JAPAN ~The Great Budha -Todai ji Temple - Nara - UNESCO

... Impressive view of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statue designated as a national treasure... the Great Buddha also known as Vairocana Buddha symbolizes cosmic, universal enlightenment... located inside its massive Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) the main hall of Tōdai-ji.... completed in 752 and celebrated as one of the world's largest wooden structures... measured 50 meters by 86 meters and was supported by 84 massive cypress pillars... it's astonishing how wood can support so much weight... the place is amazing by its greatness and the beauty of the detailed decoration... the buildings of Ancient Nara come from a period of history where Nara was the capital of Japan... Nara was the first capital of Japan hundreds of years before Kyoto... with a selection of great stamps and lovely pictorial postmarks... Thanks a lot Sam! (•‿•)

The Great Buddha (Daibutsu) statue is 16m tall. The image and its pedastal were cast in the Nara Period (8th C) but they have been repaired many times over the ages for various reasons, including earthquake damage, very little remains of the original work. The hands for example, were made in the 16thC, and the head and wooden screen behind it are from the 17thC.

The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara comprise the former Imperial Palace and Buddhist and Shinto religious buildings that show the evolution of Japanese architecture.

The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara", together with seven other sites (including temples, shrines and places) in the city of Nara. 

Photo: Eisuke Ueda

Stamps: ?????

JAPAN ~Yomeimon Gate - Nikko Toshogu Shrine - UNESCO~

... Great view of the beautifully designed Yomeimon (Main Gate)... this ornate gate is one of the highlights and most representative of the many buildings at the Nikko Shrine... probably the most decorated gate in Japan... the temple pay respect and represents the peace created by Lord Tokugawa Leyasu (the shogun who united Japan)... a glittering structure decorated with more than 240,000 pieces of gold leaf... it shows the talent of the many artisans that would have worked on this fascinating gate... lavishly decorated with 508 elaborate carvings of flowers, dragons, flying horses and other creatures... as well as events and sages including those from ancient China... the gate is about 7 meters wide between the pillars, 4 meters deep, and 11 meters high... one of the pillars is upside down which it is said is deliberate... this means that the gate is considered unfinished and therefore does not invite bad luck and to avoid angering jealous spirits... Thanks a lot Phoebe!  (✿◠‿◠)  

Nikko City is a traditional Japanese religious centre with Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples harmoniously integrated in their natural surroundings. The richly decorated buildings originate from the 17th century and form a perfect illustration of the Edo style of architecture. They lie in the forest and on mountain slopes, both of which hold sacred meaning in the Shinto belief.

In 1999 the Nikko Toshogu Shrine became a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Stamps:

Musical Instruments - Horns

(Issued 06-12-2018)

Sika Deer

(Issued 02-02-2015)

JAPAN ~ Itsukushima Shrine - Miyajima island - UNESCO ~

... Nice view of a traditional Shinto religious centre set as an artistic creation in its natural environment... this island is considered to be a holy place of Shintoism which combines nature and human creativity... the shrine is unique for being built over water, seemingly floating in the sea during high tide... the present shrine dates from the 12th century and the harmoniously arranged buildings reveal great artistic and technical skill... it consists of multiple buildings, including a prayer hall, main hall and noh theater stage, which are connected by boardwalks and supported by pillars above the sea... with great pictorial postmarks... Thanks Asami!【ツ】

The shrine was originally built in 6th century for the goddess of the sea who Japanese believe to be a daughter of the sun goddess who created Japan. The shrine became a favorite shrine of Taira clan, one of the most powerful families in ancient Japan. This clan declared Miyashima as a holy island and not allowed people to birth or die on the island in order to keep the purity of the holy land. The shrine was rebuilt many times but always in the old design.

It is on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1996.
 

Stamps:

???????????????

