FAMOUS IN JAPAN

. Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is the highest volcano in Japan, and one of the most famous sights in this country. It is best known for its symmetrical cone, which is covered in snow approximately five months out of the year. And it is considered a symbol of Japan, which is why it is often featured in photographs and other art relating to this stunning country.

Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains – the other two are Mount Tate and Mount Haku. And it is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

•  MOUNT FUJI

. Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower not just in Japan, but in the entire world. With a height of 634 meters, the neofuturistic broadcasting tower is unmistakable in the Tokyo skyline.

There are two observation decks in the tower; one is at 350 meters, and the other is at 450 meters. Both offer an amazing panoramic view of Tokyo, and have a total capacity of almost 3000 people. A visit to Tokyo Skytree is something you can’t skip if you’re in this city, as well as something you will remember for the rest of your life. \

• SKY TREE

• Shinkansen Trains

 Japan is known for its amazing railway network, and the amount of people that ride the trains on a daily basis. If you’re ever in the country, you will probably get to ride at least one of the Shinkansen trains – the remarkably fast bullet trains, which can reach speeds well over 300 km/h. 

 The bullet trains are undoubtedly the fastest way to get from one city to another, as they are 2-3 times faster than cars. But they are also notorious for crowds. 

 

 

• Samurai

In medieval and early-modern Japan, Samurai were warriors. They were also the leading military officers, and over time they became the highest ranking social caste. Samurai used all kinds of weapons, but the sword was their main one and it remains a symbol of them.

Samurai are a very important part of Japanese tradition and culture. If you’re ever in Tokyo, you can learn a lot about their history in the Samurai Museum. You will also have the opportunity to dress up in Samurai costumes here, as well as engage in sword fight.
SAMURAI

• Ninjas

   

Ninjas are very popular in pop culture, but it’s hard to forget where they originate from. Today they are depicted as skilled warriors who are able able to move without making a sound, which is pretty far from the truth.

In fact, the perception of ninjas in pop culture is due to various myths and legends, in which they were assigned all kinds of inhuman abilities. Those include walking on water, invisibility and control over natural elements.

The true ninja was actually a covert agent or a mercenary in feudal Japan. And the job description of a ninja included espionage, surprise attacks and deception. You can learn a lot about them in the Ninja Museum of Igaryu – the most famous museum dedicated.

• NINJAS

• Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)

  Cherry blossoms are an integral part of Japan landscape. The country is full of these beautiful trees, and they are actually considered the (unofficial) national flower of Japan.
  There are several species of cherry blossoms, but the Japanese cherry (Sakura) is by far the most popular one. You can find these flowers anywhere in the country – from parks in the center of Tokyo to the mountainside. A particularly popular tourist attraction is the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto – a stone path lined with hundreds of cherry trees on either side. 
  

  • CHERRY BLOSSOM

  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  

  • Kimonos.

    During  the last few years, kimonos have become more and more popular in the fashion industry. Or rather kimono-like garments – the true kimono is a traditional, T-shaped Japanese garment. There are lots of variation when it comes to the length of the kimono and its sleeves, but it is usually at least ankle length, with sleeves up to your wrists.

   Kimonos are usually tied at the waist with an obi (sash), and knotted in the back. They are worn even today, by both women and men, most often for special occasions like weddings, tea ceremonies etc.

  • KIMONOS

  
  

   

   

  . Cosplay

   Cosplaying is the art of dressing up like characters from books, comics, anime, cartoons, manga and video games. It is very popular at video game conventions and events like Comic Con.

  Today, cosplay is something that’s popular in all parts of the world. But it originated in Japan – in fact, the word cosplay was coined in Japan in the 80s. And you can find shops that sell cosplay clothes throughout the country – even if you’re not that into dressing up like your favorite character, this is a cool opportunity to pick up memorabilia that will remind you of them. 
  

  • COSPLAY

  
  

  

  
  

  
  •  SUMO
   Sumo is a type of full contact wrestling that originated in Japan. And it is the only country where it can be practiced professionally even today, despite all the controversies that surround it.
  Sumo wrestlers are usually required to live in communal training stables, and most aspects of their lives are dictated by tradition. This includes everything from what they can eat, to what they have to wear when in public.
  
  

  
  

  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  • GEISHA

  
  

  Geisha are a big part of Japanese tradition and culture, and something that the country is definitely famous for. They are women who entertain through various forms of art, singing and dancing. Many modern geishas live in geisha houses called okiya, especially during their training.

  They traditionally wear kimonos and oshiroi makeup. Oshiroi literally stands for white powder, which refers to the very pale complexion of geisha. Geisha also wear a type of wooden sandals that resemble flip flops, known as geta. But not all geisha wear these – maiko (geisha in training) wear geta that have no teeth on the bottom, and they are called oko

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  There is a misconception in the Western world that geisha are the Eastern equivalent of prostitutes – they are not. This is mostly because of interactions with oiran courtesans, who wore clothes and makeup similar to those of geisha. 

  
  

  • GEISHA