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Japan Travel International Travel

Metropolis - Tokyo Japan Travel: God speed JAPAN TODAY | METROPOLIS | CLASSIFIEDS | PERSONALS | JOBS Issue Index Original Features Features Mini Features Cultural Features Life in Japan Big in Japan Rant & Rave Cars & Bikes Health & Beauty Interiors Practical Jobfinder Money Talks Tokyo Tech Web Watch Food & Drink Food & Drink Restaurant Reviews Bar Reviews Word of Mouth Travel Travel Features Japan Travel International Travel Travelogue Style Art Artifacts Fashion Tokyo Talk In Store Buyline Music Japan Beat CD Reviews In Person Concerts Clubbing JAPAN TRAVEL Photos by Mary King The mother of all Shinto temples, Ise Grand Shrine is the spiritual home of the Japanese nation. Mary King takes a pilgrimage. D own the ages various rumors and tales have circulated about the sacred mirror of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. It was once said that whoever laid eyes on the mirror would immediately be struck blind, a possible deterrent for would-be thieves. Others have claimed to have seen the mirror and reported that it is inscribed with ancient Hebrew lettering, reading “eheyeh asher eheyeh,” the name of the Judaic-Christian God written in Exodus 3:14 and meaning “I AM THAT I AM.” Heavenly abode Japan’s sacred mirror, one of three items of the Imperial Regalia, is kept in the Inner Shrine (Naiku) at Ise Grand Shrine, a sanctuary that many visitors to the Mie Prefecture city of Ise are astonished to discover they are not allowed to enter or even see. Ise Jingu, popularly known as “O-Ise-san,” or officially “Jingu,” holds the most honored position among the more than 100,000 Shinto shrines that are scattered throughout the breadth of Japan. The site of the nation’s most Holy of Holies, and boasting some of the world’s greatest architectural monuments, Jingu is also home to some of the simplest and most mysterious structures. Described as the “starting point for all journeys in Japan,” Ise is regarded as the spiritual home of the Japanese, a place to which most wish to make at least one pilgrimage to in their lives. In fact, more than six million pilgrims and worshipers come to Jingu each year, crossing the Uji Bridge spanning the sacred Isuzu River to symbolically leave behind the temporal world and enter a “pure world” of kami (gods and spirits) and the ancient mythology of the land. Odyssey Passing through the second huge torii at the end of Uji Bridge, a long gravel approach leads you through a natural cathedral of towering cryptomeria. Pilgrim and tourist alike are taken on a divine journey toward the Naiku and Geku, where Amaterasu and Toyouke (God of Abundant Food) are respectively worshipped. It is an unforgettable odyssey, one that spirits you back to the country’s earliest recorded “history” that tells of the “Age of Kami,” the creation of Japan and the origins of its people right through to the Imperial line and succeeding generations of emperors and empresses. The auxiliary shrines resemble ancient granaries The Geku (Outer Shrine) was dedicated to the grain deity Toyouke, possibly in a bid to bolster the new imperial cult that started, according to the myth, when Amaterasu sent her grandson, Ninigi no Mikoto, down to earth to rule. The Sun Goddess handed her grandson the mirror that had lured her out of her cave, along with Susano’s sword, and a curved jewel. The mirror (yata no kagami), along with the jewel and sword, remain the Three Imperial Regalia, symbols of divine authority, and to this day the emperor conducts rites to ensure a bountiful harvest as well as secret rituals in which he symbolically mates with the Sun Goddess. The high priestess of Ise, meanwhile, has traditionally been an Imperial princess, reflecting the nation’s early history of shamanesses, priestesses and ruling empresses. Having passed through large open grounds and crossed over a small bridge (hiyokebashi), you gradually move towards the more sacred area of the Naiku. To the right of the main pilgrimage path is located a font for the ablutions made by pilgrims prior to proceeding toward the main sanctuary grounds. Beyond the daiichi torii (first sacred gateway) are steps that lead to the Isuzu River, where since ancient times pilgrims have purified their body and mind by washing their hands in, and rinsing their mouths with, the waters of this sacred river. According to Shinto thought, one’s pure mind and body given by the kami must be ritually cleansed so as to return to a state of purity. Amaterasu Omikami is enshrined in the main sanctuary building, the Goshoden, of the inner sanctum of Naiku, in which the august mirror, her symbol or goshintai, is kept and worshipped. As they are considered most sacred, pilgrims or other visitors may see neither the mirror nor the main sanctuary. In fact, the only people allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, according to my guide, are members of the Imperial Family, although on one occasion, it is rumored, Queen Elizabeth was invited in. Restoration Except for the exalted mirror, all of Jingu’s other sacred shrines and objects must be reconstructed in synch with each 20-year Shikinen Sengyo cycle. The elaborate transference procession and ceremony involves the remaking of some 491 holy treasures, 1600 accessories and 125 kinds of sacred apparel that are then put in their proscribed places by the priests. Formerly used objects are kept in the nearby Jingu History Museum, which is open to the public. It is possible to find two absolutely identical Naiku and Geku standing side by side-one old, one new. In time the older one will be deconstructed and its wooden parts, now forever consecrated, recycled as repair pieces for other shrines around Japan. The newer one-once the transference of holy objects has been consummated-hence replaces the old as a locus of veneration. The shrines themselves are thought to resemble ancient granaries or storehouses and are built from Japanese cypress (hinoki) from the Kiso forestry preserves extending between the Gifu and Nagano Prefectures. Befitting the reverence accorded to these sanctified building blocks, death, loss of a limb, or imprisonment have, over the centuries, been the penalties for felling these jewels. A visit to the majestic Ise shrine allows one to understand why. Where to stay: Oaken, tel: 059-622-2589; Hinodekan, Tel: 059-628-2954; Saekikan, tel: 059-628-2017; Okubun, tel: 059-628-2231. Ise City Tourist Information, tel: 059-623-9655. TRAVELOGUE WORLD TRAVEL TRAVEL FEATURES JAPAN TRAVEL: SEPTEMBER 389: God speed The mother of all Shinto temples, Ise Grand Shrine AUGUST 385: Hattoji Highland hamlet JULY 380: Nagasaki Remembrance of things past 378: Kawagoe From modern Tokyo to "Little Edo" 376: Tottori Tottori's stunning landscapes JUNE 375: Kyushu Bed and bath under the volcano 373: Ryogoku Land of the giants 372: Osaka Universal Studios Japan MAY 371: Osaka Amerika-mura: Osaka's funky town 369: Mie Mikimoto Pearl Island 368: Takarazuka Hyogo-ken's all women theater group APRIL 365: Kawasaki Kawasaki's annual fertility festival 364: Aomori A day on Fear Mountain MARCH 362: Nagano Chill out snowboarding 361: Asuka One foot in the grave FEBRUARY 356: Yamanashi Hakushu's hidden treasures 355: Waseda Tram Trip A streetcar named... 352/3: Aomori Jesus in Japan 351: Kumamoto Under the volcano in Kyushu 350: Sado Island Explore the forgotten charms of Shukunegi ISSUES 348- ISSUES 298- TOP

