1,000 Paper Cranes Starts With the First Fold

1,000 Paper Cranes Starts With the First Fold

My first exposure to Paper Cranes was in high school when my Japanese teacher got my class to fold 1,000 paper cranes to send to Hiroshima for the anniversary on August 6th.

Traditionally 1,000 paper cranes were given as a wedding gift by the father to wish the new couple 1,000 years of happiness. It is also believed that folding 1,000 paper cranes makes a person's wish come true. When the paper cranes have been folded, you string them together to be hung up or given as a gift. This is now called a senbazuru.

Most people who have heard of 1,000 paper cranes have heard of them because of Hiroshima. At the Hiroshima Peace Park Memorial there is a statue of Sadako Sasaki who was diagnosed with Leukemia as a result of the atomic bomb blast. She heard the legend of being granted a wish if you fold 1,000 paper cranes, so she undertook the task in the hope she would live. Sadly, she died of her illness and as a result people from around the world now fold paper cranes to be left at the memorial to show their love and respect for her.  You can see the paper cranes in specially constructed undercover areas near the base of the statue.

The statue of Sadako Sasaki in Hiroshima Peace Park

After visiting Hiroshima and the Peace Park I was profoundly emotionally affected. Seeing the millions of paper cranes at the memorial has inspired me to make my own set of 1,000 paper cranes (Senbazuru).

I purchased some beautiful origami paper a little while ago and I started to fold my paper cranes.

My first few paper cranes

Unfortunately I can't buy this beautiful paper in bulk so I went looking for some plain brightly coloured paper instead. Here is my stack of paper to be turned into cranes!

I am not sure how long this will take me but I will keep you posted on my progress!

G

Takayama Part 7 - Kokubunji Temple

Kokubunji Temple is the oldest temple in Takayama. Emperor Shomu originally built the temple in 746 as one of several temples dedicated to peace in the nation.

The ginkgo tree is said to be 1,200 years old and the three storey pagoda was built in 1807.

This temple is located along one of the main streets of Takayama and is worth a look in. When I visited the temple I heard some deep chanting that was both mesmerising and soothing. I sat down and enjoyed listening to it for a while in the cold crisp air.

Kokubunji Temple

Statues wedged into a part of the Ginkgo tree.

The 3 storey pagoda

Detail of the pagoda

If you are in Takayama, you should drop by to see the temple and the ginormous Ginkgo tree you may just get to hear the chanting like I did.

G

Takayama Part 6 - Shiroyama Park and Takayama Castle

If you want a relaxed day walking around through snow covered trees and walking through trenches of fresh snow then take some time out to walk around Shiroyama Park. The park has a walking course that leads you around the mountain and up to the ruins of Takayama Castle.

The path we took to get to the walking course

Grounds of a temple located along the walking course

I actually loved walking up the mountain and through the dense woodland. Along the main walking course we saw some older Japanese couples (no doubt locals) keeping fit and going for a walk. They always stopped to say hello and give us a big smile.

Once we got off the main walking course and started to climb the mountain we were completely alone. It was great fun and many a snow ball was thrown....mainly at me!

Snow ball damage!

There are some huge stone ruins which formed part of the castle grounds and entry to Takayama castle called Ote-mon gate.

The Ote-mon gate with the ruins on the right and left

Huge stone wall ruins

Lots of snow = lots of fun!

As you wind around the mountain there are a few look-out areas to see the views over Takayama.

The view over Takayama

Standing on top of Takayama Castle's ruins

View of surrounding mountains.

Along the path through the forest you encounter some very large trees which evokes scenes from a fairy tale. As it was just the two of us climbing up the mountain it was completely silent except for the occasional thud of over laden branches dropping piles of snow on the ground.

If you have the time and enjoy a peaceful stroll, I highly recommend walking around Shiroyama Park - we had lots of fun.

G

Video on Yuzen dying technique

This is a video I found through a fellow blogger and I would like to share it with you.

It is about how high end Kimono's are made using what is called 'yuzen' technique. It pretty much sums up what I love about the Japanese. They spend their life mastering one thing to absolute perfection. This video is also about one of my passions - Japanese textiles. I am a sucker for collecting Kimonos and I love embroidery work as well.

If you love Japan, textiles or are just interested in how things are made, then sit back and watch this video.

What do you think of the video and Yuzen dying technique?

G

Takayama Part 5 - Hida no Sato

Hida no Sato or Hida folk village is located a very short bus ride from the main town centre in Takayama. The folk village is home to over 30 original farm houses that have been transported from the surrounding area to preserved them and put them on display for the public.

