Why Japan Is Best Experienced By Foot
Japan's most celebrated poet, writing in the 17th century under the name of Matsuo Basho, found his truest home on the road. Sleeping on a grass pillow, seeking out auspicious places from which to watch the full moon rise, living not quite as a Zen priest and not quite as a layman, he is best remembered for the monthslong travels he took on foot. Yes, sometimes he found a horse to ride but, most often, he was traipsing along in straw sandals, engaging with fellow travelers — an aging priest, two itinerant concubines — and keeping a diary (in poetry and prose) of what he saw and felt.
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In giving voice to what he called this 'windswept spirit,' he was consciously following in the footsteps of a great line of spiritual ancestors famous for their long walks. The elderly monk Zoki headed out toward the shrine-filled pathways of the eastern forests known as Kumano in the 10th century, sleeping at times in a shelter made of branches, recording the wistful cries of deer, the rustle of autumn insects. A century and a half later, a courtier named Saigyo gave up his position as a palace guard to become a wandering poet and monk. Basho even invokes the 13th-century nun Abutsu, who in her mid-50s made the two-week walk along the Tokaido, the crowded seaside highway leading from the official capital of Kyoto to the de facto one at Kamakura, to present an inheritance claim in a court of law.
Roaming in the wake of such immortals, as he considered them, Basho thought of his walks as a spiritual discipline. In making his climactic journey along what he called 'the narrow road to the deep north,' he was visiting not just a remote part of his country but the neglected corners of himself, otherwise obscured by society and routine. The full moon he sought is a classic Buddhist image of enlightenment.
Nobody could claim that walking is peculiar to Japan; Chaucer had sent his pilgrims toward Canterbury centuries before Basho was born. But Japan has long given the world an image of men and women quitting the busy world for a life of clarity and simplicity. In his classic essay on walking, Henry David Thoreau might have been drawing on the Basho who wrote, 'My solitude shall be my company and my poverty my wealth.'
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Associated Press
4 days ago
- Associated Press
SHOPKHOJ GUIDE TO UNESCO SITES- AJANTA & ELLORA CAVES
SHOPKHOJ GUIDE TO UNESCO SITES- AJANTA & ELLORA CAVES NEW DELHI, DELHI, INDIA, June 3, 2025 / / -- Ajanta & Ellora Caves are important Buddhist pilgrimage sites . They are near Aurangabad in the State of Maharashtra,India. Ajanta Caves, dating back to the 2nd century BCE, are famous for their exquisite murals and sculptures that depict the life of the caves are set in a horseshoe-shaped gorge. The Ellora Caves, on the other hand, are a complex of 34 caves that were excavated between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. These caves represent a harmonious coexistence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples and monasteries. The most famous of these is the Kailasa Temple, a magnificent monolithic structure dedicated to Lord Shiva. Getting to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, India, is quite straightforward. Here are some options: 1. By Air: The nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport ,which is well-connected to major cities in India like Mumbai,( ) Delhi,( ) and Hyderabad. 2. By Train: Aurangabad Railway Station is the closest major railway station. It is connected to several cities across India. 3. By Road: Aurangabad is well-connected by road to major cities in Maharashtra and neighboring states. You can either drive or take a bus from cities like Mumbai, Pune, or Nashik. There are regular state-run and private buses that operate on these routes. Ajanta Caves : The Ajanta Caves are a treasure trove of ancient art and architecture. Here are some highlights you should definitely see: 1. Cave 1: This cave is famous for its stunning murals depicting the life of the Buddha. The intricate paintings and sculptures here are a testament to the artistic prowess of the ancient craftsmen. 