Japan Travel

U.S. Commercial Service Japan: Travel and Tourism Sitemap BUYUSA.GOV -- U.S. Commercial Service Japan Local time: 07:42 AM Travel and Tourism Highlight Reports Japanese Outbound Travel Market Japan is the largest overseas travel market for the United States. In 2000, the number of Japanese outbound travelers totaled 17.8 million, an increase of 8.9 percent over the previous year. The U.S. is the most popular overseas destination for Japanese travelers, receiving more than 5 million Japanese travelers each year. The total market for Japan's international travel to the U.S. exceeded US$13 billion in 2000. Japanese Overseas School Travel Market In Japan, almost all schools including primary, junior, and senior high schools, both public and private, organize school trips for their students. Although most schools organize domestic excursions, the number of high schools that have been organizing overseas school trips is increasing. Useful Links International Trade Administration Tourism Industries Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) Japan Visit USA Committee Japan Association of Travel Agents CONTACTS Unit Chief: Joel Fischl Commercial Specialist: Yoko Hatano Home Focus on JAPAN, the World's Second-Largest Economy Exporting to East Asia & China Just Got Easier! How We Help U.S. Companies How We Help Japanese Companies Doing Business in Japan Country Commercial Guide Japanese Customs, Etiquette, and Culture Industry Highlights Public Comment Update Business Service Providers Useful Links FAQs Contact Us Our Worldwide Sites Other Asian Markets Export.gov Trade Portal 日本企業の皆様へ Search! Printable version Last updated 2004-01-21 © 2001-2005 All rights reserved Privacy Policy Disclaimer

