Japan

Meiji Jingu Shrine Sake Barrels

April 8, 2019 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Meiji Jingu Shrine Sake Barrels

Meiji Jingu Shrine Sake Barrels are bright, colorful, and unique. One of the most intriguing things at Meiji Shrine in Shibuya‬ is the many Sake Barrels. They are referred to as kazaridaru in Japanese. These barrels are a decorative display giving honor to the gods. Traditionally, the people of Japan have always had a connection between the gods and the Sake they produce. Each year many barrels of Sake are donated. The Sake is used for religious festivals and the barrels form a unique display outside the shrine. In the physical, the barrels are empty. In the Spiritual, their significance is major. Meiji Jingu Shrine Sake Barrels are a gift to the gods.

Meiji Jingu Shrine Sake Barrels sind hell, bunt und einzigartig. Eines der faszinierendsten Dinge im Meiji Jingu Shrine sind die vielen Sake Barrels. Sie werden auf Japanisch als Kazaridaru bezeichnet. Diese Fässer sind eine dekorative Darstellung, die den Göttern Ehre macht. Traditionell hatten die Menschen in Japan immer eine Verbindung zwischen den Göttern und dem Sake, den sie produzieren. Jedes Jahr werden viele Fässer von Sake gespendet. Der Sake wird für religiöse Feste genutzt und die Fässer bilden eine einzigartige Schau außerhalb des Heiligtums. Im physischen, die Fässer sind leer. Im Spirituellen ist ihre Bedeutung von großer Bedeutung. Meiji Jingu Schrein Sake Barrels sind ein Geschenk an die Götter.

Saki in Japan

In Japan, Sake has always been an avenue to bring the people and their gods together. In some of the older religious texts, the word for Sake is miki. When written it is formed by using the symbol for wine and god. The people celebrate festivals at the Meiji Jingu Shrine and they are given Sake or Rice Wine to drink. With this drink brings happiness! The people are gathered a little closer to the gods. Meiji Jingu Shrine Sake Barrels become a spiritual connection. They become a symbol of happiness, prosperity, and success.

In Japan war Sake immer ein Weg, um die Menschen und ihre Götter zusammenzubringen. In einigen der älteren religiösen Texte ist das Wort für Sake miki. Wenn es geschrieben wird, wird es durch die Verwendung des Symbols für Wein und Gott gebildet. Die Menschen feiern Feste im Meiji Jingu-Schrein und sie bekommen Sake oder Reiswein zum Trinken. Mit diesem Getränk bringt Glück! Die Menschen sind ein Stück näher an den Göttern versammelt. Meiji Jingu Schrein Sake Barrels werden zu einer spirituellen Verbindung. Sie werden zum Symbol für Glück, Wohlstand und Erfolg.

Japanese rice wine

In these modern times, Miki or O-Miki is reserved for the Rice Wine used in Shinto rites and festivals. What a beautiful way of bringing the Shinto gods together with the people. This is a time of great reverence! It is a happy time! It is a time of prayer. Sipping a cup of Sake brings you together with the gods. This is a time of unity! The Shrines conduct rites asking for the prosperity of the brewers of Sake. The brewers donate the grog or Sake that the Shrines need for its many celebrations and festivals.

In dieser modernen Zeit ist Miki oder O-Miki für den Reiswein reserviert, der in Shinto Riten und Festivals verwendet wird. Was für eine schöne Art und Weise, die Shinto-Götter mit den Menschen zusammenzubringen. Dies ist eine Zeit großer Ehrfurcht! Es ist eine glückliche Zeit! Es ist eine Zeit des Gebets. Ein Kelch Sake bringt dich mit den Göttern zusammen. Dies ist eine Zeit der Einheit! Die Heiligtümer führen Riten durch, die nach dem Wohlstand der Brauer von Sake fragen. Die Brauer spenden den Grog oder Sake, den die Schreiner für ihre vielen Feste und Feste brauchen.

What do the barrels mean?