2. Cave 2: Known for its beautiful ceiling paintings, Cave 2 features intricate designs and motifs that are both mesmerizing and historically significant. 3. Cave 16: This cave is one of the largest and most impressive in the Ajanta complex. It contains detailed carvings and sculptures that narrate various Jataka tales, which are stories of the Buddha's previous lives. 4. Cave 17: Cave 17 is adorned with numerous murals that depict scenes from the life of the Buddha and other historical events. 5. Cave 19: This cave is a chaitya (prayer hall) and is notable for its grand entrance and intricate carvings. The stupa inside the cave is beautifully decorated and is a must-see. 6. Cave 26: Another chaitya, Cave 26 is famous for its impressive reclining Buddha sculpture, which represents the Buddha's Mahaparinirvana (final nirvana after death). The Ellora Caves are a magnificent complex of rock-cut temples and monasteries that showcase the rich cultural and religious diversity of ancient India. Here are some of the must-see highlights: 1. Kailasa Temple (Cave 16): This is the most famous and impressive structure in the Ellora complex. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kailasa Temple is a monolithic marvel carved out of a single rock. It features intricate sculptures, elaborate carvings, and a grand entrance that will leave you in awe. 2. Cave 10 (Vishvakarma Cave): Also known as the Carpenter's Cave, this is a Buddhist chaitya (prayer hall) with a stunning ribbed roof that resembles wooden beams. The large stupa at the end of the hall is a focal point of this cave. 3. Cave 12 :This three-story Buddhist monastery is one of the largest and most elaborate structures in the Ellora complex. It features spacious halls, cells for monks, and beautiful sculptures of Buddha and other deities. 4. Jain Caves (Caves 30-34): These caves are dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras and are known for their detailed carvings and serene atmosphere. Cave 32, also known as the Indra Sabha, is particularly noteworthy for its intricate sculptures and beautiful pillars. Each cave in the Ellora complex has its own unique charm and historical significance. Both sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are a testament to India's rich cultural and artistic heritage. When visiting, make sure to take your time to explore the intricate details and soak in the historical significance of these incredible monuments. Shopping : Aurangabad is famous for Painthani Sarees & fabrics. Paithan is a region near Aurangabad . The designs in the Paithani fabrics are inspired by the art in the Ajanta & Ellora Caves .( ) . They were once worn by Royalty &they are manufactured here. About Shopkhoj Shopkhoj is the #1 guide to shopping in India. There is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to what is available to shop for in India – from materials, to fabrics, to handicrafts, jewellery, and much much more. It can be overwhelming to navigate all that India has to offer. Shopkhoj provides users with easy to use tools enhancing their shopping search experience. Users can access product glossaries, history, culture, specialties unique to different cities, as well as detailed information on markets and shops within cities. Understand where the best markets are located, and the best products in each of the markets. We currently have information on 7 different cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Pondicherry and Jaipur), but hope to expand this list to more. In addition to information about local flavours, read about the shopping malls where users can find international brands, the best entertainment zones, and dining options. Shopping blogs and videos take you on an inside journey to what's available. Our search functions allow a user to search by category, price range, products, and much more. We have searched the markets across the cities to bring you a guide – from which shops have the best Quality, the best Price, the Fabrics, where you can Custom-design your wedding outfits, where you can find tailors to fit your style . Come begin your search(khoj in Hindi is search) for shopping in India at Kausalya Madhavan Shopkhoj Content Pvt Ltd +91 98104 00236 [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Japan is a model of cleanliness. So where are all the trash cans?
