace and prosperity because he could not find inner-peace within city life, therefore, he searched for a place where he could meditate and become even more spiritual.” 

“When Kukai saw the stunning nature of Koyasan it was clear to him that he had found the place which he desired.  The mountains meant that he was cut off from everyday city life in this period and the sublime beauty of nature added to the mysterious feel of Koyasan.”

The heart of Koyasan still beats and Buddhists and non-Buddhists will gain from visiting this mysterious place. Culture, religion, and architecture, all comes together and the backdrop of Mount Koya is extremely beautiful.

Kukai certainly made a wise choice and legend abounds that he still wanders around Mount Koya. This applies to Kukai being transformed into an eternal Samadhi and awaiting the next Buddha Maitreya appearing in Koyasan.  Therefore, he wanders around and patiently waits for the dawn of a new time.

Koyasan is simply amazing!

Lee Jay Walker gave support to both main writers

http://www.shukubo.jp/eng /  (stunning Koyasan)

http://www.koyasan.org/          (Information about Koyasn)

http://www.visiblemantra.org/kukai.html  Kukai and information

http://ww2.coastal.edu/rgreen/  Kukai and information

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Sarah Deschamps and Tomoko Hara

Modern Tokyo Times

The history of ikebana (living flowers) is extremely fascinating because it tells us a lot about aspects of Japanese culture and how the different thought patterns can be seen in art. Ikebana is also known by the name of kado (way of flowers) and in modern Japan it is abundantly clear that ikebana remains popular.

In Europe and North America flower arrangement is based on decorative forms and the cultural angle and the aesthetic side isn’t reflected like it is in Japan. This doesn’t denote that flower arrangement isn’t extremely beautiful in Europe and North America nor does it imply that extreme care isn’t taken. On the contrary, both styles have their own natural beauty and individualism can be felt more within Europe and North America because certain aesthetic aspects apply to ikebana.

Ikebana puts the emphasis on linear aspects unlike flower arrangement in Europe and North America which focuses on color schemes of the flowers, quantity, and the stunning beauty of blossoms, which immediately appeals to the eye. Japanese ikebana also encompasses the vase, leaves, branches, and stems, which work in harmony with the flowers on display. This in itself symbolizes a different thought pattern because this represents humankind, earth, and heaven.

The history of ikebana is extremely fascinating because it highlights the importance of this art form in Japan. In the sixth century (the oldest school of ikebana dates from the fifteenth century) it is apparent that the religious angle of ikebana was of major importance. Therefore, in this period ikebana was a ritual offering which took place in Buddhist temples.

During this period of Japanese history the branches and flowers indicated a firm faith because they pointed towards heaven. This fact clearly led to the aesthetic and religious aspect of ikebana in the early period.

In the fifteenth century a new style emerged called rikka (standing flowers) but in modern times this art form isn’t practiced so much. Rikka put the emphasis on nature because the river or a small stream was represented by white chrysanthemums. Meanwhile rocks and stones were represented by branches and with the power of nature in Shintoism and other thought patterns putting great emphasis on time and space; then rikka is easily understood within the thought patterns of Japan. This decorative technique was very popular in the seventeenth ceremony and was preserved for festive and ceremonial purposes.

Ikebana also changed dramatically in the fifteenth century because of Ashikaga Yoshimasa who was the Muromachi shogun. Ashikaga Yoshimasa was born in 1436 and died in 1490 but he revolutionized the art form of ikebana. This applies to his love of simplicity therefore within the new small houses being built the area called tokonoma became important. The reason behind this is that the tokonoma area was an area to place flower arrangements and art pieces, which would create a nice ambience.

At the same time the rules of ikebana became more moderate and not so rigid. Therefore, ikebana now became more egalitarian because now people of all classes could create and see ikebana much more.

In the following century another change occurred in flower arrangement in Japan when a more simple style was introduced. This style is called nageire (to throw in) and became part of the tea ceremony. Like the name implies the flowers were arranged without any constraints and the look is natural. Cha-bana (tea flowers) is also another name for this concept because of the association with the Japanese tea ceremony.

Moribana in the 1890s created a new form of ikebana and on the Ohararyu website at the bottom of this article it states that this style was “Originated by the First Headmaster Unshin Ohara, this is ikebana where materials are arranged as if they are piled up in low flat containers with a wide surface area of water. It includes the Color Scheme Moribana, which expresses beauty of color, and the Landscape Moribana, in which the beauty of natural scenery is represented. In Moribana, as in Advanced Hana-isho, there are three principal stems – the Subject, the Secondary, and the Object. These stems form the basic framework of various styles. Intermediaries called Filler stems are freely added to the principal stems.”

Modern ikebana applies from the 1930s and onwards and this style is known by the name of zen’ei ikebana. Unlike the more classical style this form is more expressive and builds on the influence of new thought patterns entering Japan. The many changes of ikebana can also be viewed by the reasons behind doing this art form because in the past, along with the tea ceremony and calligraphy, all three art forms were linked to gender roles and preparing Japanese women for future marriage. Of course, in the modern period ikebana is still a traditional art form in Japan. However, this is fused with modern thinking and people study this art form because of multiple reasons.

The history of ikebana is very intriguing and if people want to learn more about ikebana and study more deeply, then the web-links below are designed to help.

