Travel is a privilege that opens you up to different cultures and backgrounds. As noted in a report on empathy, having immersive experiences while traveling is what leads to a greater understanding, providing one with better opportunities to form meaningful connections. One great way to engage locals is by studying their history and culture. In learning their stories, visitors can get a holistic perspective on how the country and its people came to be. Most tourists only get a surface-level experience in the country they are visiting because they do not learn about the country’s history and heritage. Yet, by making the extra effort, a whole new level of travel is opened up.
This is especially important for countries that highly value their cultural heritage, such as Japan — a rich and diverse place from which visitors can learn a lot. The country’s unique culture was developed over its long history, particularly during the Meiji Restoration in 1868, when it closed off the unified country to the outside world. Now that Japan is once again accepting tourists after its pandemic lockdown, looking into Japanese history and culture can help you understand and appreciate how the country developed into a modern nation.
Experience first-hand through historic buildings and heritage sites
If you’re looking for a first-hand glimpse of Japanese history, UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list provides plenty of options for historic buildings and cultural sites. Many of these places are present in Kyoto, where shrines, temples, and castles are preserved as far back as the Heian Period (794-1185) and are mostly open to the public for historical appreciation. For places closer to Tokyo, our itinerary guide suggests visiting the Meiji Jingu Shrine and Asakusa, where you can enjoy the traditional Japanese homes reminiscent of Old Japan.
Considering English is not widely spoken or available throughout Japan, having a privately guided tour will provide a much fuller appreciation of these historic buildings and heritage sites. You don’t have to worry about the quality of tours as by law, tour guide interpreters are required to take a national exam and aptitude test before they can work. Aside from proficiency in languages, the guides must be familiar with Japanese geography and history, and have some general knowledge of industry, economics, politics, and culture.
Study the well-archived collections of Japanese museums
Another great way to dive deeper into Japanese history is to visit the country’s museums. Depending on what you’re looking for, plenty of galleries and institutions cater to different historical tastes, be it arts and crafts, history, or religion. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum are good options for people interested in war memorials. For a more cultural-oriented history lesson, the Tokyo National Museum and the Edo-Tokyo Museum can provide an in-depth look at local history.
To maintain all these collections, museums rely on archivists. Professional archivists are the ones responsible for organizing, maintaining, and displaying records, images, and documents. Many archivists have even turned to digital formats, often scanning physical materials for long-term storage and protection. Japanese archivists also rely on a method called Phased Archival Processing (PAP), which emphasizes respect for provenance and original order. Given the system’s complicated nature, the National Archives of Japan mandated that only certified archivists and associate archivists can handle historical documents and items. By visiting these collections, you can support the efforts done by these professionals to preserve the relics of Japanese history.
Travel is a great way to immerse yourself in a country’s history. Learning about Japan’s rich past and culture will give you a better insight and appreciation into the country’s history. By developing a deeper understanding of Japanese history, your experiences and travels within the country will be much richer and more rewarding.
For those fascinated with Japanese history, check out Explorient’s 11-Day Japan World Heritage tour featuring an array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites spanning Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto and Nara.
Specially written for EXPLORIENT.com
By: Relena Jamie