Professor Chris McMorran teaches Japanese studies at the National University of Singapore, where his work focuses on serious and important topics like labor, gender and marginalized communities. But when he takes his students to Japan, one major question invariably emerges: why aren't there any trash cans? It's a common refrain, especially among the Western travelers who flock to Japan in increasing numbers every year: how can the country be so clean and organized when there doesn't seem to be a way to dispose of garbage in public places? McMorran's students are not the only ones with that question. Earlier this year, the Japanese National Tourism Organization (JNTO) conducted a survey of passengers leaving Japan and asked what logistical challenges they faced during their trip. The number one response? A lack of trash cans. Twenty-two percent of tourists cited the difficulty of finding a place to throw away garbage as the single biggest issue they'd dealt with during their trip, ahead of a lack of English speakers (15%) and overcrowding at popular attractions (13%). There are a few different ways to address the trash disposal question, but they generally involve the unique cadences of Japanese etiquette. 'This (lack of trash cans) can be a nuisance particularly for budget-conscious young travelers,' says McMorran. 'Instead of sitting down for a meal at a restaurant, they are more likely to grab an onigiri at a convenience store or an Instagrammable dessert at a stall. Once they finish eating, they search in vain for a place to throw the waste.' He notes that while local Japanese people also buy food and drinks from vending machines or kombini (convenience stores), the difference is that they don't necessarily consume these products on the street. It's considered bad manners to eat while walking — to the point where some cities in Japan have outright barred the practice. Instead, it's more common to take these grab-and-go foods to their home or office, eat it there, and then dispose of the trash. If they do eat while out on the go, most people keep a small bag with them where they can stow trash until they get home. Mass tourism is causing problems with Japan's public trash situation. For example, travelers come from around the world to visit the UNESCO-listed city of Nara, a 45-minute bullet train ride east of Osaka. While the city is home to historic temples and Buddhist artifacts, its most famous residents are wild deer which are known for taking crackers from visitors and 'bowing' to say thank you. Trash, though, has become a life-or-death issue for the deer: nine died in 2019 after eating plastic waste that was left on the ground by tourists. Trash cans were removed from Nara's parks in 1985 to prevent deer from trying to eat out of them. Signs throughout the city cautioned people not to litter as eating trash or food outside of their diet could be harmful for the deer. As the number of travelers increased, it became clear that the posted signs weren't enough, and people weren't following the local custom of taking their trash away with them. The city has since reconsidered its policy and installed several trash bins near the busiest tourist areas. The solar-powered trash cans are printed with 'Save the deer' in English. Tokyo's cool Shibuya neighborhood has also struggled to cope with tourists and the trash they leave behind. Local politicians have cracked down on the notoriously riotous Halloween celebrations and made it illegal to consume alcohol on the street — partly to reduce noise complaints, but also to curb the amount of litter. 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The incident shocked Japan and changed the country forever. One aftereffect was the removal of trash cans from subway and train stations. While some still exist, they feature clear plastic bags that enable police officers to easily see what's inside, rather than the dark metal cylinders used in the past. And this phenomenon isn't isolated to Japan. Many trash cans were removed from London Underground stations and major intersections throughout the UK capital following several bombings by the paramilitary Irish Republican Army in the 1970s. Japanese authorities also closely monitor terror incidents overseas. Two Japanese rail lines stopped maintaining trash cans after train bombings in Madrid in 2004, citing concerns about terrorism. There is a creative solution for travelers worried about how to carry their waste during the day. Furoshiki are square pieces of cloth used to wrap items, and nearly every souvenir shop in Japan will have some. They can work in the short term for carrying trash until finding a bin, then can serve decorative purposes back home after the vacation.
Yahoo
5 days ago
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Tourists Flee as Massive Mount Etna Volcano Suddenly Erupts During Holiday
Mount Etna, Europe's largest volcano, began erupting once again on June 2 Tourists were seen fleeing down the slopes of the volcano, while others photographed the eruption just a few hundred yards away Mount Etna reportedly last erupted in May 2023Tourists were seen fleeing Mount Etna in Italy after the volcano's latest eruption during a national holiday. Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology announced in a statement that the eruption began in Sicily on Monday, June 2, around 11 a.m. local time. Images from the volcano at the time of the eruption, shared by The Times and The Telegraph, showed tourists racing down Mount Etna's slopes as plumes of smoke and ash burst into the air. Additional footage shared by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology showed pyroclastic flow rushing down the volcano shortly after the eruption. Meanwhile, just a few hundred yards away, other people were seen calmly taking photographs of the spectacle, according to The Telegraph. At 3327 meters (nearly 11,000 feet), Mount Etna is the tallest volcano in Europe, according to Sicily's tourism website. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The volcano last erupted in May 2023, causing the nearby city of Catania to halt flights at its airport, The Telegraph reported. The most recent eruption took place on the Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day) national holiday in Italy, meaning more people were out and about when the eruption occurred. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Observatory said there has not been an eruption of this magnitude at Mount Etna since 2014, according to CNN. The observatory reportedly also stated that the explosions are growing in intensity. All flights have been ordered to avoid the area of the eruption, but the airports in both Catania and Palermo are still open. Read the original article on People