Lee Jay Walker gave support to both main writers

http://www.ohararyu.or.jp/english/form_moribana.html

http://www.ikebanahq.org/history.php

http://ikebanabyjunko.co.uk/

http://keithstanley.com/

http://www.ikebana-today.com/en_ikebana_history.html

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

James Jomo and Hiroshi Saito

Modern Tokyo Times

Wakayama prefecture in Japan is blessed with many amazing places to visit and the richness of culture and history can be felt throughout this lovely region. This notably applies to Wakayama Castle, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, and many other places which are rich in culture and history throughout the Kii Peninsula and the surrounding region. Alternatively, you have many stunning beaches and Shirahama is a very popular destination. Therefore, Wakayama and the Kii Peninsula is a must place to visit for tourists who want to feel and witness the richness of Japanese history and culture.

Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagano, and Nara, are internationally famous and Osaka is an ultra-modern and vibrant city. However, throughout Japan you have natural stunning beauty and in places like Koyasan in Wakayama it becomes abundantly clear that you have many gems in this beautiful country.

Indeed, the Kansai region is extremely diverse and you have so many places which are in easy reach. This notably applies to Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Wakayama. Therefore major cities like Osaka and Kobe are ideal bases for tourists who want to experience the richness of culture throughout the region. .

Also, Buddhism is internationally famous in places like Kyoto and Nara therefore both places attract tourists from all over Japan and internationally. Nara is also very important in Japan because this place is the cradle of Japanese high culture and despite the powerbase moving from Nara to Kyoto, the legacy of Nara can’t be ignored.

Buddhism is also powerful in Koyasan because Kukai (774-835) spread a new message and today Shingon Buddhism remains visible in this stunning place. Indeed, this mountainous region is extremely beautiful and Mount Koya certainly attracted Kukai because of its remoteness and the magnificent scenery which is truly beautiful. Therefore, if individuals want to view “living Buddhism,” stunning Buddhist temples, lovely architecture, and natural beauty which can be viewed in all directions, then Koyasan is a must place to visit.

Another great place to visit in Wakayama is Wakayama Castle because this castle is well maintained and the views from the top of the castle are extremely stunning. Not only this, you can feel the power of this castle because of the size of the grounds and in history this castle was of strategic significance.

Therefore, Hideyoshi Toyotomi and Ieyasu Tokugawa respectively gave the order to family members to create and then strengthen this castle. Hideyoshi Toyotomi ordered the construction of the castle in 1585 and he gave this plan to his brother Hidenaga Toyotomi. Likewise, Ieyasu Tokugawa dispatched Yorinobu, his tenth son, to strengthen the castle and under Yorinobu this castle became extremely important for the Tokugawa bakufu based on geopolitical factors.

The main tourist areas to visit within the foundations of Wakayama Castle include the Honmaru Palace; Ohashi Rokka Bridge; Donjon; Ninomaru; Okaguchimon Gate; Otemon Gate; Minaminomaru; and other places within the castle complex.

Wakayama is not just about history, religion, culture, and amazing mountain ranges because in Shirahama you have lovely beaches to enjoy. From April to October the temperature makes the beach a great place to visit because you have many places to swim and paddle. Also, the landscape is very pleasing on the eye and you have many tourist attractions to visit and enjoy your stay.

Two other lovely places to visit are Nachi-no-taki Falls (Nachi Waterfall) and Nachi-Katsuura (Nachikatsuura). In both places you can feel the natural beauty of Wakayama and you can image old Japan. Therefore, the tranquil aspect enables people to feel refreshed.

Kumano Kodo is another amazing place in the Kii Peninsula because these pilgrimage routes highlight the uniqueness of religion in old Japan. The richness of the area means that modern pilgrims and non-pilgrims still visit in vast numbers in order to connect with the inner-soul and nature.

C. James Dale commented on Time Travel website that “Fresh from a long hike through the lush hills and valleys of Japan’s southwestern Kii Peninsula, Shugendo monks stand in their mud-splashed boots in front of the thatched-roof pavilions of the Kumano Hongu Taisha. Some chant and pray, others blow conch shells. The monks, whose spirituality mixes Shintoism, Buddhism, Taoism and animism, have arrived to worship after navigating the Kumano Kodo — a network of well-marked and well-maintained trails that winds through forests, fields, towns and villages nearly 600 km from Tokyo. It’s a journey religious figures, royalty and regular folk have been making since the Heian period (794-1192).”

“The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes and the sacred sites they connect have attracted more attention since making the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2004, taking their place alongside Spain’s Camino de Santiago de Compostela (Way of St. James).”

Overall, the Kii Peninsula is extremely beautiful because you have so many places to visit and enjoy stunning nature. The cultural aspect and religious association with this part of Japan is also a major highlight for all tourists who want to understand the deep roots of this fascinating nation. Therefore, a visit to Wakayama Castle, Koyasan, and all the places highlighted in this article, and many other hidden gems throughout the region, is a must for all people who have the opportunity to visit this part of Japan.

