Japan: Beyond Anime and Sushi (Credit: JNTO, Instagram, Britannica) It's no surprise that Japan on average, ranks pretty high on globe-trotter's bucket lists, capturing their imaginations with its fascinating contrasts for years on end. After all the country's mainstream attractions offer something for everyone - after all, one can't deny that the expanse of range between navigating the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, surrounded by futuristic architecture and pop-culture stores and walking through a centuries-old temple in Kyoto. Experiences like authentic sushi, anime and the but-obvious cherry blossoms are of course, every bit worth the trot, but for better or worse, have become stagnant parts of the template Japan experience. This is precisely why observing something like the Japanese Culture Day - today, November 3 - is essential. Take the Japanese performing arts for instance, offering a fascinating window into the country's history and storytelling traditions. Noh, one of Japan's oldest forms of theatre, combines music, dance, elaborate costumes and expressive masks to tell stories rooted in folklore, mythology and history. Movement in this is slow and deliberate set against minimalist staging creating an atmosphere that feels like it's a world apart from contemporary theatre. Kabuki, on the other hand, is known for its elaborate and dramatic makeup and costumes and an overall sense of energy and style. Whatever you know of 'theatre', stands completely redefined with these art forms. Then there is the tradition of ikebana. On the fact of it, it's simply an intentional flower arranging exercise. What sets it apart though, are the principles of balance, harmony and simplicity governing it. Unlike conventional floral displays, ikebana pays attention to the relationship between flowers, branches, space and form encouraging an exercise in mindfulness that is drawing in more and more travellers to indulge in the contemplative practice and create their own arrangements. Next, going to a traditional pottery class wouldn't really figure anywhere on a Japan itinerary, given how strongly the hobby has come up in urban spaces across the world - only, it should. Japan's pottery towns are a good place to start shuttling between exploring the earthy simplicity of Bizen ware to the refined elegance of Arita porcelain, either in studios, or better yet, workshops. Also Read: Vice City Calling! Why GTA 6 Has Everyone Dreaming Of A Miami Getaway Finally, Japan's textile heritage is another cultural treasure worth discovering. Traditional techniques such as shibori which is resist-dyeing, sashiko which is decorative reinforcement stitching and Nishijin-ori which is a richly patterned Kyoto weaving tradition, all showcase the country's already infamous attention to detail, albeit in an under-discovered context. For this, starting at textile museums as well as artisan workshops is the best way to deep dive into the tradition. Also Read: AI Travel Agents Are Taking Over, But Gen Z Wants To Travel The Old Way, What's The Dilemma? The observance of Bunka no Hi in Japan is a reiteration of the deep-rooted facets of the country's culture, that do not get the kind of applause from international visitors that they deserve. The purpose of the celebrations isn't to sell Japan to the world, but to have their own people honour it with full pomp and show. Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now. Aalokitaa Basu is a writer and Senior Copy Editor whose work explores the intersection of lifestyle, culture, beauty, wellness, and self-possession. H... View More