How Japan continues to maintain its ancient practices and traditions while it embraces ultra-modern ideas, technologies and lifestyle fascinates me a lot. For me, their tribute to the past and their old traditions despite their being a highly progressive nation is a form of humility, which is also greatly exemplified by their choice of small and low furniture, their practice of taking off the shoes before entering the house, and their practice of sitting and sleeping on the floor covered with “tatami” mats.
If like me you want to experience the best of ancient and modern Japan, go to Kyoto, known as the “mother of culture” within Japan. If you happen to go there this month, you can partake in one of the most colorful festivals in Japan, the Gion Festival. It’s a month-long festival that started 1100 years ago! Among the highlights of the festival are Mikoshiarai, a ceremonial washing of the portable shrines; and the Yamaboko Float Parade, a procession of large and heavily decorated two-story houses with wheels (“Hoko”).
By Khristine
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