Lee Jay Walker gave guidance to both writers

http://www.nk-kumano.com/ (Nachi Katsuura)

http://www.shukubo.jp/eng/ (Koyasan)

http://www.kumano-experience.com/01/en/ (Kumano Experience)

http://www.sekaiisan-wakayama.jp/english/index.html (Wakayama)

http://www.nanki-shirahama.com/eng/index.html (Shirahama)

http://farstrider.net/Japan/Castles/Wakayamajo.htm (Wakayama Castle)

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Sarah Deschamps and Kanako Itamae

Modern Tokyo Times

The pace of life in all major cities throughout the world can sometimes catch up on people therefore gardens are important places to unwind and refresh the soul. Of course individuals visit beautiful gardens for many reasons but for people who suffer from stress or feel trapped by life, then gardens are a rich oasis of much needed tranquility. Therefore, the stunning beauty of Koishikawa Korakuen in Tokyo and other adorable gardens are highly valued by Tokyoites.

Koishikawa Korakuen is one of the elite gardens which are based in Tokyo because of its rich cultural past, which makes it stand out amongst the crème de la crème of gardens in this mega-city. Of course, other gardens like Chinzan-so provide a place to escape, unwind, and see the bigger picture. However, the richness of gardens like Korakuen and Chinzan-so are very special because of the natural beauty on show and the fusions of culture and ideas which have made these gardens so special.

Japanese gardens are internationally famous because of space, simplicity, ethics, religion, time, architecture, fusions of ideas, and other important areas, which naturally blend with the landscape. The richness of the layout and special meaning is a wonder to behold. Therefore, international tourists lap up this splendor because it is a fantastic way to feel the richness of Japanese culture.

Likewise, for Tokyoites who have to face the morning rush hour madness and the over busy trains after 5pm on a daily basis, then the gardens of Tokyo are an oasis of tranquility and escapism. Even in the mega busy district of Shinjuku you have a stunning garden to escape the madding crowd.

From an historical point of view Korakuen is also very special because the foundation of this garden dates back to 1629. Also, the influence of China is all around this garden because in the past scholars and holy men from both nations blessed each respective society.

This means that the landscape of this adorable garden is based on the mixture of the inter-mingling of Chinese and Japanese philosophy, which was very powerful in the Edo period because of past connections between both cultures. This fusion of ideas is truly amazing and it is a clear reminder that in historical terms, both China and Japan have enriched both societies. After all, for vast periods of history famous scholars and holy men from China were welcomed with open arms.

In a past article about Korakuen garden by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “Korakuen derives its name from a Chinese text which states “a need for those in power to worry about maintaining power first and then enjoy power later.” This can be found in Hanchuen’s “Gakuyoro-ki” and Mitsukuni who began constructing the garden found great wisdom in these words. Therefore, Mitsukuni took the name Korakuen for this garden which means “the garden for enjoying power later on.” 

Therefore, if you close your eyes and let the breeze touch your face or the strong rays of sunshine touch your skin during the summer season, then in this brief moment you will feel that you have been transported to a different reality. This is based on the ambience of Korakuen being extremely refined because of the stunning backdrop of nature in all directions. Also, if you have a very creative mind then you can feel and sense all the positive aspects of Tokugawa high culture – whereby nature, ethics, beauty, philosophy, religion, and other important areas, all blend naturally together because of the magnificent surroundings.

The stunning architecture and design in Korakuen is also extremely elegant and within the grounds you have places to escape and refresh the soul. Therefore, for individuals of all ages the gardens of Tokyo provide a welcome place to relax and they certainly enhance the lifestyle of this ultra-modern and buzzing city.

Lee Jay Walker gave guidance to both writers

http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/koishikawa/index.html  (Please view the garden)

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3034_003.html  (Please view the garden)

http://moderntokyotimes.com

By toshidama

I suppose that if you were to ask most people about traditional Japanese culture, they would talk about geishas and samurai, sushi, kimonos and bonsai trees. It’s likely though that few people would know much about the bonsai tree and probably would not have seen one. In many ways, however, the bonsai is a very good illustration of Japanese cultural concerns… its roots are in zen – the contemplation of nature – but primarily it is an art form that is about controlling nature, packaging nature if you like and this fits very well with the traditional Japanese psyche. The word comes from bon meaning a tray and sai meaning planting. The oldest known bonsai tree is 500 years old and is in the Tokyo Imperial Palace; incredibly there is a record of it being cultivated in 1610 by Tokugawa lemitsu. The hobby is quite popular here in the UK; there is a thriving amateur bonsai market and many people practising with these tiny apparitions of wild nature… these worlds contained. But what of their history and what of their place in art… how and why are they represented?

When we talk of the Japanese aesthetic, we seem to come back to the fundamental principle, the untranslatable phrase – wabi-sabi. This Buddhist based philosophical pose lies at the heart of all Japanese appreciation and culture. Put crudely, it is a position based on the Buddha’s insistence on impermanence, imperfection, transience and the integrity of natural objects. Wabi refers to the loneliness of living in nature,sabi from the patina of age – quite literally withered. Maybe in the west, it is the spontaneous feeling that people experience when seeing a ramshackle, half-timbered house in a country lane. It is an aesthetic of melancholy, contemplation and of nature. Clearly, the gnarled and withered roots and twisting branches of an old bonsai achieve this objective; and this sparseness, this suffering if you like, (so essential to the arts of the Japanese) has been a part of Japanese society for thousands of years.

