One of the most famous Japan Mountains is undoubtedly the majestic Mount Fuji, annually visited by hundreds of thousands. Like most Mountains in Japan , the Fuji is both venerated as a shrine as well as a popular tourist attraction because of it's perfect shape and beauty. While it is estimated that around 65% of Japan's island terrain is mountainous, the plains are densely populated and developed. The Japan Mountains are therefore relatively unspoiled and preserved with breathtaking natural features. Honshu's central district, the Chubu, containing 8 prefectures, is the location for some of the tallest Mountains in Japan and some stunning scenery. Other Japan Mountains are the Kanto and Tohuku Regions.
Mountaineering, skiing, hiking and trekking through the Moutains in Japan are popular leisure activities in Japan, both among tourists and locals. Naruhito, the Crown Prince of Japan is also a mountaineering enthusiast. There are a number of Alpine Clubs and regular Hiking Tours organized in the Mountains of Japan , which give evidence to the popularity of these activities. Not just professionals but amateurs also set about to explore the Japan Mountains, most are famed for their beautiful scenery and easy hiking trails.
Some of the tallest Moutains in Japan are-
· Mount Fuji, measuring 3776 m in height
· Mount Kita-dake, which is 3193 m tall
· Mount Hodaka-dake, which measures 3190 m in height
· Mount Aino, which is 3189 m tall
· Mount Yariga-take, which measures 3180 m in height
· Mount Warusawa, which has a height of 3141 m
· Mount Akaishi-dake which has a height of 3120 m
· Mount Karasawa, measuring 3110 m in height
· Mount Kita-hotaka, which has a height of 3106 m
· Mount Mae-hotaka which is 3090 m high
· Mount Ontake, which is 3067 m tall
· Mount Notoridake, measuring 3026 m in height
· Mount Tate-yama, which is 3015 m in height
Japanese Gardens or Kanji are the best examples of the famed Japanese Minimalist design principles. The aesthetically pleasing gardens in Japan , illustrate how less can be more and how beauty can be achieved with simple objects. Designed as a place to soothe and calm the senses, most Japanese gardens are built around the theme of water. Ponds containing gold fish or ornamental carp are common features of most Gardens in Japan . There are also miniature waterfalls to direct positive energy into the surroundings. Many Japanese Gardens feature carefully nurtured bonsais or beautifully trimmed topiary. Low lying colorful shrubbery and mosses are also a feature of gardens in Japan . These trace the changing seasons with changes in color and characteristics. Japanese Gardens sometimes also feature an island, often artificial in the shape of an elegant crane or a turtle, to enhance the spiritual aspect of the garden. The islands are connected to the main garden through elegant bridges made of wood or stone. The gardens in Japan also feature winding stone paths and shady arbors. There are carefully placed benches, lanterns, lamps and rocks. Often a wooden gazebo or tea house is built in a centralized location so that the garden's aesthetic beauty can be enjoyed. Later Japanese Zen Gardens , designed in the Dry Landscape or Karesansui style usually excludes the water feature but replicate the eddies and swirls on carefully placed colored pebbles, sand and rocks.
Some famous Gardens in Japan-
· The Korakuen Garden in Okayama
· The Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa
· The Ryoan-ji Temple Garden in Kyoto
· The Garden of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
· The Gardens of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo
Japanese Castles are elegant, aesthetic structures serving as reminders of the glorious and often strife laden history of Japan. While originally as hardy stone and mortar structures, castles in Japan were intended to serve as protective keeps and fortresses, but later Japanese castles were marvels of architecture and elegance.
In the 15 th century, in the Sengoku Jidai era when all Japanese states were involved in a Civil War conflict, innumerable small fortresses and castles in Japan were built in strategic locations to defend individual villages and towns. Later more elaborate buildings were conceived of as homes for the Daimyo or the feudal lord. These later castles in Japan were built to impress the power and wealth of the Daimyo, upon both his rivals and his minions. The legendary Oda Nobunaga, a powerful daimyo, built one of these opulent castles at Azuchi in 1576. Built on the plains, with elegant towers and keeps, these new palace like castles were replicated with greater or lesser success in many areas.