The empty barrel is a powerful symbol uniting the brewers of Sake with their gods. It is wasteful and not prudent to send more Sake than what is needed, so they send the right amount of Sake and many empty barrels. With well over 1,000 brewers of Sake in Japan, a brewer generally provides one bottle and/or an empty barrel for the display that each shrine has. The most important part is the gesture. Asking for or giving more Sake than what will be used would be considered wasteful. Waste goes against the traditional values of Japan and the Shinto gods!

Das leere Fass ist ein mächtiges Symbol, das die Brauer von Sake mit ihren Göttern vereint. Es wäre verschwenderisch und nicht umsichtig, mehr Sake zu schicken, als nötig ist, also schicken sie die richtige Menge Sake und viele leere Fässer. Mit weit über 1.000 Brotzüchtern von Sake in Japan stellt ein Brauer in der Regel eine Flasche und/oder ein leeres Fass für das Display zur Verfügung, das jeder Schrein hat. Der wichtigste Teil ist die Geste. Das Nachfragen oder Geben von mehr Sake als das, was verwendet wird, würde als verschwenderisch angesehen werden. Die Verschwendung geht gegen die traditionellen Werte Japans und der Shinto-Götter!

Meiji Jingu Shrine Sake Barrels

Great place to see a unique side of Japan

Meiji Jingu Shrine Sake Barrels are bright! They are colorful! Very unique! They are a standard decoration at every shrine in Japan. You do not even need to be part of a shrine to get one for your home. These Sake barrels are called Komodaru. Komo is the straw that has been woven around the posts. You can even buy one for your home altar. The important part is the symbolism. Every Japanese desire to keep the gods pleased with them. Sake barrels are the link between them and their gods. It is a heart connection. Meiji Jingu Shrine Sake Barrels are a must for every Japanese home altar!

Meiji Jingu Shrine Sake Barrels sind hell! Sie sind bunt! Sehr einzigartig! Sie sind eine Standarddekoration an jedem Schrein in Japan. Sie müssen nicht einmal Teil eines Schreins sein, um einen für Ihr Zuhause zu bekommen. Diese Sake-Fässer werden Komodaru genannt. Komo ist der Strohhalm, der um die Pfosten geweht wurde. Sie können sogar einen für Ihren Heimataltar kaufen. Der wichtige Teil ist die Symbolik. Jeder Japaner will die Götter zufrieden halten. Sake-Fässer sind das Bindeglied zwischen ihnen und ihren Göttern. Es ist eine Herzverbindung. Meiji Jingu Shrine Sake Barrels sind ein Muss für jeden japanischen Heimataltar!

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Living Art At The Kokyo Gaien National Gardens In Tokyo, Japan

July 13, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Japanese Black Pines Trained To Have Intriguing Forms

Breath the fresh pine scented air, in Tokyo’s downtown Kokyo Gaien National Gardens. The Japanese Black Pine has a natural resistance to pollution and salt, making it the perfect urban tree for a small island nation. These tall stately trees make up the overstory of any forest. They are tall and sturdy and just keep getting taller. In their natural state, the are usually the tallest trees in the forest. But with years of skill and patience, they can be trained to be living art in the form of bonsai trees. Such is the case in the Kokyo Gaien National Gardens. From the time that the trees were young, they have been pruned and shaped into the unique and intriguing shapes that you see today. These are some of the most elegant living art forms of the natural world. In the midst of these spectacular Black Pine Trees, you will find peace and tranquility.

In The Center Of Kokyo Gaien National Gardens

Tall living elegance, that have been shaped into the most intriguing forms over the years, stand tall in the center of Kokyo Gaien National Gardens. The center part of this amazing green space is filled with the scent of pine freshness and an overwhelming serenity. This is the perfect place to escape the city rat-race. It is an oasis of peace in the midst of one of the world’s largest green spaces.

Tall And Elegant Japanese Black Pines Tower At The Entrance Of The Imperial Palace

Soaring into the Japanese Sky, are the sturdy and majestic Japanese Black Pines. In this location of the Kokyo Gaien National Gardens they form the overstory of this magnificent urban oasis. Oblivious to the urban smog and the fresh salt in the air, these stately trees that are over 2000 in number, make up the highlight of the garden. In places, you will see other native trees nestled under their overstory. For sure, they are living art throughout the park.