Bonsai rarely take a starring role in Japanese prints, but they are not uncommon in supporting roles. Possibly the favoured ukiyo-e for the bonsai enthusiast is a series of Tokaido Road prints entirely based on miniature bonsai landscapes – each potted tree representing one station on the great Tokaido. The Tokaido Road was the route between Edo and Kyoto, made famous outside Japan by Hiroshige’s lifelong devotion to picturing each of its 53 post stations in an individual print. The craze for Tokaido series became very popular amongst woodblock artists during the middle of the nineteenth century. It was a brilliant and very clever deviation from the usual theme when Yoshishige, in 1848, chose to depict the entire route in this unconventional way. The prints themselves are among my favourite landscapes in ukiyo-e. They are wittily and superbly realised and retain some recognisable features from the Hiroshige that they use as their model.

Ukiyo-e enthusiasts will be familiar with the novel, (often credited with being the first of its kind) Utsobo Monogatari  (the Tale of the Hollow Tree), from 970. This includes this passage on the cultivation of miniature trees: “A tree that is left growing in its natural state is a crude thing. It is only when it is kept close to human beings who fashion it with loving care that its shape and style acquire the ability to move one.” This seems to sum up the entire outlook of Japanese aesthetics from ceramics to screens, from the tea ceremony to much of ukiyo-e. Later, in 1383 we find the Noh play Hachi-No-Ki (The Potted Trees) which tells the story of an impoverished samurai and his bonsai. A shogun, Tokiyori, travels the winter landscape in disguise and calls at the house of a poor samurai who has lost everything except his three treasured bonsai trees. Nevertheless and not knowing the king’s identity, he chops up the trees to make a fire for his guest and promises his loyalty to the king in time of crisis. Later when the king calls for soldiers the old samurai turns up and the king rewards him with three provinces – one for each of his trees – plum, pine and cherry.  Above is a very fine print of the subject by Kuniyoshi from the fabulous album A Comparison of the Ogura One Hundred Poets. King Tokiyori is present in the print, seated in grey robes whose pigments have oxidised delightfully. In the top right of the picture is the old samurai’s armour hanging from a chest. In front of Tokiyori is a small fire in a hearth and at the base of the image are the broken bonsai. The story (and the subsequent print) tells us much about the importance of bonsai cultivation. It illustrates the devotion of the poor samurai who has lost everything but his trees, the acknowledged sacrifice of these venerated items and the recognition of his devotion by the Shogun.

The nineteenth century saw an enthusiasm for bonsai akin to the tulipomania in Holland of the eighteenth century. In another print by Kuniyoshi we see a woman negotiating a discount on some potted trees with an inset picture of lumber yards in the background. Elsewhere, bonsai appear in print series with titles such as A Collection of Desires. The bonsai is embedded deep in the folk stories, histories, philosophies and dramas of Japanese culture and their occurrence in woodblock prints underscores this importance as the many other examples by Kunisada, Yoshitoshi and Hiroshige attest.

http://toshidama.wordpress.com/2012/04/03/bonsai-trees-in-japanese-prints-small-is-beautiful/

Please visit http://toshidama.wordpress.com for more articles and information.

Please visit http://toshidama-japanese-prints.com/ -   On our site you will see a wonderful selection of Japanese woodblock prints for sale. Ukiyo-e (the Japanese name for woodblock prints of the 18th and 19th centuries) are beautiful, collectible and a sound financial investment

Tomoko Hara and Sebastian Walter

Modern Tokyo Times

The full name of Shinrin Park (Shinrin Koen) in Saitama prefecture is Musashi-Kyuryo National Government Park. If you are a tourist or reside in Tokyo, then it takes just under one hour from Ikebukuro train station. This means that this amazing park is in easy access and given the attractions and enormous size of this adorable park then it is a perfect day out.

Indeed, if you enjoy cycling then you have several delightful courses with the main course lasting 17km of splendid isolation. This applies to being free from cars, walkers and dogs. At all times you can cycle at your own leisure and pop off and visit the many beautiful gardens and quiet walks around the many ponds which are spread throughout Shinrin Park. You can hire bikes just before entering the park or from within the park, the option belongs to you and the same applies to taking your own bike. The sheer size of the cycle trail whereby you are surrounded by stunning scenery is a real treasure to behold. After all, it is perfect exercise and a fantastic way to explore this National Park.

If you are a flower lover then you have flowers throughout the season which will vary based on the respective time of the year. Flowers within the park applies to amur adonis, aeginetia indica, camellia, chamomille, cosmos, dogtooth violets, gold-banded lily, Japanese apricot, Japanese cherry, kumagaiso, lupins, maple, mealy primrose, poppy, torch azalea and many more. Like stated already, much will depend on the season but the beauty of this park is that flowers can be viewed throughout the year. Also, the amazing backdrops and countless number of ponds mean that you have so many places to see.

Special courses to follow include the 17 km cycling trial like already mentioned; wild plant course whereby approximately 150 different kinds can be viewed while enjoying a leisurely stroll; orienteering; and marathon and cross country courses. Alongside this, you have an athletics field and Japan’s biggest air trampoline which can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. For children, you also have a wading pool, amusement devices and a big dome in 50 different colors, and for schools and groups within the region you have activities related to environmental learning.

