Japanese Culture in New York - Chopsticks NY

Nara is viewed as an historic destination in Japan, famous for its large statue of Buddha and deer park scattered with old temples and pagodas, but for those traveling in 2010, there is much more in Nara.  Japan’s first capital was founded in Nara, and Japan will celebrate the 1300th anniversary of its foundation capital in 2010.  Since Kyoto is known for the traditional architecture and many Japanese cultural activities, Nara, situated a short train ride away from Kyoto, is often overlooked as a destination.  But this 1300 year old capital city houses many historic buildings and art pieces, many of which are, of course designated as UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage sites, and Japan’s cultural blessings all started here.

It is almost inevitable to compare Nara with Kyoto:  Both cities are rich in tradition, culture and art, which have evolved and are reflected in today’s Japanese culture.  But Nara was formed into the first capital during the very innovative urban planning for the era, which the early Japanese diplomat mission learned from China, a very progressive and civilized neighbor.  Nara was designed based upon a lot of elements imported from ancient China, one of which is mandara, the ancient Buddhist description of the universe, was imported from Buddhist Continental Asia.  Mandara tends to be in vivid colors, differentiating Nara from monotone, Zen colored Kyoto.  Nara is also a live museum for Buddhist art fans:  The city houses numerous ancient Buddhist statues, scrolls of prayers and paintings, accommodated in the more than 1000-years-old wooden architectural structures.  The anniversary year introduces the unique historic elements of Nara to today’s global community.

Special Anniversary Events

The anniversary year celebration will start right on January 1, 2010 with music, dance and theatrical performances with the ancient and modern Japanese elements at four historic sites:  Nara Park, Shigisan Chougosonshi-ji Temple, Kinpusen-ji Temple and Murou-ji Temple.  These sites will all be lit up by numerous lanterns, in the ancient mystical colors.

After the anniversary openings, the major event site throughout the year of 2010 will be in Heijokyo Palace, which is symbolized with a remarkable red-roofed Suzaku-mon Gate that was the very first national capital building of Japan.  The palace is a large rectangular area with street-grids, which run straight for about 0.6 mile on each side.  From April 24 through November 7, 2010, the Heijokyo History Museum in the Heijokyo Palace exhibits the early history and the founding process of Nara capital as well as the life and culture of the era. The biggest day at the Palace will be April 23, 2010, when they celebrate the completion of the restoration of “Daikoku-den”, the Former Imperial Audience Hall.  After the spring floral event that decorates Heijokyo Palace with flowers and greenery to revive the dignity of the Capital in the indigenous nature, the summer event is held with multiple lights and candles filling the entire Heijokyo Palace.  The LED lights and candles are lit all over the Palace, creating the “Heijo Palace:  A Corridor of Light” from August 20 through 27.

Nara Park

Nara’s main tourism destinations are concentrated within Nara Park, which is famous for its free roaming deer. Once considered God’s messengers, the friendly deer curiously approach visitors. Walking through the deer in the park, you will reach Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a bright red painted large architecture, and Todaiji Temple, which is accompanied by the unforgettable Great Buddha Hall that houses a 57 feet high sitting Buddha statue.  Kofukuji Temple, originally built in 669, stands high in the park with the five-story pagoda, houses multiple wooden sculptures of Buddhist figures and gods, all of which have been exclusively preserved and maintained as Japan’s national treasure.  Nara National Museum is also the treasure box of ancient Buddhist art pieces, ancient Chinese bronzeware that were brought to Japan by early Japanese diplomats.  This museum’s exhibitions are the world’s top collection of Buddhist art.

Stroll through the Local Life

After a few hours or half day with ancient Buddhist landmarks in Nara Park, Nara Machi area, the neighborhood just outside of Nara Park brings you back to today’s Nara.  The neighborhood preserves the old townscape in today’s modern Japan, welcoming all visitors with the relaxing atmosphere of traditional “machiya” style townhouses, friendly hospitality and charming tradition that remain from the 17th century.  Pay attention to the small monkey amulet which hangs from the front roof; this amulet, the over 300-year-old tradition, explains how old the house is.  The neighborhood is full of old traditional residential houses converted into chic café and retail stores, small shrines and galleries.  The nostalgic Nara Machi area is the perfect cultural museum and treasure hunting field for visitors.

Go Beyond the 1300 Anniversary

Although the majority of anniversary events are in and around Heijokyo Palace, Nara has more places to see more historic and cultural significance.  Horyuji Temple is the world’s oldest remaining wooden building to this day, and contains 48 Buddhist monuments, among which is the oldest from the late 7th or early 8th century.

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A one night stay in Nara would give you enough time to see it, however, Nara is accessible and convenient from Osaka and Kyoto (40 – 50 minutes by train), and a perfect destination to explore for both first timers and returning travelers. Nara is the best destination to learn the very beginning of the Japanese culture and lifestyle.

For complete anniversary event information, go to www.1300.jp.

——– Nori Akashi : Public Relations Manager at the New York Office of JNTO