Japan 18 Takayama 1

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JAPAN
Short but sweet touching trip
Takayama
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Takayama is a city in the mountainous Hida
region of Gifu Prefecture. Takayama retains a
traditional touch like few other Japanese cities,
especially in its beautifully preserved old town.
It now ranks as one of the prime candidates among
travelers wishing to add a rural element into
their itineraries
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The Hida Kokubunji Temple
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Constructed in 746 by Emperor Shomu,
Hida-Kokubunji Temple is the oldest structure in
Takayama Built in 1739 the Front gate had not
foundation originally and the gate stood directly
on the ground, but a foundation has been added to
preserve the structure
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Stone Buddha statues in front of the temple
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Sarubobo At Hida Kokubunji Temple
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Sarubobo At Hida Kokubunji Temple
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A sarubobo is a Japanese amulet, particularly
associated with the town of Takayama. Sarubobos
are red human-shaped dolls, with no facial
features, made in a variety of sizes.
Traditionally, sarubobos are made by grandmothers
for their grandchildren as dolls, and for their
daughters as a charm for good marriage, good
children and to ensure a well-rounded
couple. "Saru" means monkey and "bobo" means
baby.So "Sarubobo" is a monkey baby doll
Sarubobo At Hida Kokubunji Temple
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Long time ago, this cold area was not suitable
for farming. So men went to another town to work
and women took care of their children at home.
However, they don't have enough money to buy some
toys for children. So mothers made dolls
(Sarubobo) for them to play. Mothers hoped their
children's good health while they were making Now
it has become a lucky charm
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A sarubobo has no eyes, nose, or mouth. In this
sense, it is like a mirror. If you are happy, the
sarubobo might be laughing with you. If you are
sad, the sarubobo might be crying along with you
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Even nowadays, the monkey guards the souls of all
innocent children and brings happiness and joy
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Be sure to get a sarubobo when you come to the
Hida area. It may just heal your disease!
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This bell tower gate was constructed during the
Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1603) and had been
designated a Takayama cultural property. In order
to add a second level to the original gate,
square pillars were used for the first story and
round pillars for the second
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The temple bell was originally cast in 1514 for
the Juodo temple and was recast in 1761 and
donated to Kokubun-ji
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The age of this tree is estimated to be 1,200
years, and it has been designated a national
natural monument. In the past it was believed
that the snow would fall when the leaves of
gingko fell, and the tree is cherished by local
residents as a herald of the changing seasons
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The tree is 28m in height, with a circumference
of 10m
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Kosodate Jizoson (guardian deity for pregnancy
and childcare)
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The oldest surviving structure is the Main Hall,
dating from the 16th century
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The Hida Kokubunji Temple was constructed in 746
by Emperor Shomu to pray for the nation's peace
and prosperity. Temples of this type were fairly
common both in Japan and in neighboring Korea.
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Ginkgo biloba, known as ginkgo or gingko and also
as the maidenhair tree, is the only living
species in the division Ginkgophyta, all others
being extinct. It is recognizably similar to
fossils dating back 270 million years. Native to
China, the tree is widely cultivated and was
introduced early to human history. It has various
uses in traditional medicine and as a source of
food Several of the extract compounds are under
preliminary research for their potential
biological activity in humans, such as for
inhibiting formation of amyloid fibrils which may
be a factor in Alzheimer's disease
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This three-storied pagoda, unique in the Hida
region, is 22 m in height and has been designated
a prefectural important cultural property. It was
originally built by Kanamori Arishige, the ruler
of Takayama. The current pagoda was rebuilt in
1821, 31 years after the previous structure was
blown over by the wind in 1791
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In Japan Ginkgo nuts (ginnan or white nuts),
welcomed as an autumn and new year seasonal
wonder, are a special addition to savory egg
custard known as chawanmushi
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The Imperial Seal of Japan, also called
the Chrysanthemum Seal 
The 50-yen coin
To the Japanese, there is a flower for every time
of year, and in autumn, it is the kiku
(chrysanthemum), celebrated in festivals, shows
and home displays. Kiku is one of classic autumn
flowers regarded as the national flower of Japan,
which has been used to symbolize royalty in
history. The design of Kiku flowers can be found
in the seals of the Emperor's family and Shogun
families, as well as the 50-yen coin. Like the
cherry blossom, the chrysanthemum symbolizes the
season, but more than that, it is a symbol of the
country itself
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Kiku at Hida Kokubunji Temple
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A number of Kiku flower festivals and
competitions are held in autumn throughout Japan.
Since Kiku festivals are held at tourist spots,
such as major temples and shrines, it gives an
opportunity to see the beautiful flowers for
people visiting there on a trip in late autumn
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Sound Jigoku Shojo Mitsuganae - Nigakute
Amai mizu (Bitter-Sweet Water)