JAPAN ~ 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT -Tokyo ~

... Nice museum view designed by the most renowned contemporary Japanese architect Tadao Ando... the sight itself houses excellent design related exhibitions directed by Japan’s most renowned designers... it stands as a testament to Japan’s profound appreciation for design... the peaceful Midtown Garden around the museum is a tranquil place to stroll before or after your visit...  another "culinary" tip from Jobbo: the "Nihon Saisei Sakaba Shinjuku" bar... just saying maybe you should first read what they serve before you go😁... must have been a very interesting💩exhibition (don't really understand the connection with design though😉)... Thanks Jobbo!¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

Photo:Masaya Yoshimura
21_21 DESIGN SIGHT is a design focused museum founded by Issey Miyake. It opened in 2007, with 80% of its very limited floor space placed underground. The ground floor houses Gallery 3 and shop space, while the underground floor houses two galleries and a naturally lit sunken court.

The building uses a single, 54-meter sheet of folded steel plate as its roof. In addition to the roof, the building incorporates Japan's world-leading technology such as the longest sheet of double-glazed glass in Japan.

Stamps:

2X The 100th Anniversary of Population Census in Japan 

(Issued 01-09-2020)

JAPAN ~ Nezu Museum Garden - Tokyo ~

....  Lovely view of a green peaceful oasis in the heart of Tokyo... this vast and verdant Japanese garden of approximately 17,000m2 combined with the architecture designed by Kuma Kengo creates a delicate and uniquely Japanese atmosphere of serenity... 4 carefully preserved teahouses dot the garden grounds that comprise the remnant of Kaichirō's private residence, and Japanese water irises in early summer and maple leaves in autumn make for plenty of sights to see in all seasons... here is shown the Ikaruga-an/Seikeitei teahouse... Thanks Jobbo!【ツ】 (Just saying I'm still blogging)😉

Based on the collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art built by the renowned entrepreneur Nezu Kaichirō I, the Nezu Museum was opened in 1941 in Minami-Aoyama.

The four teahouses laid out in different parts of the garden are: Konintei/Bujian, Kanchu-an/Ushibeya, Hikinsai/Ichiju-an, and Ikaruga-an/Seikeitei, each with its own distinctive features.

Stamps:

Edo-Tokyo

(Issued 03-03-2023)

Edo-Tokyo

(Issued 11-01-2023)

Doraemon 50th Anniversary

(20-05-2020)

JAPAN ~ Kobe Port ~

... Nice view of one of the most popular cruise ship ports in Japan... many local residents and tourists from all over the world often come here for entertainment, food and shopping... especially the view that you can see from the ship at her entering Kobe Port is outstanding... the symbol of the port and well-known landmark is the very famous red Kobe Port Tower inspired by Japanese drums... it has a beautiful curve and stands tall and elegant on the edge of Kobe Port... you can climb the 91-meter-high fully transparent observatory, overlooking the panoramic view of Kobe City and the beautiful harbor... this port is also the largest container port in Japan and ranks among the top ten in the world... Thanks Jobbo!【ツ】🐮🐄😉

The Port of Kobe was opened in 1868 and is located at the foot of the Rokko Mountains on the west bank of the Ashiyagawa River mouth in Hyogo County, southern Honshu, a prime location for maritime trade and commerce, as it sits on the northwest side of Osaka Bay.

Stamp: 

Philately Week - Ukiyo-e 

(Issued 20-04-2022)

JAPAN ~Nijo-jo Castle - Kyoto - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful view of an impressively former castle... one of the most significant historical sites of Japan... a place that has witnessed the changes of Japan including the prosperity and declane of the Tokugawa family... it remains an eloquent testimony to their power... the sprawling castle grounds are surrounded by a wide moat and towering stone walls... spanning over 275,000 m2 Nijo Castle is one of the biggest historic sites in all of Kyoto... there are historical murals and various other scriptures about life during the Edo Era... the Castle offers also authentic Japanese-style wedding ceremonies... Hééél Erg Bedankt Benny!【ツ】

Known as the Kyoto residence, Nijo-jo was ordered and built in 1601 by the famous leader Tokugawa Leyasu (the first shogun of the Edo Period), as an ornate, ostentatious Kyoto residence for the Tokugawa clan. The castle was completed in 1629 by his son and successor, Iemitsu. The Tokugawa shoguns in Kyoto had been ruling Japan for over 260 years from 1603 to 1868.

