When the Past coupled with the Present

Executive summary by darmansjah

For East countries are loaded with the traditional cultural heritage, contact with modern life often becomes a problem. On the one hand, the strong tendency of traditional culture can reject the presence of current developments. Conversely, too laud new things can make a rich cultural heritage and valuable to be neglected.

himeji castle

 

JAPAN and KOREA often referred to as one developed country that does not forget the traditional cultural heritage. Been to Japan, the aroma of a modern city with easily felt. Not only skyscrapers that dot the metropolitan cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya, infrastructure and facilities available were filled with nuances of the technology.

However, many traditional cultures aspect survive well until now. Apart reflected in attitudes, behaviors, and habits, cultural heritage is also apparent from the historic buildings are well maintained.

In the capital city of Japan, Tokyo, one of the interesting places to listen close between modern and traditional is the Shibuya area. Within less than a kilometer, there are two places that have a face that stark contrast.

Harajuku is often identified with the name of the young Japanese are fashionable and carrying own style. Indeed, this name refers to the area around the Harajuku train station in Shibuya area. Every weekends, youth group meets the capital of this area with a variety of performances, ranging from gothic costumes, visual curtains, or decora. They gathered at Jingu, a pedestrian bridge that connects Harajuku to the neighboring Meiji Shrine.

In addition, Harajuku is considered as the capital of fashion. Because, here there are lots of boutiques and fashion stores are located in two ways, namely Omotesando and Takeshita. Omotesando is an upscale fashion shopping. Here there is a famous boutiques such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel. In contrast, young people whose money is limited, can shop at Takeshita. Here there are small shops that sell clothing and accessories.

Take a walk in this area is very refreshing. The world seems to celebrate every day. Tokyo urban traffic passing by on the sidewalk with a big laugh. Radiates an elegant atmosphere along Omotesando. In the meantime, entered the narrow Takeshita, thumping music pounding. This is the face of today's world.

Shady

Not five minutes walk from the hubbub, atmosphere contrasted immediately ambushed when it went to theMeiji Shirine area. This is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji's wife, Shoken. Modern Japan, among others, is the achievement of Meiji, through what is known as the Meiji Restoration. This popular Emperor adopted a policy to be open to change and progress.

When the emperor died in 1912, came the idea to commemorate his services. Thus, the temple was built. Meiji Shrine forest occupies an area of approximately 175 acres, includes no less than 120 thousand trees about 365 different species. The trees were donated by various parties during the construction of the temple.

Stepping into the temples, the atmosphere is so calm and quiet. If you happen to walk from harajuku, deeply felt the difference. The wind in the trees and wildlife sounds sounded one after another.

In building the temple, prayers of visitors. Interestingly, visitors to the temple is not just old people. Many young people also met with fashionable appearance, even still suits complete with a new sign came home from work.

There are many other examples of the unique blend between modern life and traditional culture in Japan. Not surprisingly, the country is famous for its cherry blossom has become one of the attractive tourist destinations like tourists. Nowadays more easily to visit Japan because so many routes to and from Japan, both directly and transit in the capitals of the clean and neat, and looks immaterial although not humane classmate of countries based on religion.