TravelKR

Christmas in Japan

Japan may be the largest secular country in the world- ~70% of Japanese profess no religious membership- though many Japanese still follow traditions that stem from Shintoism and Buddhism. Weddings, the birth of a child, important milestones (like turning 20 years old) and funerals all have rituals that stem from Shintoism and/or Buddhism. This is part of Japanese culture.

I had the pleasure of staying in Japan over the Christmas holiday a few years ago, and I figured that since Japan isn’t religious, there wouldn’t be any Christmas decorations or celebration. I was wrong. The decorations in Japan are amazing. Massive trees, lights, wreaths, ribbons- the whole nine yards. I was flabbergasted. Why would a country that isn’t religious, and definitely isn’t Christian, celebrate Christmas?

When Westerners think of Christmas, they usually think of big family gatherings. In Japan it’s just the opposite- Christmas is the most important day of the year for couples who get together to have a nice dinner and a romantic night out. In Japan, New Year’s is a time to be with family and celebrate the coming of the New Year together. In America, New Year’s is a time for parties and romantic dinners.

This is yet another example of how Japan and America are opposites, yet share some similarities. The importance of family and relationships are stressed in both cultures, it just comes in different forms on different holidays. These differences and similarities are part of what make traveling to Japan such an interesting experience for Westerners.

Many of us think of Japan as a mystical place, unknown and full of adventure. We’ve seen it on TV and in the movies- a culture completely different to Western culture- different food, clothes, buildings, and transit. And the people, they seem so foreign to us. They sleep on the ground, eat with chopsticks, and speak and read a language that looks like something you might find on your kid’s etch-a-sketch.

That’s the appeal of Japan- experiencing something so different from what you’re used to. Eating things you’d never dream of eating back home, and realizing it’s delicious. Going to Onsen (hot springs) for the first time and relaxing in a natural, steaming hot spring. Afterwards, trying on a Yukata (summer kimono) and enjoying the unique feel and freedom. This newness can do on for weeks- there are so many things to see and do in Japan, that you will never find in America.

There are difficulties when traveling to Japan- besides deciding what to see! Language can be an issue- although most people have studied 6-10 years of English in school, most people can’t speak it. Don’t be too quick to judge-  I bet you took 10 years of math- how’s your trig and calculus these days?

金閣寺(Kinkakuji)

That’s why it’s important to have someone who knows the culture and the language show you around Japan. On my first visit to Japan I spent a month in the hands of a Japanese teacher who showed me things in Japan I never would have dreamed of. It was the best trip of my life.

There are other reasons many of us dream of traveling to Japan- it’s the land of technology, games and anime. Some of the most interesting and important research in computers and robotics is going on in Japan right now. It’s just so darned interesting. Or maybe it’s the temples and the architecture. One of the most famous temples in Japan- Kinkakuji (left)- is covered with gold.

There are experiences to be had in Japan that you can’t have anywhere else in the world. That’s why so many of us choose to visit- and even live- in The Land of the Rising Sun.