The view of Hida no Sato as you enter.

You can enter each of the houses which are full of original tools and furniture to show the public what life was like for the Japanese. The fires inside the houses are lit every morning which leaves a pleasant and homely aroma.

One of the houses

Interior of one of the houses

There is also a wheel house where water has been diverted using hollowed out tree branches to turn a wheel which in turn grinds grain.

The wheel house

Hida no Sato gets heaps of snow in winter and is a lot of fun to walk around. There is also a group of houses near the exit which demonstrate how the local crafts are made. This is where I purchased my first Ichii Ittobori wood carving (see previous post).

Icicles hanging from the roof

Hida no Sato is in keeping with the atmosphere of Takayama and is well worth the visit.

G

The Wagasa from Takayama

I have always wanted a wagasa (traditional umbrella) from Japan. Ever since I saw a photo of a Geisha holding a wagasa over her shoulder I have wanted one.
On my second trip to Takayama I found a store that sold them. This is a hand made wagasa with washi paper, black lacquer, beautiful string detailing on the underside and perfect little red tips along the bottom. I love the way the lacquer on the wagasa creaks and groans when I open it.

I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

The wagasa glows with a little light

The outside of the wagasa with lacquered spines

String detail

Lacquered tip

Washi paper detail with the 'wave' design

Red tips along the bottom

Do you like my wagasa?

Would you buy one?

G

Photo of the Day - Hida no Sato, Takayama

This is a photo from Hida no Sato in Takayama. This area is an open air museum with old farm houses that have been transported from the surrounding area to preserve them and display them for the public. (More about Hida no Sato in a future post). When covered in snow, I think Hida no Sato looks like something out of a fairy tale.

Have you visited Hida no Sato in Takayama?

G

Takayama Part 3 - Shunkei Lacquerware

Yet another reason to visit Takayama is the beautiful Shunkei Lacquerware. This type of lacquerware is only produced in Takayama and has been a tradition for around 400 years. This lacquer is simple and enhances the grain of the wood. There is no decoration on the lacquer and the colour is a redish-brown with a clear finish.

There is almost an unlimited amount of products that have been made using this technique and as you could guess, I have collected a few items on my travels to Takayama!

A traditional style vase

A modern vase

I am totally obsessed by boxes or 'bako' and the Japanese have a particular penchant for making excellent ones! I love the different compartments and the organisation of the Japanese. Everything has a place!

One of my favourite boxes (bako)

Plenty of compartments!

I think this lacquerware is so beautiful. I have given many pieces away as presents and everyone just loves the colour and clear sheen. I generally use the boxes for things like jewellery, on my bedside table where my nick-nacks go or anywhere in the house where I can find a place that isn't already covered in something from Japan!

The lacquerware can be found in many shops in Takayama and I would suggest browsing through a few of them as they do stock very different items. 

I love traveling to places and finding products that can only be found in that one place in the whole world. Shunkei lacquerware is one of these products and I highly recommend getting some for yourself!

Do you like the colour of the Shunkei lacquerware?

Would you by some products if you saw them?

G








Photo of the Day - Roof Tiles of Nijo Castle

Today's photo is of the beautiful roof tiles of Nijo Castle. I just love this roof, it is so ornate and spectacular. I love the fact that every detail of Nijo Castle has been thought of incluing the roof tiles.

What do you think of the roof tiles?

G

Photo of the Day - Nara Park

I took this photo on my first trip to Japan. It is in the ancient Nara forest where deer roam freely. It was a very cold day and there was a mist that would come and go as I walked through the forest. There was hardly anyone else around and it was so quiet and peaceful.
This photo captures the exact mood of the day. It was dark, mist was obscuring the view and then a deer came out and crossed my path. At that moment, I felt the presence of the ancient spirits in the forest. It was an amazing day.

Have you been to Nara and walked through the forest?

G

Photo of the Day

Here are some photos I took of the Samurai Kusunoki Masashige in the Imperial Palace Gardens in Tokyo. this statue is so striking and so fierce and I think it captures the essence of a Samurai in battle. This is my favourite statue in Japan.

What do you think of the statue?

G

Takayama Part 2 - Ichii Ittobori Carvings

Another of the amazing craft offerings for the visitor to Takayama are the Ichii Ittobori carvings. These are wood carvings and are found throughout Takayama.


