Traveling around Japan is not just moving from point A to point B, it is an immersion in a unique culture where every element, from landscape to architecture, carries a deep meaning. One of the key concepts permeating Japanese aesthetics is the wabi-sabi principle, which is reflected in the recognition of beauty in inferiority and transience. Wabi-sabi allows you to appreciate the enduring beauty in a world that is constantly changing, and find deep satisfaction in simple pleasures.
Wabi sabi, with its roots in Buddhism and Taoism, embodies the idea that true beauty lies in imperfection, simplicity and recognition of the natural cycle of growth and decline. This principle has become an integral part of Japanese aesthetics, finding expression in art, literature, architecture, and even in everyday life.
How to feel wabi-sabi, the portal Vokrugsveta.ru Anastasia Severova, director of the Moscow branch of J.T.C. Moscow (Japan Travel Concierge), told us.
Tea ceremonies
The tea ceremony in Japan, known as “sado” or “tado”, is one of the most striking manifestations of the wabi-sabi philosophy. This is not just a way of making and drinking tea, but a deeply meditative process that teaches us to appreciate the moment “here and now”, finding beauty in simplicity and temporality.
Cancer
This is a unique trend of Japanese pottery, which is closely related to the tea ceremony and the concept of wabi-sabi. The art of raku emphasizes the uniqueness and natural beauty of each product, accepting its imperfections and random effects that occur during the firing process.
Location: Kyoto Raku Museum.
Address: 87-1 Aburahashizumecho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0923, Japan.
Cost: 1000 yen per adult visitor.
Zen Gardens
Zen gardens in Japan are another embodiment of wabi sabi, where every stone and plant matters, and the asymmetry and simplicity of the design are designed to inspire reflection on the beauty of the natural world.
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Place: the Happoen garden.
Address: 1-1-1 SHIROKANEDAI, MINATO-KU, TOKYO.
Cost: from 16,500 yen per person.
Kintsugi
Kintsugi, or “golden restoration”, is the art of restoring broken ceramics using gold lacquer, which makes the flaws visible, marking the history of the object and giving it new beauty and value. This art is a powerful expression of wabi-sabi, emphasizing that there is deep beauty and power in imperfection and restoration.
Location: Tsugu Tsugu Ebisu Studio.
Address: 1F akikito apt. 2-21-2 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
Cost: 12,100 yen per person.
Vintage shops
Exploring Tokyo’s vintage shops allows you to delve deeper into the unique cultural fabric of the city, reflecting the subtle perception of beauty and respect for history that permeate Japanese society. Visiting areas such as Harajuku, Omotesando, Shimo Kitazawa and Aoyama becomes not just shopping, but a journey through time, where each item tells its own story.
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In Harajuku, where the streets are alive with eclectic style, shops like Chicago and Koenji Vintage are becoming portals to the past, offering clothes and accessories that have survived decades. Omotesando, with its exquisite boutiques, and Shimo-Kitzawa, known for its cozy vintage shops, provide an opportunity to touch unique works of fashion art, each of which bears the imprint of time.
These stores offer stories embodied in fabric, inviting visitors to appreciate the depth and sophistication that come with age and use. This is also a kind of reminder of the cyclical nature of life and beauty, of the importance of preserving and rethinking the past in the modern world.
Antique shops and flea markets
These are not just places to shop, they are entire treasure troves where each item has its own story. Here you can find unique vintage jewelry, rare books, traditional Japanese ceramics and even art and antiques. Visiting such markets provides an opportunity to see how the principles of respect for the past and finding beauty in aging and imperfection are embodied in everyday life. At the same time, it is important to remember that in Japan, tourists can always count on high quality and authenticity of goods due to strict anti-counterfeiting laws.
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Here are three markets in Japan that deserve the attention of travelers.
Kobo-ichi Market, Kyoto
The market located on the territory of the Toji Temple attracts visitors of the country with its tradition. This is a place where you can find unique antique items, handicrafts and souvenirs. The market is open on the 21st of every month from 5:00 to 16:00.
Hanazono-jinja Flea Market, Tokyo
This is one of the most popular markets in the capital, it is located in the Hanazono Jinja Temple in the Shinjuku area. The market is open every Sunday from 6:30 to 15:00 and offers antique goods, vintage coins, traditional Japanese clothes, furniture.
Tenjin-Ichi Market, Kyoto
The bazaar, held on the grounds of Kitano Tenmangu Temple on the 25th of each month, is a charming combination of cultural tradition and lively trade. Trading here is a tribute to Sugaware no Michizane, the deity of learning, this place reflects the rich history of Kyoto, buyers are offered antiques, handmade products and unique collectibles.
How much it costs to live in Japan and what our ideas about the Japanese do not correspond to reality, read here.
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