The Imperial Palace Nestled Among The Japanese Black Pines

Even the Imperial Palace is nestled under the overstory of these magnificent Japanese Black Pines. These elegant trees provide a degree of privacy from the outside. The spectacular Meganebashi Bridge, together with a double story wooden bridge, provide the entrance to the palace, which is almost hidden among the trees.

Native Trees Line The Moat That Helps Keep The Imperial Palace Gardens Secure

This urban park, in the midst of Tokyo, has a moat that helps with the security of the palace. The moat is kept clean and is crystal clear, with reflections of the trees and city landscape.

An Urban Oasis Of Japanese Black Pines And Other Native Trees

The Japanese Black Pines, together with other native trees make up a splendid display of living art. If you have never seen these examples of natures art work, then be sure to visit while in Tokyo. Here in the Kokyo Gaien National Gardens, you will find rest and tranquility from the city rat-race. Whether you come for a few hours, or just for a lunch break……. you will leave refreshed and rejuvenated.

The Tokyo Imperial Palace 皇居Kōkyo

July 12, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

The Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan is the main residence of the Emperor and Empress of Japan. The current Imperial Palace sits on the ancient site of the Edo Castle. This is a massive park with Cherry Trees, Green Trees, and other native trees and shrubs. The park area around the castle is further surrounded by a spectacular moat that is backed by massive stone walls. This security is further enhanced by an extremely large Outer Garden, which surrounds the whole area. All of this beauty is located in the downtown area of Tokyo, Japan. It is only a short walk from the Tokyo Train Station, making it easy for visitors to access the grounds.

The famous Edo Castle was the main location of the Tokugawa Shogun government. This government ruled from 1603 until it was over thrown in 1868. After the Tokugawa Shogun were over thrown, the capital was moved to Tokyo. The new Imperial Palace was completed in 1888, though it was a causality of World War Two. The current castle was rebuilt in exactly the same manner as the original.

Meganebashi Bridge

This massive stone bridge is called Meganebashi or Eyeglass Bridge. It is so named for it’s shape that resembles eyeglasses. Meganebashi and a two level wooden bridge behind it, form the entrance to the palace. When standing on the Kikyo Gaien, which is a patio in the front of the Imperial Palace, visitors to the palace can see the Nijubashi, which means double bridge.

The inner gardens of the palace are not open to the public, except twice a year. It is open on January 2, when the Royal Couple makes an appearance on a balcony and the Emperor gives his New Years Speech. It is also open on December 23, which is the Emperor’s Birthday. They once again makes an appearance on a balcony marking the celebration of his birthday.

There are many tours available to the public of the inner grounds. Each tour takes approximately an hour and a half. No buildings are entered during the tour. These tours are done twice a day Tuesday through Saturday. The East Gardens are always open to the public.

If you are planning to be in the Tokyo area, the Imperial Palace is a must see. The Outer Garden is the largest public garden in all of Tokyo, the East Garden is extremely beautiful, and the Imperial Palace, which is the private residence of the Emperor and his family, is magnificent.

Tsukiji Fish Market In Tokyo Japan

July 9, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Tsukiji Fish Market In Tokyo Japan

Welcome to Tsukiji Fish Market, the largest wholesale fish market in the world. Here, you will find excitement and adventure in the midst of a major, wholesale fish market, with all the many different kinds of seafood imaginable. More than 2,000 pounds of marine life is handled in this market daily. The inner market is a world of discovery, fueled by scooters, frantic wholesalers, sellers of flowers and produce, and buyers bidding on the fish as they arrive. Over the years, the ageing market has become the hottest spot in Tokyo for tourists. Because of this intense demand, added to the immense daily business that happens at the Tsukiji Fish Market, the inner wholesale market will be relocating toward the end of 2018. The outer retail market will remain for a while at the same location before they also make the move.

Tsukiji Fish Market’s new location will offer tourists many new opportunities to discover the inner workings of the market. Currently the demand has been so high, that visitors had to rise early and wait in line for a number to get a ticket. This system will go away, as there will be visitor areas that can accommodate the growing number of people wishing to discover the world of a wholesale fish market.