My collection of Ichii Ittobori carvings

I first saw these wood carvings at Hido no Sato (in Takayama) where there was a small building with a master craftsman carving his creations. The first carving I purchased was of Hotei. Hotei is one of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods who carries a sack which never empties. He is the God of happiness and contentment and is the guardian of children. Who better than to start off my collection! The detail on Hotei is amazing. I still examine this carving running my fingers over the grooves marvelling at how talented the craftsman was.

My Hotei wood carving

When you purchase an Ichii Ittobori carving, you receive a description and history which goes as follows:

"The yew tree is symbolic of the Hida area's abundant wood resources. The evergreen yew has historically been one of this region's most precious gifts from nature.
About 800 years ago, when a new emperor was enthroned, he was presented with a comb made from the Hida region's yew tree wood.
Because of the wood's natural beauty, it was considered to be a more excellent material than the other woods in use at the time. So, they named the yew tree 'ichii' after a class of noblemen in the aristocracy.
The Hida wood carving has been developed and used in the construction of temples and in the wood sculptures found on festival floats by 'Hida no Takumi' (skillful carpenters), who once were involved in construction in Kyoto.
The rich colour and natural sheen of the wood, together with the decisiveness of the cutting, give this craft great distinction.
The yew trees used in ichii ittobori are about 400 to 500 years old".

On my first trip to Takayama I saw an Ichii Ittobori carving of a frog clinging to a bamboo. I didn't purchase it and I regretted it as soon as I got home. When I went back to Takayama on my second trip, I saw the very same carving. I had to get it and add it to my Ichii Ittobori collection. I love looking at the frog's fingers and what I love most is that the frog and bamboo are from the same piece of wood. The frog is not stuck on which shows the great skill of the craftsman.

The frog on the bamboo pole

Detail of the frog's fingers

I purchased another carving on my second trip that when I saw it, i just had to have it. It is a mouse on a money bag. The detail on the mouse's fur and on the bag itself are just outstanding.

The mouse on the money bag

Detail of the mouse sitting on the opening of the bag




When you look at the above pictures, don't forget that the carving is done as a whole. The mouse is not added, it is part of the original block of wood. If you look carefully, the tip of the mouse's tail is connected to the bag which makes the carving even more complex. The detail around the main part of the bag could only be described as extraordinary. The different textures of this carving make it so fascinating. The smooth top of the bag opening, the tiny individual grooves to make the mouse's fur, the detail of the bag itself and the string tying the bag shut are all different and would require a master at the top of his game. I just love this carving.

These Ichii Ittobori carvings are found in shops throughout Takayama. I would advise browsing through a few of them as each one can differ in the type of carvings they make/sell. I got the frog and the mouse on the bag from a shop run by a man by the name of Suzuki and is located next door to the Kokubunji Temple on Kokubunji Street only a short stroll from the train station

Have you visited Takayama and purchased an Ichii Ittobori wood carving?

What do you think of my collection?

Would you purchase one of these carvings?

G

Takayama Part 1 - Sake Breweries

Takayama is one place in Japan you really must make the effort to visit.

It has so much to offer. It is in a mountainous area and as a result is known for is pristine natural beauty. In addition to its natural beauty and features Takayama offers unique handicraft and art that no other region in Japan can offer.

In fact Takayama has so much to see and do that it would be an injustice to try to cover it all in one post.

In this post I will cover the sake breweries.

Due to the clean waters and climate, Takayama is perfect for growing rice and brewing sake. As a result Takayama is home to several sake breweries which in January of each year open their doors and offer tours for visitors. One of the highlights of my time spent in Takayama was taking the sake tour and sampling the sake at the end! Needless to say I was fairly happy and slightly tipsy upon leaving the brewery. You can purchase sake directly from the brewery in either modern glass bottles or traditional containers.

Here are some of the sake bottles we purchased and posted home.

Our collection of Sake bottles

Each visitor is given a commemorative sake cup to sample the sake and take home with them. Here is my one.

Commemorative sake cup

Of all my sake bottles, this is my favourite. Its is black with a blue glaze. I just think it is so pretty. The lids of these earthen sake containers double as sake cups and have been glazed with the same colouring as the container. I hope to collect more of these gorgeous sake containers each time I visit Takayama.

The sake breweries should be on the top of everyone's list when they visit Takayama. As far as  am aware, they only open in January of each year which is right in the middle of winter. In my opinion winter is a fabulous time to visit Takayama. There is so much snow (which for an Aussie is quite a thrill!) and it gets pretty cold in the mornings and at night. But I love rugging up against the cold and the bright blue winter sky does warm you up during the day.

Takayama is a small mountain town that I will always try to visit each time I go to Japan.

Stay tuned for more on Takayama in my upcoming posts.

G