{"id":122,"date":"2017-10-26T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-10-26T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pagodared.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/26\/travelogue-japan\/"},"modified":"2021-02-17T22:23:09","modified_gmt":"2021-02-17T22:23:09","slug":"travelogue-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pagodared.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/26\/travelogue-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Japan: Travelogue"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Travel is not always about diversion. Sometimes it can transform us. For an artist, like our good friend and collaborator Kelly Messer, the journey can be measured in greater and more profound ways than distance. Kelly\u2019s recent trip to Japan was a stirring, inspiring experience. Here, she shares her impressions and feelings about a place she\u2019d always wanted to explore.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\"On<\/p>\n

On the grounds of Kinkakuji temple.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u201c\u4e95\u306e\u4e2d\u306e\u86d9\u3001\u5927\u6d77\u3092\u77e5\u3089\u305a \u2013 I no naka no kawazu, taikai wo sirazu<\/strong>,\u201d is a Japanese proverb that translates to \u201ca frog in a well does not know the great ocean.\u201d My journey to Japan was inspired by my desire to explore a culture that was relatively unknown to me. I had long been acquainted with Japan\u2019s respect for nature and meditation, and had great admiration for the country\u2019s spiritual heritage \u2014 but that was the extent of my pre-trip familiarity. <\/span><\/p>\n

A Culture Of Calm<\/h2>\n

Though I\u2019d been anticipating colorful landscapes and chaotic crowds, the impression I came away with\u00a0was\u00a0that of a monochromatic, geometric collage, and a kind, conscientious community. <\/span>There <\/span>was an ease in the air that profoundly affected me, and a level of craft and care that infused every interaction.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"Carefully<\/p>\n

Carefully packaged goods.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The country\u2019s acumen for efficiency and organization was clearly reflected in the way food and other products were packaged and presented (neatly and cleanly) and there was an elegance to it all. \u00a0That said, there was still much room for surprise\u2014be it a vibrant shop window, or the innovative design of a restaurant menu. Because of this, my journey was anything but predictable.<\/p>\n

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\"A<\/p>\n

A fantastical Louis Vuitton window.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Architectural Drama<\/span><\/h2>\n

Geometric and varied, the architecture of Japan is remarkable. It can be graceful or hard. It can whisper or declare itself. The distinct difference between the country\u2019s futuristic high-rises and its ancient historic monuments makes each one all the more awe-inspiring. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\"Tokyo<\/p>\n

Tokyo at night.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Temples and Shrines<\/h2>\n

A trip to Japan would not be complete without a visit to at least one of its iconic temples. Each one is a beautiful, considered structure with its own fascinating history.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"The<\/p>\n

The exterior of Toda-ji Temple.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Toda-ji Temple, \u00a0home to The Great Buddha Hall (also known as Diabatsu-den) was particularly striking. I could feel the power and sanctity of the place the moment I arrived. \u00a0The temple was originally built in the mid 700\u2019s and restored in 1709 after a series of fires. Inside sits the Great Buddha \u2014 the world\u2019s largest bronze Buddha statue \u2014 surrounded by flowers, candles, small pines and burning incense.<\/p>\n

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\"The<\/p>\n

The Great Buddha Statue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Koumokuten is one of the guardian deities who protects the four cardinal directions of the Buddha\u2019s realm. He is said to see through evil and encourage aspirations for enlightenment. Koumokuten is nearly always shown stepping on a demon to symbolize the triumph of good over evil.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"Koumokuten<\/p>\n

Koumokuten statue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The Buddha rests on a pedestal made of 56 bronze lotus petals, etched with detailed designs. The intricate engravings date from the Nara period (8th century), and depict the \u201cLotus Matrix World System.\u201d Simply put, the story of the religious world in pictures.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"A<\/p>\n

A close-up of engravings that decorate the pedestal of the Great Buddha statue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Kiyomizu-dera Temple was founded in 778, making it over 1200 years old. Like many other important Japanese temples, it was destroyed by fire nearly ten times,\u00a0only to be restored by the faithful each time.<\/p>\n

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\"An<\/p>\n

An exterior view of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The current version was rebuilt in 1944. One of the temple\u2019s most famous features is the Kiyomizu Stage, which offers an incredible view of the city of Kyoto.<\/p>\n

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\"Exterior<\/p>\n

Exterior stairs at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple site.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Kinkakuji temple, or\u00a0<\/span>\u201cTemple of the Golden Pavilion\u201d is a center for the Zen sect of Buddhism. Like\u00a0<\/span>Kiyomizu-dera, it too was repeatedly destroyed by fire over the years, including once by arson. The current incarnation was erected in 1955, with its extensive gold leafing replaced as recently as 1980. The result is a radiant structure that bounces light off of the surrounding pond.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"An<\/p>\n

An exterior view of Kinkakuji Temple.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The Senso-Ji Temple, located in the Asakusa area of <\/span>Tokyo, is the city\u2019s oldest temple and one of its most important. It was founded in 628 and is the headquarters of the Sho-Kannon sect. The temple is dedicated to Bodhisattva Kannon (sometimes called the Goddess of Mercy, or Goddess of Compassion). A Bodhisattva is one who has chosen to stay behind on\u00a0earth, in order to\u00a0help those who suffer.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"Details<\/p>\n

Details from the Senso-Ji Temple.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Osaka and Kyoto<\/h2>\n

Tokyo may be the cosmopolitan heartbeat of Japan, but my experiences in Kyoto and Oksaka were equally thrilling. The two cities have their own characters, with Osaka taking on a special urban energy and Kyoto\u00a0delivering a new surprise with every turn.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"A<\/p>\n

A calm view in fast-paced Osaka.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Dinner at Ninja Kyoto was particularly memorable: Upon arrival, we were greeted by a Ninja who provided us with a sword \u201cfor safety.\u201d Our Ninja chopped the doors open at each corner, and led us down through a winding cave to a private dining room of our own.<\/p>\n

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\"Tempting<\/p>\n

Tempting aromas wafted from the small restaurants lining the narrow streets of Kyoto.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The low-lit room was furnished simply, with two purple velvet chairs and a single pendant light. As you might imagine, the Ninjas prepared our meal with maximum showmanship.<\/p>\n

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\"A<\/p>\n

A low-lit room at Ninja Kyoto.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Arriving back home, I was reminded that we must embrace gratitude, and be kinder to one another. As an artist, the colors, shapes, textures and sounds of Japan have energized and compositionally influenced my art. Exploring unfamiliar environments challenges my thoughts, which in turn create new brush strokes on my canvas.<\/span><\/p>\n

All images courtesy of Kelly\u00a0Messer. For more travelogues, see our visits to Uruguay<\/a>, Miami<\/a>, and Palm Springs<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/h2>\n

Shop the Story<\/h2>\n

Japan: Ancient to Modern<\/a><\/p>\n