Taiwan Travel

Taiwan Vacations & Tourism, Taiwan Hotels, Taiwan Attractions - Yahoo! Travel Primary Navigation Overview | Hotels | Things to do | Restaurants | Map | Flights | Cars | Deals | FareChase Taiwan: Search Travel Travel > Guides > Asia > Taiwan Email this page Print Taiwan Vacations, Tourism, Hotels View larger map of Taiwan Top Cities in Taiwan Taipei Kaohsiung Sun Moon Lake Taichung Nantou Taoyuan Taitung Hsinchu Peitou Pingtung Hualien Ilan Chiayi Keelung Chang Hua Yangmingshan See all cities in Taiwan View larger image Taiwan has always been a popular refuge from mainland China. Over the centuries, everyone from fortune hunters and farmers to persecuted minorities and exiled members of the royal court has found a haven there. And when the nationalists fled the Communist takeover of the mainland in 1949, taking with them the imperial collection of Chinese artifacts, … Read More Popular Taiwan Hotels Taipei The Landis Taipei Hotel Santos Hotel Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel Les Suites Taipei-Da An Le Petit Sherwood, Taipei Kaohsiung Howard Plaza Hotel Kaohsiung Grand Hi-Lai Hotel The Grand Hotel Splendor Hotel The Ambassador Hotel Kaohsiung Sun Moon Lake Yangs Wood International Resort Taichung The Landis Taichung Hotel The Splendor Taichung Evergreen Laurel Hotel Taichung Hotel National Taichung Howard Prince Hotel Taichung Nantou The Lalu, Sun Moon Lake Crystal Chinatrust Resort Sun Link Sea Hotel Han Kuang Hotel Sun Moon Lake Chinatrust Taoyuan Ta Shee Taiwan Hotel Kuva Chateau Taoyuan Chinatrust Landmark Hot Hotel Today Taoyuan Nanhwa Plaza Hotel Taitung Hotel Royal Chihpen Rainbow Hotel Jyh Been Hsinchu The Ambassador Hotel Royal Hsinchu Hotel Lakeshore Hotel Chinatrust Hotel Hsinchu A S E Suites Expert Advice on Taiwan Related Information Popular Attractions in Taiwan Shihlin Night Market Tamshui Ferry Terminal Taipei 101 Yangming Park Martyrs' Shrine Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Jao Ho Street Night Market Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall Shin Kong Observatory Red Forest Eco-System Exhibition Gallery Popular Hotels in Taiwan The Landis Taipei Hotel The Landis Taichung Hotel Santos Hotel The Ambassador Hotel Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel The Splendor Taichung Howard Plaza Hotel Kaohsiung Les Suites Taipei-Da An Royal Hsinchu Hotel Grand Hi-Lai Hotel Popular Cities in Taiwan Taipei Kaohsiung Sun Moon Lake Taichung Nantou Taoyuan Taitung Hsinchu Peitou Pingtung Yahoo! Travel: Your best choice for cheap airline tickets and other great deals! Help get your favorite places listed on Yahoo! Travel: suggest a hotel or suggest an attraction .

Travel Guide

InfoHub Specialty Travel Guide, vacation and tourism, weekend getaway, fishing hunting lodges, guest ranches, diving resort, castle hotels, ... Region * : Subregion * : Category * : Forthe ones who seek adventure Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado The last thing most people think of when Colorado is mentioned are sand dunes, most of us picture the lofty peaks and crystal clear streams of the Rocky Mountains, but located in the south east corner of the state is a desert oasis called Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve… Forthe ones who need safety Trakai castle Lithuania Trakai, the ancient capital of Lithuania situated 30 km from Vilnius. Trakai region features unique relief: the combination of numerous unbelievably pure lakes and moraine hills create a breathtaking sight. There are even ancient legends explaining the exceptional lucidity of the lakes. According to one of those legends… Forthe creative spirits USA: Florida: Key West / Hemingway Home & Museum Greetings to all admirers of Hemingway's talent! Did you know about his home in Florida which is now a museum? If not, you are the lucky ones who will have the chance to read about it! Forthe refined taste buds Ayinger Brau-Weisse Debuts on Draft in U.S. Worldwide media attention was focused on Bavaria following the election of the new Pope Benedict XVI, who was born Joseph Ratzinger in the small town of Marktl am Inn. Several reports have suggested that the new pope enjoys beer, especially Bavarian hefeweizen, and it is quite possible that he favors Ayinger Brau-Weisse… For the ones who love depth Caribbean Explorer I to Long Island, Conception, and San Salvador On Monday morning we made the short crossing to Conception Island. This is where the wall diving started. The first two dives were at Grouper Ledge. Tiger and Nassau grouper cleaning stations were abundant. This is where we saw our first scalloped hammerheads… Forthe ones who like heights Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges, NH Michael had been thinking about possibly going rock climbing sometime, and he decided there was no time like the present. We found Cathedral Ledge in spite of our guidebooklessness, and hiked in under its awe-inspiring loftiness to the practice slopes on the far north end of the cliff. We found Child's Play, an easy 5.5 on the far right-hand side, and set up a top rope. Forall who want to broaden their horizons Japan in Autumn, Harlan Hague This is a marvelous description of a trip to Japan, country with which the author had fallen in love a long time back, during a three-year sojourn. The very comprehensive trip report depicts nature in autumn, people, as well as many landmarks and unusual events along the way, spicing up the story with lots of vivid pictures that would immerse any reader into the genuine environment of the Land of the Rising Sun. 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