Joanna Lumley’s Japan episode 3: The actress heads to the island of Shikoku hoping to gain a better understanding of Japanese Buddhism. She then takes a bullet train to another island – Kyushu – where she finds the Henn Na Hotel, the world’s first robot hotel. At Nagasaki, she visits Shiroyama Elementary school, one of the only buildings to survive the atomic bomb dropped on the city in 1945. Joanna then travels to Sakurajima, one of the country’s most active volcanoes, before heading to the islands of Okinawa where one of the bloodiest battles of the Second World War was fought.
Featuring the much loved Joanna Lumley, the series will follow her as she travels to the far reaches of Japan, from the icy Siberian seas of the north to the subtropical islands of the south. With her natural curiosity and engaging storytelling, Joanna will take viewers on an adventure exploring some of the most uncharted corners of Japana’s 6,800 mystical islands.
Joanna Lumley’s Japan episode 3
Island of Shikoku
Shikoku is the smallest of the four main islands that make up Japan, located in the western part of the country. Known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and historic significance, Shikoku has become a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
One of the unique features of Shikoku is the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a 1,200-kilometer route that connects 88 Buddhist temples located around the island. This pilgrimage is an important part of Japanese religious culture, attracting thousands of pilgrims each year. The island is also home to the famous Iya Valley, a remote area surrounded by steep mountains and beautiful rivers, which offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere for visitors. Shikoku’s cuisine is another draw for tourists, with a variety of delicious dishes unique to the region. Sanuki udon, for example, is a type of noodle dish that is famous across Japan and has its roots in Shikoku. The island is also known for its fresh seafood, including tuna, octopus, and sea bream, which are all staples of the local cuisine.
For nature enthusiasts, Shikoku offers a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The island is home to several national parks, including the famous Shikoku Karst, a scenic plateau that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Getting to Shikoku is relatively easy, with several airports and ferry ports located around the island. Visitors can also take the Shinkansen bullet train or a regular train from major cities like Tokyo or Osaka, making Shikoku an accessible destination for anyone visiting Japan.
Japanese Buddhism
Japanese Buddhism is a unique blend of different schools of Buddhism that originated in India and China. It has evolved over centuries, adapting to the local culture and customs of Japan. Today, Japanese Buddhism is a major religion in Japan, with millions of followers.
One of the most notable features of Japanese Buddhism is its emphasis on meditation and mindfulness. Zen Buddhism, which is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism, is particularly popular in Japan. Zen Buddhism emphasizes the importance of meditation and the attainment of enlightenment through direct experience. Another significant aspect of Japanese Buddhism is its rich cultural heritage. Buddhist art and architecture have had a profound impact on Japanese culture, and many temples and shrines are considered national treasures. Buddhist temples often have beautiful gardens, which are designed to promote a sense of tranquility and harmony.
In addition to meditation and cultural traditions, Japanese Buddhism has also played an important role in social and political life in Japan. During the feudal period, Buddhist temples and monks were often influential in local politics and played a role in the governance of their communities. Today, Japanese Buddhist organizations are involved in a wide range of social and charitable activities, including disaster relief, environmental conservation, and education.
If you are interested in learning more about Japanese Buddhism, there are many resources available online and in print. One good starting point is to read about the history and philosophy of Buddhism, as well as its various schools and traditions. You may also want to visit a Buddhist temple or shrine in Japan to experience firsthand the beauty and tranquility of this ancient tradition.
Japanese Buddhism is a rich and complex tradition that has had a profound impact on Japanese culture and society. Whether you are interested in meditation, art and architecture, or social and political issues, Japanese Buddhism offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the world around us.
