Did you knows
- ..that the Japanese Law for the Conservation of Cultural Properties provides for the preservation of ancient sites such as shell mounds (pictured), tombs, sites of palaces, forts, or castles, monumental dwelling houses and other places of high historical value?
- ...that the introduction of Buddhism in 538 AD traditionally marks the end of Ancient Japan?
- ...that the history of sushi shows that although sushi is famous for its use in the Japanese cuisine, it was unknown in ancient Japan and actually originated in China in the 3rd or 4th century BC?
- ...that in Shinto, yorishiro, such as sacred trees, attract spirits, give them a physical space to occupy and make them accessible to people for religious ceremonies?
- ...that according to a legend, the Heishi rock (pictured) represents the God of the Sea of Japan?
- ...that the stone "lions" seen at the gates of Shinto shrines are actually Chinese dogs?