The temple is part of the Unesco WHS, inscribed in 1994 as “The Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)”. This site consist of seventeen parts that are situated in Kyoto and surroundings.

 

Stamp:

??????

JAPAN ~ Tokyo Station ~

... View of the the magnificent red-brick Tokyo (Marunouchi side) station surrounded by skyscrapers... a landmark of the city and has served as a major hub of the nationwide railway network in Japan since it opened in 1914... this classical architecture building has witnessed many defining historical moments that have shaped Tokyo and Japan over the course of a hundred years.. directly connected via underground walkways you will find dozens of underground passages, shopping streets, dining areas, galleries, a hotel and more... Thanks Jobblo!【ツ】

It is the busiest station in Japan in terms of number of trains per day (over 3,000),Today, more than 350.000 people pass through the station every day.  It is also served by many regional commuter lines of Japan Railways.

Inspired by Amsterdam's Central station Tokyo Station is an impressive 304 meters long and is one of the biggest in the world. It has a symmetrical design, with identically shaped wings flanking its entrance, which was constructed for the Imperial family. In 2012, Tokyo Station building was successfully preserved and restored to its original state. 

Stamps:

Bird Art of the Edo Period 

(Issued 24-01-2022)

World of Arts - Blue

(Issued 19-03-2020)

JAPAN ~ Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima - UNESCO ~

... A postcard of a stark and powerful symbol of the most destructive force ever created by humankind... but also a symbol of hope and world peace🕊️☮️🕊️... it expresses also the hope to the ultimate elimination of all nuclear weapons... the Hiroshima Peace Memorial was the only structure left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on 6 August 1945 and it remains in the same condition as right after the explosion.... an important and sad piece of Japans history... Thanks Danny!ヽ(ヅ)ノ 

Japanese people call it the "Genbaku Dome". ("Genbaku" means "atomic bomb".) It is located in the central part of Hiroshima city. More than 200,000 people died in Japan after the U.S. dropped the world’s first atomic bomb on Hiroshima and then another one three days later in Nagasaki.

The park that now surrounds this monument has various other smaller monuments, to honor special groups of victims. There is also a museum where you can see the effects of the bomb on humans and artefact's.

The park was completed in April of 1954 and covers about 122,100 square meters.

In 1996, it was inscribed by UNESCO on its list of World Heritage Sites.

 Stamp:

 Flowers -  Definitive

(Issued 02-02-2015)

JAPAN ~ The National Art Center - Tokyo ~

... Great view of the impressive National Art Center... this museum is one of the largest exhibition and most important art spaces of the country... with its vast exhibition space of 14,000 m², the museum is home to some of the most significant art collections in the world... the center showcases both Japanese and international artists, and the exhibits range from contemporary to traditional art... one of the highlights of the center is the special exhibitions that are held throughout the year... with this time also two restaurants recommendations to visit when in Tokyo... Tonki and Butagumi for their legendary Tonkatsu (again a dish I never heard of)... guess you are a food lover😋😉! Thanks Jobbo!【ツ】

Designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, the building is a masterpiece of contemporary design that blends seamlessly into its surroundings. The building itself is an artwork, with its unique wave-like design and massive glass facade that allows natural light to flood the interior spaces. It’s equipped with twelve exhibition galleries, an auditorium, and three lecture rooms.

The interior of the National Art Center, Tokyo is just as impressive as its exterior. The exhibition galleries are spacious and airy, with high ceilings that provide a perfect backdrop for the artwork on display.

