VI
EN
Junrei - Pilgrimage
As a country with Shintoism as its main religion, blended with Buddhism, there are many popular pilgrimages, offering a sacred atmosphere and meaningful exploration of the Land of the Rising Sun. Among the famous pilgrimages, Shikoku Henro is a must-see destination, with 88 temples spread along a 1400 km route.
In the past, completing the Shikoku pilgrimage required immense perseverance and a long period of time, with devotees spending up to 40 days walking from one temple to another. However, with the advancement of technology, travel by car has become accepted, reducing the journey time to just 10 days.
Although walking remains the recommended option, the flexibility of modern times has allowed pilgrims to combine walking with the use of public transport. This not only saves time but also significantly reduces costs.
Pilgrimage is not only a spiritual experience but also an important part of Japanese culture.
Pilgrimage is not just a spiritual experience, but also an important part of Japanese culture. Beyond visiting sacred sites, there are even "anime pilgrimages," where fans have the opportunity to visit real-life locations that have appeared in popular anime and manga. This is a testament to the diversity and creativity in contemporary forms of pilgrimage in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Nagashi-bina - Let the dolls go
Japan has countless doll festivals, but the most prominent is the Hina Matsuri doll festival, which takes place on March 3rd every year.
Over 1000 years ago, the Heian period (794-1185) saw the birth of the Hina Matsuri doll festival, an important part of Japanese culture. Today, the festival continues to inspire families and tourists alike, immersing themselves in the Hina doll displays and enjoying the distinctive flavors of traditional sweets and candies.
According to legend, on the festival of dolls, nobles would release dolls made of paper and wood into rivers and seas, praying that the dolls would take away misfortunes and illnesses from their daughters.
A unique highlight of the festival is the Nagashi-bina, or "doll-releasing festival." This ritual is not only a traditional event but also symbolizes the removal of bad luck and represents a bright future for young girls. Small boats filled with exquisite dolls gently float down the Sumida River, creating a poetic and romantic scene.
In recent years, Nagashi-bina has become less common. However, many places still maintain and preserve this custom, one of which is the Edo Nagashi-Bina Association. The association organizes an annual doll release event in Tokyo along the Sumida River.
Nanakusa Gayu - Seven Herb Porridge
Every year on January 7th, the Japanese enjoy a special culinary custom – savoring Nanakusa Gayu porridge, made with seven herbs, believed to ward off evil spirits and protect health throughout the year. These herbs typically include barley grass, green grass, weeds, dandelion, white chrysanthemum, atractylodes, and angelica.
Nanakusa Gayu porridge is made from 7 types of herbs.
Nowadays, you can easily buy pre-packaged Nanakusa vegetable mixes at supermarkets to cook at home, or even choose instant Nanakusa Gayu porridge – a particular convenience for those with busy lives.
Emphasizing cultural and health values, this culinary tradition not only offers a unique gastronomic experience but is also a wonderful way to start the new year with good fortune.
Hatsuhinode - Watching the first sunrise of the year
Every year, the Japanese people not only celebrate with traditional festivals but also with a special spiritual ritual – Hatsuhinode, or watching the first sunrise of the year. This is also an indispensable activity during the New Year's celebrations in Japan, as it is believed to bring good luck and success in the new year.
The "Hatsuhinode" tradition requires choosing the highest possible location, usually an observatory, to watch the spectacular sunrise marking the beginning of the new year. This is not only a way to end the old year but also an opportunity to set expectations and aspirations for the new year ahead.
This is an indispensable activity during the Japanese New Year celebration, as it is believed to bring good luck and success in the new year.
Along with other traditional festivals, climbing a mountain on New Year's Eve to have a chance to see the "Hatsuhinode" from the summit is a popular activity favored by the Japanese. It's not just about enjoying the natural beauty; it's also a way for them to connect with nature and create a positive start to a promising new year.