The athletics field is located in the forest and this provides an amazing thrill because everything seems so natural. Also, this adventure course is a great way to keep fit while enjoying the fun side. It is also a place where children can experiment and do different types of exercises and likewise where adults can forget about all their stresses. Similarly, for family members who just want to enjoy seeing their respective children play, then it is a rare treat to see young kids enjoying beautiful nature and keeping fit at the same time.

From a nature angle then Shinrin Park provides something different throughout the year. In the spring season you have Plum Forest whereby 600 plum trees can be found which cater for 120 different colors and varieties. Japanese cherry trees in late March begin to blossom and you have just under 500 of this species in one special part of the park. During the same time of year you also have spirea and golden forsythia. Meanwhile in the middle of July to very early August you can witness gold-banded lilies. While during the final months of the year you can view the dramatic colors of the 500 maples trees between the middle of November to the first part of December. Therefore, Shinrin Park caters for a whole array of adorable plant life throughout the year.

The park opens at 9.30am throughout the year but closes between 4pm and 5pm depending on the season. Between March 1 and October 31 the park closes at 5pm. The park only closes on December 31, January 1 and the third and fourth Mondays of January. For full details then please visit the website of Shinrin Park at the end of this article. It is worth mentioning that this article only provides a small glimpse into this amazing place. Also, you have several places to eat refreshments and buy books and other goods related to the park and local produce. Overall, Shinrin Park is a real treasure for people who reside in Tokyo and Saitama prefecture and for tourists from far and wide.

Lee Jay Walker provided assistance to both main writers.

Modern Tokyo Times images

http://shinrin-koen.go.gp

If travelling from the Tokyo area then travel to Ikebukuro train station and go to the Tobu Tojo Line. It takes just under 1 hour by express train. Get off the train at Shinrin Koen and then the bus takes around 7 minutes. On Saturday and Sunday you have a direct bus service.

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Tomoko Hara

Modern Tokyo Times

The stunning Heirinji Zen Temple is located in Niiza and while this part of Saitama prefecture may not appear to be out of the ordinary, the same can’t be said about this temple which is blessed with large grounds. Therefore, given the closeness to Tokyo this temple is accessible to tourists who visit this huge metropolis. This reality means that a visit to such a beautiful place is extremely rewarding because the tranquil grounds and richness of “a living Buddhist faith” is a real treat.

The original temple was based in Iwatsuki in the same prefecture but the original area was destroyed by the centralizing forces of Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1590.  This in itself also reminds people about the violent nature of aspects of Buddhism in this period of Japanese history within certain branches. Therefore, Oda Nobunaga, who began the centralization of Japan, also attacked militaristic Buddhist sects which were intent on preserving their power bases.

Josh Baran states “Japanese Zen, especially the Rinzai lineage, had long been linked to the samurai culture and bushido, the way of the sword. For hundreds of years, Zen Masters trained samurai warriors in meditation, teaching them enhanced concentration and will power. Zen helped them face adversity and death with no hesitation, to be totally loyal and act without thinking. To put it bluntly, bushido was a spiritual way of killing infused with Zen philosophy. The sword had always been a Buddhist symbol for cutting through delusion, but under bushido it was taken literally, evolving from metaphor into concrete reality. The sword became an object of veneration and obsession, idealized and worshipped.”

However, the old ways have gone and through the passages of time the wisdom of Buddha is the sole focus once more in this stunning religious place.  Heirinji Zen Temple is now a place of worship which connects strongly with the positive teachings of Buddha. Therefore, the ethics of simplicity, open space, serene backdrops, the noise of birds singing and “the other world” does play on the senses when you visit Heirinji.  After all, the architecture, serene grounds and the mystery of life  does strike a chord within the inner-soul in this holy place.

Heirinji is certainly worth a visit irrespective if you are a tourist or reside in Greater Tokyo because it is a place whereby you can connect with nature, the inner-self, reflect on the passages of time and refresh all the things that need to be refreshed.   It isn’t important if you are a Buddhist or non-Buddhist because Heirinji Zen Temple is about individuals escaping the daily trappings of life in order to reflect on “the bigger picture.” Of course, the “bigger picture” will be different for all individuals but it is important to view another world in order to learn from “simplicity.”

Also, people often only see “the bigger picture” when something dramatic happens in their life but when you visit Heirinji you understand “the bigger picture” of life irrespective of your current situation.  This is the beauty of Heirinji whereby Buddhist monks on the whole are in the backdrop. It is also clear that you have no commercial aspects to this well preserved area apart from a basic fee to enter.

Today the temple still trains Buddhist monks but unless you knew this fact then just like the history of Buddhism in Japan; it may pass you by and this is why Heirinji is so special.  It is not about gimmicks or showing anything because Heirinji is spiritual by being itself and not bending to the modern world of commercialism.

If you are lucky enough to either reside in Tokyo or Saitama then Heirinji is accessible because from Ikebukuro in Tokyo it only takes around 30 minutes in total train and bus time to arrive.  Therefore, Heirinji is well worth a visit and this applies to visiting several times because the changing nature of each season is very striking in Japan.

