Japans Complex & Robust Blend

Over the last few weeks I have been observing Japan, the mega cities and some of the smaller surrounding our home. And in all honesty this is something I have always admired about Japan since the first trip we made in 2017. 

Japan although poorly at blending different cultures into their fold, has an amazing way of integrating old architecture / traditions into their day to day modern life.

It’s not often you can go somewhere and have a high end state of the art building, shadowing over a 1000+ year old temple or shrine.

Japan has managed to ensure its culture through architecture has been preserved. Giving them a true identify of who they are and where they came from.

This practice has long since gone in many of the western countries as with progression, normally means some type of destruction.

Recently we visited Ueno, City which is in Tokyo, It’s not a prefecture but a larger city on the outskirts of some of our favorite spots. As I walked through the city I came across this temple ground.  Now I’ve been to this place many times, at least twenty times but have never seen or been aware of the temple.

Perhaps its my lack of focus or being there mostly at night but I know with certainty it predates anything in my recent history.

I walked through, gave some offerings and prayed.  I grew up in a Buddhist family and praying at these shrines gives me a sense of grounding even though I personally may not be the most religious.

I think in a lot of ways Japans ability to do these things, like building around existing cultural sites adds to the allure of Japan and why so many find it so irresistible.

This also gives Japan such an amazing aesthetic that I haven’t really found elsewhere (yet).

So my personal suggestion to anyone coming to Japan, make sure to make some time to sightsee, take in the natural and old beauty of Japan.  Don’t always get caught up in the glitz and glamour of the Tokyo neon lights (don’t get me wrong I always do).

I’ve learned to appreciate Japan for these subtle yet amazing aspects and will keep searching for more “hidden in plain sight” gems around Japan.