As centers of military power and administrative headquarters, these Japanese Castles gradually gained in importance and often became the center of castle towns. The typical construction of castles in Japan include three lines of defence. Created in concentric rings, the outer ring is called the Sannomaru, the second ring is called the Ninomaru and the inner ring is the Honmaru. The main tower or Tenshukaku, stood in the Honmaru, while the living accomodations were in the Ninomaru. The guard towers or Yagura were located in the outer circle.
The Meiji Period and the bombing during the Second World War brought about the destruction of many Japanese Castles and only a few of the marvelous structures survive. The few that remain serve as reminders of the glorious past.
Some of the best architectural influences on Japanese Castles can be seen at-
· The Edo Castle at the site of the Tokyo Imperial Palace.
· The Nijo Castle at Kyoto
· The Kanazawa Castle and the Ishikawa Gate at Kanagawa
· The Takamatsu Castle Ruins
In Japan ‘Shinto shrines' are regarded as the particular places for devotion and worship as well as the habitations of the Shinto "gods" or ‘Kami'. Shrines in Japan represent the holy faith of Japanese people.
People visit shrines in Japan with the intention to express their respect to the “Shinto gods" or ‘Kami'or to pray for good luck and wealth. Shrines are also visited during special events like New Year, ‘shichigosan' and various other events. Conventionally infants are taken to shrines in Japan after their birth to seek the blessings of God.
There are many shrines in Japan . Few of them can be classified into several significant sorts. A few of those variants include Inari Shrines, Imperial Shrines, Local Shrines, Sengen shrines, Tenjin Shrines and Hachiman Shrines.
A few of the common articles and patterns which are found at Japanese shrines are as following:
Torii: More than one ‘torii' doorways are found in Shrines, which are made of wood and tinted with several attractive colors.
Stage: This is arranged for ‘bugaku' dance in some of the shrines.
Komainu: These are the pair of lions or protector dogs located just beside the doorway of the Shrine.
Some of the eminent shrines in Japan are given below:
· Kasuga Taisha
· Fushimi Inari Shrine
· Izumo Taisha
· Itsukushima Shrine
· Heian Shrine
· Yamaguchi Daijingu
· Nikko Toshogo
· Oyama Shrine
· Zeniarai Benten
· Kompirasan
Almost two thirds of area of Japan is covered by Japan Forests.There are many different deciduous and evergreen species in the Japan Forests. In spite of the abundant natural resources, logging is not commonly practiced in the forests of Japan. Japan Forests are venerated and protected since they provide essential soil cover and help in water conservation. All Species are encouraged to grow in the Forests in Japan , from the broad-leaved deciduous to the evergreen coniferous types. There are also many forests which grow near volcanic areas, destroyed and then rejuvenated every time an eruption occurs. The Aokigahara Forest at the base of Mount Fuji is one such forest. Locals as well as tourist camp, trek and hike through these dense forests of Japan to explore their unusual natural beauty.
Some Japan Forests are designated as Sacred Forests . These forests generally contain an ancient religious Shrine, usually worshiping the Shinto religion and are protected from trespassing and destruction. These forest shrines are still venerated as national treasures.
Some of the sacred forests in Japan are-
· The Forest of the Yahiko Jinja has many trees like the Cedar, Cypress and Oaks. The Shrine has a sacred Chinquapin tree as well.
· The Forest of Atsuta Jinja is an important Shinto Shrine, housing one the three important Shinto relics – the holy sword of Kusanagi-no-tsurugi. The forest has evergreens like the Japanese Camellia Sakaki, camphor trees, Ilex and Japanese Honeysuckle.
· The Forest of Kashima Jingu has over 800 species of trees like varieties of Cedar, Fir and Oak. The Kashima Jingu is an important shrine of the Kanto Area. The forest has been designated as a Wildlife Protection area for the rare birds in the region.
