Carnet de Voyage — Japan

C A R N E T

D E

V O Y A G E

JAPAN 日本

NAOSHIMA TESHIMA KURASHIKI MIYAJIMA KYOTO NARA

直島

豊島 倉敷市 宮島

京都 奈良

KANAZAWA TOKYO

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金沢

東京

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Describing the Land of the Rising Sun turned out to be a complicated task. There is a lot to be said and I could not summarize it with words only. Through this collection of my photographs, I want to show the different faces of Japan. How traditions interact with modernity, orderliness with chaos, architectural buildings with uncharming structures, quiet with effervescence. All those contradictions make Japan a complex and intriguing country that got me totally under its spell.

Naomi Charles Travel Designer, Weisse Voyages

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NAOSHIMA

Naoshima is the result of the successful partnership between the former mayor and the president of Benesse Corporation. Both aspired to transform the island into the Capital of Art and to promote cultural and educational activities. Today, Naoshima has become a major site for modern art amateurs and architecture lovers.

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TADAO ANDO The architect designed the Benesse House, the Lee Ufan and the Chichu Art museums. He plays with natural light and geometrical forms. Concrete is his favorite material and minimalism is the main characteristic of his work.

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THE ISLAND WAY OF LIFE

To properly enjoy the soothing atmosphere, the nature and the museums, you have to take your time. Rent a bike, an electric one (trust me) and explore the island. No rush, no stress, just breath and feel the island-way-of-life.

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TESHIMA

More discreet and bucolic, Teshima is an incredible island of the arts as well. Just like in Naoshima, pictures inside the museums are not allowed and actually, that’s good.

Using pictures and words is not enough to describe the whole experience because you have to live it first hand.

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TESHIMA ART MUSEUM

This is probably one of the best experiences of my life.

The droplet-shape construction is the perfect blend between art and nature. The sounds of the island (the wind, the sea, the birds singing) go through the two large openings and resound in the building. The museum invites you to relax, sit down and just listen.It’s a unique encounter between you, art and Mothernature.

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Š Benesse House

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KURASHIKI

Kurashiki was an important commercial center and a river port during the Edo-era. Along the canal, in the historic center, stand the warehouses to testify of it. These kura were transformed into restaurants and small shops but keep the traditional architecture.

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MIYAJIMA

Miyajima, originally named Itsukushima, is famous for its vermillion tori. In the Shinto religion, the island is a holy place and to maintain its purity, strict rules used to be applied.

For instance, giving birth or dying on the “shrine island� was prohibited.

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ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE

The Shinto shrine was erected to worship Miyajima. As visitors were not allowed to set a foot on the island, it was built on stilts so people could pray from their boats.

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HIROSHIMA

Wandering in the historical city in a cable car.

First row, for the best view!

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KYOTO

With its thousands (literally!) of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, among which 17 of them are UNESCO sites, Kyoto keeps its visitors busy. It’s a cultural city but the former capital also have great spots to offer at night.

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MAIKO, GEIKO OR GEISHA?

The word geisha can be translated as “arts person�.

They have to master the traditional Japanese art, dance and singing. In Kyoto, they are often called geiko. A maiko is an apprentice. You can differentiate them by their hair and their kimono: a maiko wears a long obi (belt) and uses more hair accessories.

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NARA

Nara is known as the city of temples (and deers!). The most famous one is Todaiji. Its hall used to be the biggest wood structure in the world. The current edifice is only two thirds of the original one! The temple houses a 18-meter golden Buddha.

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KANAZAWA

Traditional aspects of Japan have a strong presence in the feudal city. After spending a night in a Ryokan, walking in a former shogun house in the Samurai district and having a tea in a Chaya (tea house), I felt like traveling back in time.

By contrast, contemporary structures and museums softly remind us of the modern facet of Japan.

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TOKYO

13 millions inhabitants in Tokyo and yet, you don’t feel overwhelmed or rushed. The Japanese capital is like an organized chaos constantly changing and evolving. This is where all the contradictions of the country meet. Tokyo is a surprising city where there is always something to discover and to experience.

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TRAINS IN JAPAN

The country has one of the most efficient train networks in the world. The average delay in 2017 was 30 seconds only!

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HAKONE

Picturesque is the best word to describe this little town. From the Open Air Museum to the scenic Tozan railway, the views are stunning. There are several spots from where Mount Fuji can be admired…If it’s not too shy to show its summit. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to see it!

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さようなら 日本

Thank you for the great memories and experiences!

See you soon.

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