Heirinji is surrounded by the usual aspects of a build-up area but once you are close to this stunning place then you can feel the pace of life changing.  The none-missionary feel of Heirinji is also welcomed because zealous religious people from all faiths often try to convert people based on their “one world view” but the real world doesn’t work like this. Also, the monks of Heirinji don’t need words because the architecture, lovely grounds, quaintness of the graveyard and other aspects of this stunning place says everything.

Heirinji is a place of tranquility and who needs to read books about philosophy and religion when you have a place of sublime beauty amidst simplicity and the reality of “your own reality.” Therefore, if you want to experience the finer qualities of Japanese culture and witness the passive nature of Buddhism in modern Japan then Heirinji provides this.

If you are a visitor to Tokyo or you reside in either Tokyo or Saitama, then a visit to the stunning grounds of Heirinji should be high on your list because the simplicity of this place is a real treasure. Also, it is a real treat to see “living Buddhism” in this part of Japan.

Modern Tokyo Times images 

Lee Jay Walker gave guidance to the main writer

Heirinji Zen Temple from central Tokyo  - Train from Ikebukuro by Express or Semi-Express takes 17 to 19 minutes respectively to Asakadai Trian Station by Tobu Toju Line.  Then travel by bus from Asakadai to Heirinji Zen Temple which takes around 15 minutes.

http://www.heirinji.or.jp

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

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Olivier LeCourt and Kanako Itamae

Modern Tokyo Times

The Japanese green tea ceremony is internationally famous because of the many angles to this rich cultural tradition. In historical terms this ceremony dates back to the ninth century and once the spiritual angle became associated then new dimensions entered the equation. This applies to Zen Buddhism which fused new components. Therefore, matcha, powdered green tea, became ritualized and the spiritual angle, simplicity, contemplation, and other areas, created a new energy which connected within the inner-self.

Of course, just like any tradition which dates back to the distant past you will have had many modifications. However, when this rich tradition is being performed properly according to past traditions, then the same world exists providing the individual can connect with the environment and atmosphere that is being created.

Otemae is the name of this ritual performance and because of the cultural aspects of this tradition then people from all over the world are fascinated by the Japanese tea ceremony. Today this tradition is a popular pastime in Japan and is connected with high culture. The ritual nature of Otemae and the elegance involved along with silence, contemplation, and space, means that a new reality opens up whereby silence transcends many things.

The name of this ceremony is called chanoyu or chado (also pronounced sado) and in the early period the significance of Zen Buddhism was powerful, irrespective if the individual didn’t follow this religious path. In Japan the Nara period (710-794) is very important because this period of Japanese history is when high culture truly emerged within the power dynamics of Japan. Therefore, when the new center of power moved to Kyoto the richness of the Nara period enabled many “new energies” to flourish.

On (http://www.japanese-tea-ceremony.net/) this lovely website it is stated that “The Japanese tea ceremony is called Chanoyu, Sado or simply Ocha in Japanese. It is a choreographic ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea, called Matcha, together with traditional Japanese sweets to balance with the bitter taste of the tea. Preparing tea in this ceremony means pouring all one’s attention into the predefined movements. The whole process is not about drinking tea, but is about aesthetics, preparing a bowl of tea from one’s heart. The host of the ceremony always considers the guests with every movement and gesture. Even the placement of the tea utensils is considered from the guests view point (angle), especially the main guests called the Shokyaku.”

The two different classifications for tea gatherings are chakai and chaji. However, chakai is the most common because it is based on natural hospitality. In Tokyo some Japanese gardens perform chakai because the ethics of the Japanese garden and this natural hospitality fuses naturally. Also, for visitors it is very appealing within the setting of a stunning garden. Therefore, if you visit Rikugien Garden in Komagome in Tokyo it is a splendid way to relax and enjoy not only the beautiful scenery, but to enjoy the taste of tea and eat a small Japanese sweet.

Unlike chakai, chaji is very different because this can take around four hours and is based on kaiseki which is a full course meal. In Chinzan-so in Tokyo you can experience kaiseki at its very best. Chinzan-so is a very sophisticated garden which is rich in culture and the stunning pagoda and small Shinto shrine in this exquisite garden creates a lovely atmosphere. Also, the many dining places within the same environment provide not only scrumptious food but the layout means that everything fits naturally together.

Turning back to the Japanese tea ceremony then Ledia Runnels comments that “In the 9th century, Chinese author Lu Yu wrote The Classic of Tea, that focused on the cultivation and preparation of tea. Lu Yu’s life was influenced by the Zen Buddhism school of Zen–Chán. Needless to say, his ideas had a strong influence in the development of the Japanese tea ceremony.”

“In the 9th century, tea was brought to Japan by the Buddhist monk Eichū, who had visited China and brought tea seeds back with him…..It was near the 12th century when the style of tea preparation called “tencha” became popular. In this ceremony, matcha was placed in a bowl with hot water poured over it. The water and ground tea were then whipped together.”

“By the 13th century, the Kamakura Shogunate, the ruling class of samurai warriors, used tea as a kind of status symbol…..During the Muromachi Period, that centered around the gorgeous cultural world of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the formation of what was to become the traditional Japanese culture of today came to be, where the Japanese tea ceremony evolves to aesthetic practice of “Wabi-sabi.” “Wabi” represents the inner, or spiritual, experiences. “Sabi” represents the outer, or material of life. By the 16th century, tea drinking had spread to all levels of society in Japan.”