The outside market is a bundle of retail activity. Here you will find fish for sale, as well as a good supply of produce, flowers,and many other amazing products. In the outside market you will find many small specialty shops, gift shops, and many first class restaurants. While there are a few good restaurants in the inner market, the majority are located in the outer market. No visit to Tokyo is complete without discovering the Tsukiji Fish Market. So pack your bag, and grab your passport, there is an adventure waiting in Tokyo, Japan.

The Imperial Palace Of Tokyo Japan Asia Photo Tour

March 6, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

The Imperial Palace Secluded Among The Japanese Black Pines

Imperial Palace of Tokyo Japan

Imperial Palace of Tokyo Japan is stunning and majestic as you begin to get your first glances of this spectacular structure. This is the private residence of The Emperor and Empress of Japan, and private it is, as it discreetly peaks out from among the trees. The palace, in all its splendor, sits on the ancient grounds of the Edo Castle. These park-like grounds are a vast green space, with many native trees and bushes. Sprinkled among the native trees, are many spectacular cherry trees. In the spring, these fluffy pink blooms almost remind you of pink cotton candy. You can only imagine the beauty of all these cherry trees in full bloom. It is like a fairy-tale surrounding a picturesque palace. This inner garden a perfect example of outrageous beauty!

Imperial Palace of Tokyo Japan Surroundings

The famous Edo Castle, with all its splendor, was the location of the Tokugawa Shogun Government. The Tokugawa Shogun Government ruled the area until 1603 when at that time, it was overthrown. It was then that Tokyo became the capital. A new palace was constructed on the grounds of the Edo Castle and was finished in 1888. Unfortunately, this beautiful palace was destroyed during World War II. The original palace was rebuilt to be an exact replica of the one that was destroyed.

A Beautiful Moat Surrounds The Palace’s Inner Garden

Imperial Palace Tokyo Japan

Palace of Asia

Security, of course, is always at a maximum level around any palace and this is no exception. However, not every modern palace still finds itself encircled by an amazing and awesome moat. The water in the moat is kept so clean, that you can see the reflection of the trees from both sides of this spectacular security feature. Talk about amazing security!

Meganebashi Or Eye Glass Bridge

The security is even tighter within The Imperial Palace of Tokyo Japan inner circle, as the only way to enter the inner garden is by a beautiful stone bridge, working together, with a two-level wooden bridge (that was rebuilt along the way in steel) that is located behind the Meganebashi Bridge. This combination of bridges provides a safe and unique way to enter the inner palace grounds through one of the nine gates. There are several individual brides crossing the mote, but all are controlled by the Meganebashi and the Nijubashi bridges. The double bridge is hard to see, and can best be viewed from the Kikyo Gaien or patio at the front of the Royal Palace. Only from the Kikyo Gaien, can visitors have a clear view of the Nijubashi or double bridge.

Each of the nine gates that enter the palace grounds has a special significance. Gate number one is the entrance to the Kokyo Gaien National Gardens, which is open to the public. Gate number two is especially interesting from a historical approach. It is the south gate leading to Edo Castle and finished in 1636. It was near this gate that the assistant samurai of the Shogun Government was assassinated. This was also the beginning of the final collapse of the Shogun government. It is considered an important cultural property for the Japanese. Gate number three is the main Kokyo which is crossed over the stone bridge. It can only be used on the Emperor’s birthday and for the New Year speech of the Emperor on January Second.

Gate number four is the main gate used by the tour guides to access the area of the newer palace. This is the central administration building of Kokyo which was completed in 1968, It is quite large with 7 wings, the Emperor’s office, several ceremonial halls, banquet facilities, and other offices. During the tours, you can not enter the Palace, but you will enjoy a good look at the outside and the Palace grounds.

Gate number five is the main entrance to the main complex of the old Edo Castle, which was destroyed by fire in 1657. It is the official entrance to the East Garden and opens to the public. This area has several spectacular Japanese gardens, the ruins of the old Edo Castle, a museum, and many other buildings and areas of significance. This area is open to the public daily. The other gates are seldom used, except for special occasions.