Stamp:

Nostalgia of Pictures for Children

(Issued 27-05-2016)

JAPAN ~ Osaka Castle - Osaka ~

... Great Castle view of a famous landmark... the symbol of Osaka... this five-story castle is one of the most visually spectacular creations in the country with a history that dates back almost 500 years... standing 58-meters tall with 5 tiers and 8 floors... various portions of the castle are decorated and glittering in gold, such as the Shachi (sea monster) on the top tier roof and the tiger under the railings.... visitors to Osaka Castle can enter inside, which currently operates as a historical museum... if you love history and castles, you can spend all day at 105 hectare Osaka Castle Park... it is even possible to take a short boat ride around the impressive surrounding moat... the moat walls stand at up to 20 metres tall and 90 metres wide...with an estimated 500,000 to 1 million large stones (up to 12kg) having been used in its construction... I must believe you when you say that Kirin Imuse Yogurt drink is much tastier than Asahi Calpis because I never heard of it😁... Thanks Jobbo!【ツ】

The original constructicon was  built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Osaka Castle is a replica of the original from 1583 that was destroyed in 1645, then rebuilt and destroyed a few more times including during WW2. In the 1990s, the government sponsored a complete restoration of the castle returning it to its original glory and adding elevators. This castle is an example of Edo-style architecture.

Osaka Castle Park was opened in 1931, and has become an incredibly popular destination for its changing foliage in the spring’s ‘sakura’ (cherry blossom) season, as well as the autumn’s ‘koyo’ (falling leaves) season.

Stamp:

The 150th Anniversary of Japan's Modern Postal Service 

(Issued 20-04-2021)

JAPAN ~ Kamikochi Kappa Bridge - Hodaka range - Chubu Sangaku National Park ~

....  Wonderful and probably the most iconic view of the mountainous highland valley Kamikochi...  Kappa Bridge situated in the center of Kamikochi  (literally "upper highlands") is the perfect place to see the Japanese Alps... a pristine mountain valley carved out by the glacial water of the Azusa River and surrounded by some of the tallest peaks of Central Japan's Northern Alps... stunning mountain views, crystal clear waters, and well-placed food huts, makes it one of the most popular and best Japanese Alps hiking areas... Kamikochi is busy with tourists throughout its open months, but probably the most crowded in October when the autumn foliage comes to life... with great special "Matsumoto Castle" postmark also located in Nagano Prefecture...  Thanks a lot Asami!【ツ】

Approximately 18 km in length, Kamikochi is a high mountain valley located in the Northern Japan Alps in Chubu Sangaku National Park.

It is surrounded by tall mountains, including Nishihotakadake (2909 m), Okuhotakadake (3190 m), Maehotakadake (3090 m) and the active volcano Yakedake (2455 m).

Chūbu-Sangaku National Park is a mountainous park and was established around the Hida Mountains and encompasses parts of Nagano, Gifu, Toyama and Niigata prefectures. It was designated a national park in 1934.

There are many points in the Hida Mountains within the park that are above 3,000 m.

Stamps:

New Year - Year of the Rooster
(Issued 16-11-1992)

Definitive
(Issued 0303-2014)

??????

JAPAN ~ Great Buddha of Kamakura ~

... Beautiful view of one of Japan’s most famous historical landmarks... an imposing and fascinating Buddha statue that gives a feeling of calmness and peace... this Buddha is seated in the lotus position with his hands in the gesture of meditation, his eyes cast downward in peaceful contemplation...  it is hollow so visitors can view the inside to observe the workmanship of this 760 year old statue...  today, Buddhists of all traditions and travelers from all over the world come to visit the Great Buddha... Thanks Yuki!!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha, which stands on the grounds of Kōtoku-in Temple. With a height of 11.4 meters and weighs 121 tonnes it is the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. At one time, the statue was gilded. There are still traces of gold leaf near the statue’s ears.

The statue was cast in 1252 and originally located inside a large temple hall. However, the temple buildings were destroyed multiple times by typhoons and a tidal wave in the 14th and 15th centuries. So, since the late 15th century, the Buddha has been standing in the open air.

