Envision a monument, not of stone, but of stories. That is the Botanbashi main pillar monument.
Today, we’re standing before the Botanbashi main pillar monument. While seemingly modest, it stands as a stoic reminder of Japan’s rich tapestry of art, culture, and architecture.
Japan’s history embraces a vast breadth of art, culture and architecture. Across the country there are thousands of shrines, temples, and castles which date back hundreds of years. They are situated amidst picturesque landscapes. All year round, travellers make pilgrimages to the country’s remarkable historic sites as a way of learning about Japanese culture and history.
Consider Meiji Jingu, a sacred shrine to Emperor Meiji. He was modern Japan’s first emperor following the fall of the Samurais. His wife was Empress Shoken. Meiji Jingu consists of shrine buildings, inner and outer gardens, and a Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery. Visitors can enter Meiji Jingu through two of Japan’s largest gates. They are called ‘tori’. They date back over 1,700 years and bear the imperial seal.
Visiting Meiji Jingu is a very peaceful experience. It is one imbued with a great sense of the Japanese culture. This is particularly true when traditional tea ceremonies take place. Many wedding ceremonies are held there too. It’s an experience in great contrast to the rest of the buzzing city of Tokyo where Meiji Jingu resides.
The Yasukuni Shrine was originally established in 1869. It was established by the first emperor of modern Japan. That was Emperor Meiji. It was in honour of those who fought and died for the country. Approximately 2,500,000 names are enshrined at Yasukuni. Amongst them are the casualties of wars since 1853. They include the Boshin War and the Seinan War. Also the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars, World War I, the Manchurian Incident, the China Incident, and World War Two. World War Two is known in Japan as the Greater East Asian War. The Yasukuni Shrine is part of a six hectare precinct. The shrine itself is surrounded by statues and commemorations to other victims. These include war widows, kamikaze pilots, and animals.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, also known as the A-Bomb Dome or the Genbaku Dome, is in Hiroshima, Japan. It was the only building in the city which survived. This was following the first ever explosion of an atomic bomb. On 6 August 1945, US forces dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. It was the first ever use of the ‘A-bomb’. Originally constructed in 1915, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial building is a domed structure. It served as an office building for businesses and the Japanese government during the war. Today, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial building forms part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park which also includes a museum. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Sensoji Temple is a Buddhist temple in Tokyo in Japan. The original structure is thought to have been built in 628 AD. That makes it the oldest one of its kind in the city. Most of this burned down during World War Two. The current temple was rebuilt following the war. Sensoji Temple is dedicated to Kannon-Bosatsu. She is the goddess of mercy. Her statue is housed here, although it is not on display. Legend says that the original Sensoji Temple was founded after this statue was caught by two fishermen in 628 AD. Today, the Sensoji Temple is one of Tokyo’s most popular attractions.
The Edo Tokyo Museum in Tokyo chronicles the history of the city. The city was originally known as Edo. It is split into three sections. One is devoted to Edo. Another to Tokyo. The last is named the ‘Comprehensive History Zone’. The Edo Tokyo Museum has over 2,500 artefacts and objects. They chart the history of Edo and Tokyo. This includes social, political and economic aspects. English routes run through the museum. It offers a great insight into Tokyo and Japan’s history. One of its more popular exhibits is its reconstruction of the original Nihonbashi Bridge. One enters the Edo Tokyo Museum through it.
The Botanbashi main pillar monument stands as a silent witness. It connects us to the past.