The quality and attention to detail is a level above the rest! Throughout the centuries the Japanese have successfully mastered this art form, which includes glazed pottery, stoneware and porcelain items. Inspiring Day Trips from Osaka to Enrich Your Visit Homeware Souvenirs from Japan Ceramics & Potteryĭid you know Japan is home to some of the oldest ceramic traditions in the world? There is evidence to suggest Japanese pottery and ceramics (tōgei 陶芸) were created as early as 10,000 BC during the Jōmon period. Secret Tokyo Hidden Gems You’ve Never Heard Of Stunning Destinations to Discover in Japan Off the Beaten PathĢ0+ Essential Tips for Planning a Trip to Japan NOTE:Luckily for me, I DID make it back to see her with unobstructed blue skies on a separate occasion during my Tokyo to Mt Fuji day trip!ģ Weeks in Japan Itinerary: Sights & Culture Off the Beaten Track You’re sure to recognise his work “The Great Wave off Kanagawa”.Įven though Mt Fuji was hiding behind the clouds during my visit to Hakone, these chopsticks are a nice reminder to me that I did make the journey to her home and they inspired me to return again. Quite the obvious choice no doubt! I chose this pack of chopsticks in Hakone as each pair features a view of Mt Fuji by one of my favourite artists, Hokusai. The second image includes an ema (wooden wishing plaque) from Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto, a Geisha keychain I bought on Takeshita Street Harajuku (although the tag says Asakusa) and a lantern from Nakamise-dori, the shopping street leading up to Senso-ji, Tokyo. IT Card omamori from Kanda Shrine, Tokyo.Yellow pouch from Senso-ji in Tokyo and the purple from Myoryu-ji in Kanazawa.Blue pouch and rare porcelain omamori amulet from Japan’s porcelain capital, Arita. Pictured below are just a few pieces from my omamori collection: You can find omamori at various shrines, temples and shopping arcades throughout Japan. Omamori can also come in the form of small silk bags with a prayer inside. Today there are omamori for almost everything you can think of, from the more traditional kinds such as prosperity and happiness to more modern variations for safe driving and cyber-security! Spiritual leaders thought the idea of symbolically placing power of the gods into these hanging items would help protect believers and bring good luck. With origins from both Shintoism and Buddhism, their purpose is to drive away evil spirits with the attached bells and guard their owners from misfortune. These pocket-sized items are very popular with both locals and tourists alike. While omamori お守り is a general term for Japanese lucky charms, they come in different kinds. For me, Christmas is a time of reflecting and appreciating all the good things from the year(s) that have passed and these pieces represent a journey and fond memories. While I have some tsuko-tegata on permanent display at home, I save others as decorations for my Christmas tree each year. As a typography lover, I couldn’t resist the hand-painted calligraphy… Isn’t it simply gorgeous? Pictured below are mine from Istukushima Shrine (Miyajima, left) and Nara (right). They have a bell and braided string attached. Today, tsuko-tegata can be found at various temples, shrines, hot spring resorts and are a symbol or “proof” that you have visited. To allow passage from one provence to another, travellers needed to present a tsuko-tegata to prove they had authorisation to pass through. During the Edo period, travel between the different regions of the country was strictly monitored. Tsuko-tegata 通行手形 or “wooden passports” represent an ancient custom in Japan. To get you inspired and to know what to keep an eye out for when you’re souvenir shopping in Japan, here are some of my personal favourites: Wooden Souvenirs from Japan Tsuko-Tegata It’s always good to know the significance behind each of the items you plan on purchasing as they become more meaningful gifts. Where do we start?! Japan is a country that has maintained its rich cultural heritage throughout history and many of the below souvenirs reflect this. If you want to learn my strategies for how to “blend in” anywhere around the globe to enrich your trip, find out by reading my #1 Amazon New Release Book! Need help choosing what to buy in Japan? So how does staying longer at your destination and not using Airbnb help? My article about how to travel and avoid contributing to overtourism issues has 10 simple tricks you can use on your next trip. Heads up! Overtourism is becoming an increasing problem throughout the world.
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