In the above picture, you can also see the thick stone walls that yet provide another level of security for the palace. In addition to the massive stone walls, are several armed guards. The personal safety and security of the Emperor and the rest of the Royal Family is taken seriously in Japan.

Imperial Palace Tokyo Japan Kokyo Gaien National Gardens

The Kokyo Gaien National Gardens is most often called the Outer Garden. This is as close to the palace as most of the public can get, and provides yet another level of security. Notice how close to the downtown business center that the gardens are located. You can look one way beyond the trees and see the city and turn and see Japan in history. This enormous outer garden not only provides security, but rather a peaceful place to recharge your human batteries from the business of city life. With their lunch hours or after work, they can take a quiet stroll through the garden which brings them peace from the city rat race. What a gift nature gives!

The Japanese Pine Forming The Over-Story

In the midst of the Imperial Palace Of Tokyo Japan, you find the Kokyo Gaien National Gardens, a beautiful green-space with spectacular living art. The air is crisp, and the scent of pine scents the air. The Japanese Black Pine forms the over-story to this urban forest. This species of pine has a natural resistance to pollution and salt, so it grows tall and strong throughout the Outer Garden. Its resistance to pollution make it the perfect urban tree, and it also has a resistance to salt, making it an excellent choice for a small island nation. These majestic trees just keep growing taller and stronger and eventually cover the native trees that form the under-story.

Living Art In An Urban Garden

These tall and sturdy Pines not only are capable of building a beautiful over-story in the forest or garden, but with patience, skill, and effort they can be made into beautiful living Bonsai trees. This artwork is a gift of nature and fills the outer-gardens with unique and intriguing works of living art. These are the living treasures you will see throughout the Kokyo Gaien National Gardens. From when the trees were young, skilled masters in the art of Bonsai creation, have lovingly pruned and shaped these trees into the finished product you see today. This display of creativity is among the best living art in the world. In the midst of such creativity, you are able to rejuvenate from your over-worked lifestyle to breathe in deeply the gift of fresh pine-scented air and restore peace and tranquility to your life.

If you have never spent any time at the Wadakura Fountain Park, in Kokyo Gaien National Gardens, this is a spectacular modern fountain, deep in the midst of an amazing garden. How can you not find peace and relaxation at the Wadakura Fountain Park?

What a gift Kokyo Gaien National Gardens is to the Japanese people. It was the original garden of the Royal Family, but after the Second World War, it was opened to the public.

A Modern City Blends With The Grounds Of An Ancient Castle

One of the things that Japan does well, blends the old and the new. They seem to understand that a whole person, considers the present and the past, thus they do not destroy it or hide it away out of sight. All of this beauty is located in the downtown area of Tokyo, Japan. You can stand in front of tall modern buildings and see the grounds surrounding an ancient past. Or stand in Kokyo National Park, and see a modern financial center in downtown Tokyo.

The Imperial Palace and the Kokyo Gaien National Gardens is only a short walk from the Tokyo Train Station, making it easy for visitors to access the grounds. There are clear signs everywhere, so getting lost should not be an option. Kokyo-Gaien National Gardens is only about 10-20 minutes walk from the Tokyo Train Station. It is about a ten-minute walk to the East Garden Entrance from the Tokyo Train station.

There are tours of the grounds most days except Friday and Monday. The tours are walking tours and you slowly enjoy the different sections of the Palace Grounds. There are also other tours that include the Imperial Palace within the whole city tours and river tours. Depending on your interest, there is a tour available.

There are several 4-star Hotels near Kokyo averaging between $100.00 to $200.00 dollars per night. If you are looking for 4.5 stars, they begin at around $300.00 dollars. It is easy to book your favorite hotel and many further away, provide transportation to the palace grounds.

Imperial Palace Tokyo Japan

Location Counts

Here is a list of hotels and restaurants for you to consider within this area. Using online maps you can narrow your area of focus. These locations can be used as map keywords that will help you plan a great time within the downtown Palace area.

Imperial Hotel

Palace Hotel Tokyo

Imperial Tokyo

Imperial Hotel Plaza

帝国ホテルベビールーム

Les Saisons