It is abundantly clear that the Japanese tea ceremony is very complex when it comes to the reality of this tradition within its historical context. Therefore, the simplistic form of chakai when in the surrounding of a beautiful garden provides a brief glimpse into the hidden majesty of this ritual. However, to fully understand the more complex aspect of the Japanese tea ceremony then individuals need guidance and to study this intriguing tradition.

If individuals want to learn more (http://japanese-tea-ceremony.net/) about the richness of the Japanese tea ceremony then a visit to the website above is a great starting place.

http://lediarunnels27221219.wordpress.com/2011/05/05/green-tea-ceremony-japan/　

Please visit Mysterious Japan at http://lediarunnels27221219.wordpress.com/　  and read fascinating articles by Ledia Runnels

http://www.chinzanso.com/english/restaurant.html　

http://www.chinzanso.com/english/　

http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/rikugien/index.html　

http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/kyu-furukawa/　

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

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Walter Sebastian and Jay Doggett

Modern Tokyo Times

Japan is blessed with amazing nature and the historical and cultural reality of this unique nation means that you have so many stunning places to visit. Wakayama prefecture is located in the Kansai region and throughout this part of Japan you have beautiful landscapes. Wakayama is also near to Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto and Nara therefore it is a great base to visit many places which are rich in history and culture.

The Negoro-ji area in Wakayama is blessed with many Buddhist temples, exquisite architecture, lovely gardens and this is equally matched by the rich heritage. Also, the mountainous area provides a stylish backdrop and for tourists who adore culture, religion, history and heritage then Negoro-ji will certainly appeal.

Kyoto and Nara often spring to mind when you think about special religious places in Japan. However, in truth, Wakayama is equally blessed because of Negoro-ji, Koyasan,  Nachi Katsuura and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage area which runs throughout the Kii Peninsula. On top of this, you have many other amazing places to visit in order to soak up spirituality.

The richness of Negoro-ji in history is abundantly clear because the foundations of this important Buddhist retreat began in 1087. En no Gyoja and Hofuku-Choja laid the foundation stones for this important area for Buddhism in Japan. Indeed, while today the area is called Negoro-ji. In the past it was known by the name of Hofuku-ji in honor of one of the main individuals who gave birth to this amazing place. The stunning view of the Katsuragi Mountains also enhances the entire area because religion and nature appears entwined naturally.

The Buddhist leader Kakuban (1095-1143) is also a very powerful person in the early period of Negoro-ji. This holy Buddhist leader was a firm follower of the revered Kukai who was the founder of Shingon Buddhism. However, Kukai (774-835) belonged to a different period of time in history because now schisms had emerged within this Buddhist branch. Therefore, while it is true that Kakuban developed Negoro-ji to a different level he couldn’t prevent schisms within the Shingon Buddhist faith.

Irrespective of the religious intrigues within Shingon Buddhism the religious leader Kakuban was instrumental in the construction of Enmyo-ji and Jingu-ji. These two places further enhanced the growing power of the Negoro-ji area. The death of Kakuban didn’t alter the continuing power of this remarkable place because more temples were built in and around this vibrant place for Buddhism.

In another article by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “…for hundreds of years the chants of Buddhism were powerful and many amazing temples were built. Also, Japanese gardens will have enhanced the serenity and the mountain peaks were deemed to be sacred. This period of history also witnessed the growing power of high culture within elite communities and for several hundred years after the death of Kakuban the future of Negoro-ji looked promising.”

“However, just like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi also clashed with Buddhist sects who had military prowess and political ambitions. In 1585 the forces of Hideyoshi burnt nearly every temple to the ground apart from the odd exception and the main Pagoda which survived the devastation. Therefore, in this period of history in Japan it is clear that the central forces of Nobunaga and Hideyoshi feared the power base of several Buddhist sects.”

Luckily for Negoro-ji, Tokugawa Yorinobu in 1623 changed everything because now Buddhism would play an instrumental role within the state during the Edo period. Alternatively, while the rise of Buddhism flourished in the Edo period the Christian faith faced a major inquisition whereby all converts to this religion faced the death penalty.  However, some crypto-Christians survived by hiding their faith and by going underground. Also, some Buddhist temples didn’t support the state edicts of Tokugawa therefore they allowed Christians to worship in secret.

Returning back to Yorinobu he allowed the reconstruction of Negoro-ji to take place. The Edo Period would witness the regeneration of Negoro-ji from the utter devastation which engulfed this holy place. Therefore, for the vast majority of tourists or individuals who go on religious pilgrimage to this lovely part of Wakayama, it will be difficult to imagine the carnage which once took place in Negoro-ji. After all, the stunning temples, gardens, lovely gardens and amazing backdrop is one of complete serenity. Yet in the sixteenth century it is clear that major leaders in Japanese history did fear the power of Buddhism and because of this Negoro-ji suffered greatly.