Stamps:

Definitives
(Issued 03-03-2014)

Japanese Traditional Cuisine
(Issued 01-11-2017)

1977 Nature Conservation 18. February
(Issued 18-02-1977)

JAPAN ~ Genbaku Dome - Peace Memorial - Hiroshima - UNESCO ~

... A postcard of a stark and powerful symbol of the most destructive force ever created by humankind... but also a symbol of hope and world peace🕊️☮️🕊️...  it expresses also the hope to the ultimate elimination of all nuclear weapons.... an important piece of Japans history... 1.7 million people visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial  in 2017... must have been a sad and moving place to see... Thanks so much dear Gian Luca and Raffaella for thinking of me while on vacation... ♥(ˆ⌣ˆԅ) I hope you had a great time exploring Japan!!

This ruin, which was known until the devastating bombardment as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb "Little Boy". This bomb was dropped on 6 August 1945 above Hiroshima by the U.S. Army and exploded 150 meters away from this building, 600 meters above the ground. 69% of Hiroshima's buildings were destroyed.

Japanese people call it the "Genbaku Dome". ("Genbaku" means "atomic bomb".) It is located in the central part of Hiroshima city. The Nagasaki bombing caused, according to the commemorative plaque, 73,884 fatalities and left 74,909 injured.

The park that now surrounds this monument has various other smaller monuments, to honor special groups of victims. There is also a museum where you can see the effects of the bomb on humans and artefact's.

In 1996, it was inscribed by UNESCO on its list of World Heritage Sites.

Stamp:

International Letter Writing Week
(Issued 06-10-2017)

JAPAN ~ Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama - UNESCO ~

... First of two great UNESCO sites... a picturesque evening view of a wonderland of beautiful landscape with traditional farmhouses... it almost feels too beautiful to be real... this village is one of the most popular tourist spots where tradition lives on... really unique and different with mainstream Japanese architecture...  Big Thanks dear Gian Luca & Raffaella!! (✿ ♥‿♥)

Shirakawa-go is famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri means “constructed like hands in prayer,” as the farmhouses’ steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The architectural style is designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow the area experiences in winter. The roofs are made without nails, and provide a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms.

Shirakawa-go is situated at the foot of Mt. Haku-san in northwestern Gifu Prefecture. It is a quiet mountain village with rice fields and a river running through it. 114 thatched roof stand together in the village.

Shirakawa-go and neighboring Gokayama village were declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1995.

Stamp:

 International Letter Writing Week
 (Issued 06-10-2017)

JAPAN ~ Sukeroku Print ~

... Today we start our journey to Japanツ... with a beautiful print of one of the most popular and famous plays in Kabuki theatre.... "Sukeroku or Flower of Edo"... it takes you deep into the "floating world" of the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters, a world of gorgeous courtesans, young heroes, and dastardly villains... the play is still regularly performed...  with great "International Letter-Writing Week" stamp... an annual series since 1958, with the aim of contributing to the world peace by encouraging cultural exchange amongst people of the world through letter writing... I think this also an important reason for us postcard swappers to continue our hobby and maybe making this world a bit better place through all our friendships!!💖💖... Thanks a lot Gian Luca & Raffaella!!【ツ】

Sukeroku is a play in the Kabuki repertoire, and one of the celebrated Kabuki Jūhachiban ("Eighteen Great Plays"). The play is known in English as The Flower of Edo.

Though the plot of Sukeroku is largely fiction, some sources indicate that the characters, and plot, may have been inspired by reality. There may have been a Kyoto- or Osaka-based merchant named Sukeroku in the 1630s who was associated with a courtesan of the Kyoto Shimabara named Agemaki. Some accounts have it that Agemaki became a nun after her affair with Sukeroku, while others tell of a double suicide.

