Did you know some of the best Hindi films have been shot in picturesque Japan which supposedly has some of the most famous tourist spots? From Love In Tokyo – remember its iconic song Sayonara Sayonara? – A Match Made By God, Youngistan, Tamasha starring the gorgeous Deepika Padukone – each of these films have indulgently reveled in shooting some of the most beautiful scenes at fabulous sightseeing spots in Japan and the result has been sheer gorgeous.
2022 marks the 70th Anniversary of a remarkable friendship between Japan and India. It is said that the exchange between Japan and India began sometime in the 6th century when Buddhism was introduced to Japan. Since then, thousands of Buddhist temples in Japan were built. Large Buddha statue (called Daibutsu in Japanese) and temples itself are one of the most popular tourist attractions.
There are popular day-trip tours for wonderful spots near the Buddha statues.
Top 5 Daibutsu (Large Buddha Statues) famous tourist spots are:
Kamakura Daibutsu, Kanagawa: Kamakura is popular seaside tourist destination from Tokyo and has many famous temples. The majestic sitting Buddha statue is located in Kotokuin Temple. Kamakura offers photogenic landscape and is quite famous among young generation.
The Great Buddha, Nara:The Great Buddha in Todaiji Temple is one of the most famous and popular Buddha statues in Japan. The Great Buddha and Todaiji Temple are located in Nara Park where over 1,000 wild deer’s inhabit. Todaiji Temple is one of the world heritage sites in Japan. If you travel in Kyoto or Osaka, Nara is the best side trip destination.
Ushiku Daibutsu, Ibaraki: It is the 2nd tallest bronze statue in the world after Statue of Unity in Gujarat at a height of 120 meters. Visitors can go inside the Buddha statue’s body consisting of five floors and some cultural experiences are offered there; and have observatory on the 5th floor (at a height of about 85 meters).
Sendai Daikannon,Miyagi: The 100 meters tall standing statue is located in the largest city, Sendai, the capital of Miyagi prefecture which is the 2nd tallest statue in Japan. Visitors can go inside the standing statue through the dragon-shaped entrance, which is of 12 floors. Taking the elevator to the top floor let you view the superb scenery of the town from observation windows.
The Reclining Buddha in Nanzoin Temple, Fukuoka:The Buddha statue located to the east of Fukuoka City has a height of 11 meters and length of 41 meters. The reclining Buddha depicts the last moments of Gautam Buddha’s mortal life before he achieved nirvana (A state of freedom from suffering, desire, karma and the cycle of birth).Fukuoka itself is a hot tourist destination for delicious regional food such as Tempura, Ramen and Yakitori at stall along the canal.
Famous People, Famous Words
In 1893, Swami Vivekananda travelled to Japan from Nagasaki, Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo before eventually heading for Yokohama. He had only one message for the young students of India, “Look East”, Go to Japan for studies. Learn from them about the Development Strategy of the Meiji Government along with other traits of the Japanese discipline, cleanliness, etc. In 1916, Dr. Rabindranath Tagore visited Japan. Japanese Nationalism; in addition to the aesthetic Tradition, Art and Nature greatly influenced him and it can be seen in his work as an author.
…Happy 70th Anniversary Japan and India. Hopefully, more Bollywood producers are looking Far East to this beautiful country to explore new locations for their forthcoming films.