Today in modern Japan the area of Negoro-ji is once more at peace and living Buddhism continues to flow. Wakayama is a very beautiful part of Japan to visit because of Koyasan, Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, Nachi Katsuura, Wakayama Castle, the lovely beaches of Shirahama and so much more.

http://www.negoroji.org/

http://www.pref.wakayama.lg.jp/english/charm/01.html

http://www.nk-kumano.com/ (Nachi Katsuura)

http://www.shukubo.jp/eng/ (Koyasan)

http://www.kumano-experience.com/01/en/ (Kumano Experience)

http://www.sekaiisan-wakayama.jp/english/index.html (Wakayama)

http://www.nanki-shirahama.com/eng/index.html (Shirahama)

http://farstrider.net/Japan/Castles/Wakayamajo.htm (Wakayama Castle)

Lee Jay Walker provided vital information in support of both writers because of living in Wakayama in the past.

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Olivier LeCourt and  Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Wakayama prefecture in Japan is blessed with stunning scenery throughout this adorable part of Japan. Equally important is the power of history, religion and culture in Wakayama because you have many national and regional treasures which beckon tourists and religious pilgrims alike to this lovely prefecture. In Koyasan you can feel the richness of Shingon Buddhism and the power of nature alongside stunning architecture. Therefore, it is easy to understand why Kukai picked this amazing place and it is nice to know that Koyasan is “a living Buddhism.”

Internationally, Kyoto is seen to be the cradle of high culture in Japan but actually this really belongs to Nara. After all, high culture was already flourishing before the power of Kyoto began because of the impact of Nara. Koyasan, just like Nara and Kyoto, is located in the Kansai region. Also, it is factual that Nara and Kyoto are much larger in terms of size and places to visit than Koyasan. However, the remoteness of Koyasan means that tourists and pilgrims flock to this stunning part of Wakayama. Given this reality, it is clear that Koyasan can’t be underestimated because of the power of Kukai and the richness of this exquisite part of Japan.

Zen Buddhism is internationally famous but in Koyasan it is the richness of Shingon Buddhism which thrives. It matters not if people are religious or not because when you visit Koyasan you can feel something special inside. This is because of the power of architecture, Buddhist temples, simplicity, “a living Buddhism” and the stunning views of nature which blesses Mount Koya in all directions.

The environment of Koyasan is extremely rich because of the layout and the abundance of temples to visit. Also, the main graveyard is extremely mysterious and many leading historical figures are buried in Koyasan. Another nice aspect is the environment whereby tradition alongside the yearning of normal tourists and religious pilgrims naturally flows.

Visual images of the Buddha mixed with the uniqueness of Shingon Buddhism is a real treat on the eye. This applies to the architecture and artistic aspects of everything that encompasses each amazing temple. Japanese gardens are equally famous and clearly the Buddhist concept of time and space can be felt deeply. The flow is so natural that lay people can feel the power and majesty of a faith which seeks a unique path along a complex road in this world.

In the world of monotheism the one God shows many sides and clearly you have various different sects. Likewise, in Buddhism you also have many different sects and in a sense religion is a mirror to what humanity is irrespective if good, mundane or where dark forces reign. Yet in Koyasan it appears that God’s Eden may exist because faith, philosophy, simplicity and nature come together.

In my earlier article by Modern Tokyo Times about beautiful Koyasan it was stated that “The non-religious may believe that God is an illusion and this may be so; however, in places like Koyasan you can feel “a magical atmosphere.” The “old world” survives within “modernity” but preserves its rich culture and maintains a rare spirituality.”

“Kukai (774-835) who became known as Kobo Daishi established the first monastery in the ninth century on mount Koya (Koya-san).  The Shingon sect had a different thought pattern within the many schools of Buddhism and Kukai believed that enlightenment could be attained in one lifetime.”

“Kukai was a searcher and he visited China and during his stay he studied Esoteric Buddhism.  Initially, he prayed for peace and prosperity because he could not find inner-peace within city life, therefore, he searched for a place where he could meditate and become even more spiritual.” 

“When Kukai saw the stunning nature of Koyasan it was clear to him that he had found the place which he desired.  The mountains meant that he was cut off from everyday city life in this period and the sublime beauty of nature added to the mysterious feel of Koyasan.”

The lovely aspect about Koyasan is that Shingon Buddhism in this amazing place is “a living Buddhism” whereby the rich traditions continue to flourish. Buddhists and non-Buddhists will adore this lovely part of Wakayama prefecture because Mount Koya is extremely beautiful. Therefore, the vibrancy of culture, architecture and religion all pull naturally together.

It is clear that when Kukai searched long and hard to find a special place to spread his teachings, that he made the right choice. The remoteness of Koyasan during his lifetime must have provided great insights into this world. Of course, according to legend Kukai is still wondering around Koyasan after being transformed into an eternal Samadhi whereby he is waiting for the next Buddha Maitreya to appear.

Therefore, if you are looking for a special break then Koyasan should come to the top of your must places to visit. Without a shadow of a doubt this mystical place is extremely charming and the cultural and religious angle completes a perfect break for people who appreciate the finer things in life.

http://www.shukubo.jp/eng /  (stunning Koyasan)

http://www.koyasan.org/          (Information about Koyasn)

http://www.visiblemantra.org/kukai.html  Kukai and information

http://ww2.coastal.edu/rgreen/  Kukai and information

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com