Print: Sukeroku, No. 16 from the series Eighteen Great Kabuki Plays (Jûhachiban no uchi)
Japanese Edo period 1852.

Stamp:

International Letter Writing Week
(Issued 06-10-2017)

Japan ~ Nikko National Park - UNESCO ~

...Beautiful waterfalls framed by autumn colors... Nikko is especially worth visiting in the autumn when the leaves change from green to deep reds and oranges.... the popularity of colorful foliage attract thousands of hikers and nature lovers... Ryuzu Waterfall is one of the first spots in Nikko to see autumn colors.... it's at it best early October... Autumn is also my favorite season of the year♥... Thanks a lot Tomoko!!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

"Ryuzu Falls, Nikko National Park"
Nikko National Park is a 443.06 square mile park located on Japan's Honshu Island and was established in 1934. Within the park are many historical Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Nikko  is the third largest city by area in Japan. With only a population of about 90,000 people, most of it is in the national park.

The Ryuzu waterfall at Yugawa river pours into Chuzenji Lake, going on for about 210 meters before falling into a plunge basin where it splits into two. The waterfall is named “Ryuzu" (dragon’s head) because the falling water resembles a dragon.

“Shrines and Temples of Nikko” were registered as a UNESCO WHS in  1999. This site recognizes the 103 buildings and structures all over Nikko and their surrounding natural setting.

Stamps:

Japanese Folktales
(Issued 20-11-1973)

Modern Japanese Art
(Issued 22-02-1980)

JAPAN ~ Blakiston's Owl -Shiretoko National Park - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful view of one of the rarest breeding birds in Japan... and most endangered species in the owl family... it decreases in number mainly due to habitat loss... Blakistin's Fish-owls are losing the wood and the fish they need... Shiretoko National park is considered to be the last pristine wilderness remaining in the country...
Thanks a lot David!!【ツ】

Shiretoko National Park was established in 1964 and is located on the northeast peninsula of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. One of the most remote regions in all of Japan, much of the peninsula is only accessible on foot or by boat. The word "Shiretoko" comes from an Ainu word "sir etok". It means "end of the Earth"

The salmon and trout that breed in the sea off Shiretoko are an important food resource supporting the terrestrial ecosystem with rare birds such as Blakiston's fish owl, Steller's sea eagle and the white-tailed sea eagle, as well as brown bears.

The Blakiston’s fish owl is a large eagle owl, with a wingspan that can reach up to two metres long. They can be find in Siberia, northeast China and the island of Hokkaido in Japan.This owl feeds primarily on fish, even larger ones. It also catches crustaceans, amphibians and birds such as grouses, and sometimes bats in flight.

 In 2005, Shiretoko was added to the list of world heritage sites for the irreplaceable value of the peninsula's ecosystem and biodiversity.

Stamps:
?????

Marine Life
(Issued 05-07-2017)

JAPAN ~The Paradise of Far East~

Lovely postcard that shows the most famous landmarks of the country (JP-383875)... Thanks Sayaka!!


Colorful stamp: Emblem and woman (Issued 23-06-1975)
and duck stamp.

Left up: Himeji-jo Castle
Left Down: Ohtorii of Itsukushima, Miyajima
Center Up: Aoi-matsuri Festival, Kyoto
Center Down: Tohji-no-toh pagoda
Right Up: Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion
Right Down: Grand view of Mt. Fuji & "Hikari" Bullet Train of Shin-Kansen

JAPAN ~Ukiyo-e print~

Immediately when I found this great postcard (JP-239751) in my mailbox I knew from which country it came...This beautiful and delicate artwork is so typical from Japan...Thanks Yuki&Eri!!:D

With nice stamps too!

Ukiyo-e (literally "pictures of the floating world") is a genre of Japanese woodblock prints (or woodcuts) and paintings produced between the 17th and the 20th centuries, featuring motifs of landscapes, tales from history, the theatre, and pleasure quarters. It is the main artistic genre of woodblock printing in Japan.