When thinking of Japan, the first things that usually come to mind are Sushi, Manga, Pokemon, overworked salarymen, super-punctual trains and automatic toilets that chirp like birds so that no one can hear how you pee. All these things that we naturally think of are creations of modern Japan - all the interesting and sometimes quirky stuff that happens in Japan’s mega cities of Tokyo and beyond.
But Japan is so much more than what you see in the cities. In fact, it is an incredibly spiritual and magical place and as soon as you venture outside of the concrete jungles you will quickly find yourself in another world. Japan is home to two of the most enchanted-feeling forests that I have ever seen - Sagano Bamboo Forest and Oku-no-in.
Sagano Bamboo Forest
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Getting lost between the whispering trees
If you google “most beautiful forest in the world” you will very often find this wonderful bamboo grove topping the list. And it is no surprise at all. This place is absolutely magical.
You can find this forest in one of Kyoto’s western outskirts called Arashiyama. Though you will hardly have this place to yourself, especially if you visit during the cherry blossom season like we did, it is still a place to let go, breathe in and listen to the rustling of the bamboo in the wind. You really expect the two fighters from the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon movie jump out of the forest at any moment.
Magical Colors
If you visit in late March / early April when the cherry blossoms are usually in full bloom, you can see some great contrasts between the frog-green bamboo, some bare trees in the back and pink cherry blossoms in the front. Truly one of the most enchanted places I have ever seen!
Oku-No-In
Oku-No-In is even more mystical and spiritual than the Sagano Bamboo Grove. Located on Mount Koya which can be reached in about 1.5 - 2 hrs from Osaka, it is the largest graveyard in Japan, according to Wikipedia.
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Feeling a bit chilly in Japan's largest graveyard
This place really creeps under your skin. Before going to Japan, I got quite interested in Japanese mythology and I was reading stories about Kodama. Kodama are spirits that live in trees and curse those who are cutting trees down. I am generally not a very spiritual person but standing between these graves and those large, towering cedars surrounding you, you start getting goosebumps quicker than you think.
Oku-no-in is a humbling and spiritual experience
This is especially true, if you stay overnight to sleep with the monks at one of the temples. Two things prevented us from doing that: 1. We are spoiled little brats and preferred to stay in a fancy hotel in Osaka. 2. We didn’t have the guts to do it.
Has anyone of you been to these places? What do you think? Which one is more “enchanted”? I found the Bamboo Grove more beautiful, while Oku-no-in was even more atmospheric. I wish I can go back one day and experience it during the night.
All images are taken by me. All rights reserved
i have been in saga no bamboo forest last week. the forest is awesome....but only tourists are too many....you can't really take a good photo and experience the silence of the forest....
You're right, it does get crowded unfortunately. We went in the early morning so it was actually pretty quiet.
I've been both of places but I much prefer bamboo forest as it was just unique experinece with mixture of calmness and the sound of whispering trees. I think it is a gateway to the meditation which opens to the new world.
Yea, the mixture of sound and visuals is fantastic!
I've seen images of the Sagano Forest before @lordofthewaves (cool tagname btw) and yours is just as professional. The other photos are very interesting too (as was your story telling prowess) I visited japan many years ago and unfortunately a lot of our old photos were destroyed after being kept too long in storage sheds during one of Brisbane's extreme humid summers. I'd love to go back one day. I think for people like us who are 'spoiled little brats' and more than a little fearful of spending a night at the temples, we will just have to take the word of braver tourists when they tell us it is a humbling and spiritual experience to do so. (U & R ) .......and Following. Welcome to Steemit!
Thanks for the compliments @trudeehunter! Sorry to hear about your photos, but I guess it's a very valid reason to go back! I can imagine how Brisbane's summers can be a threat to your photos - I lived and studied in Brisbane 10 years ago. Follower you, too!
My pleasure @lordofthewaves Yes, it was very disappointing to loose most of our photos. Those storage sheds get really hot. So, I do have valid reasons to return......just need a heap of valid dollars to make it happen. (lol) Many thanks for the kind Follow.
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Whoaa. Amazing man. Colorful Japan! I want to go to Oku-no-in, I think I can do some meditation there :D
For sure! Go for it :)
May sound a little bit weird but that Japan graveyard looks so peaceful lol
It's very beautiful. You never quite know how to behave, though. On one hand you want to be respectful but on the other hand you want to capture all that beauty on camera. But it's perfectly fine to take pictures in certain areas.
Such beauty, that walkway is magnificent I just want to be there in that moment
Hop on a plane! "Just" 10 hours from Melbs to Tokyo :)
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TrufflePigWe always seek out places like this - cemeteries and bamboo forests. It's like an obsession.
I agree with you it is a different world. It sounds involving your idea of those graves and spend overnight sleeping in the temple :) An experience I have not had yet :)
Going to add this to my list for my Japan trip later this year.
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