· The Forest of Shimogamo Jinja covers over 495 hectares and has many different species of deciduous trees like th eZelkova, the Elm and the Hackberry. The Shrine itself has 53 buildings which have been designated as National Heritage Architecture.
· The Forest of the Kirishima Jingu covers and area of 887 hectares. Located near the Mount Kirishima Volcano, the forest has been destroyed and then recovered for over 60 times.
· The Forest of the Kasuga Taisha is home to the beautiful podocarpus Nagi. The forest also contains many species of evergreens and shrubs. Trees like the Kasuga, the Andromeda and the Ichii also grow there. People from all over Japan visit the venerated shrine in the quarterly pilgrimages.
Japanese Hot Springs are known as Onsen . A natural phenomenon caused by the intense volcanic activity in the region, there are a number of Hot Springs in Japan. Almost every area boasts of its local hot spring or at least of a public spa. Enriched with minerals, the Japanese Onsen are popularly believed to relieve aches and pains and also helps cure various ailments such as rheumatism. Natural hot springs in Japan have different mineral compositions that vary from place to place.
Bathing at the hot springs in Japan is generally a public affair. Bathing is usually done in the nude. Most Japanese Onsen are bifurcated into male and female bathing areas. The male bathing area is the Otokoyu while the female bathing area is the Onnayu. Oyu is Japanese for water. Some Japanese hot springs have no divisions and can be used by all sexes, these are known as Konyoku. There are private hot springs located inside traditional Ryokans. Open air hot springs are known as the Roten Buro. Considering the enormous popularity of the Onsen, artificial hot tubs or Sentou are also a rage in Japan.
Some famous Japanese Hot Springs-
· The Kusatsu Onsen , in the Gunma Prefecture is among the best hot springs in Japan. The area is a popular health resort and the water of the hot spring can be enjoyed at the Yubatake or Hot Spring Field.
· The Onsen at Hakone is situated at the foothills of the Fuji. Located in the Kanagawa Prefecture, the area is one of the most popular Japanese onsen resorts and spa.
· The Nikko Onsen in the Tochigi Prefecture is another famous Japanese Hot Spring.
· The Beppu Onsen in the Oita Prefecture is the most famous hot spring area among the Japanese, so much so that it is known as the Onsen Capital.
There are 28 National Parks in Japan . While about two thirds of the land area in Japan is composed of forested areas and roughly 80% of the terrain is mountainous, it is no wonder that there are many beautiful National Parks with diverse geographic features located all over Japan . National Park areas cover 5.4% of Japan's total land area.
Some famous National Parks in Japan are-
· The Daisetsuzan National Park is the biggest national park in Japan . The area has 3 volcanic ranges and many beautiful forested areas with coniferous trees. The spectacular Sounkyo Gorge is also located in this park.
· The Nikko National Park is spread over 80,000 hectares of land. Aside from the many elegant cedars it shelters, the national park is also home to numerous lakeside resorts. The park is also home to the Toshugu Shrine and tombs of the Tokugawa nobles.
· The Akan National Park in the island of Hokkaido is popular for adventure sports like hiking and skiing, the lakes in the region are great for canoing and fly fishing. The forested regions are full of dark evergreens. The largest Japanese Mountain Lake Kussharo is also located in the area.
· The Ise-Shima National Park is best known for being the birthplace of the Japanese Cultured Pearl industry. This seaside national park area in Japan is famous for oyster farming. Japan's most venerated shrine the Ise Grand Shrine is located here.
· The Shikotsu-Toya National Park in Hokkaido is famous for it's lakeside resorts and onsen spas.
· The Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park located in the foothills of the Fuji is one of the most popular National Parks in Japan. The park is a weekend getaway for the locals and a favored travel destination for tourists, with its attractions like the Onsens, breathtaking scenery with the Fuji in the background and the ruins of the historic Tokaido Highway.
· The Unzen-Amakusa National Park in Kyushu's high altitude region is one of the most beautiful resort areas in Japan. Visitors can relax the Onsen or hike through the super hot geysers, locally referred to as Hells.
Source- www.mapsoftheworld.com
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