A kimono is a traditional clothing garment made entirely from silk. The kimono has many layers, and padding is often needed to camouflage the natural shape of the human form. The garment requires an entire process for wear. Any movement, even slight, can completely change the way the kimono sits on the body. It is customary to wear the traditional shoes, hairstyle and makeup of the kimono. In addition, the coloring and design of the outer layer of the kimono holds some significance and not everyone can or is allowed to wear certain colors or patterns. Kimonos are not usually worn as everyday clothing, but rather saved for weddings, funerals and other special occasions.
Dating back more than a thousand years, the Japanese tea ceremony has become a historic and important custom in Japanese culture. The first documented tea ceremonies in Japan took place in religious temples. It is believed that high-ranking Japanese priests brought back the custom with them when after visiting China. At first it was only practiced for religious purposes but now has become more mainstream and embedded within Japanese customs and traditions.
Shinto is one of the oldest religions in the world, dating back to 500 BCE. Today, it is practiced mostly in Japan and considered as one of the official religions of the nation. Shinto's practices and teachings derive from deities believed to have birthed the Japanese islands. Besides an ordered priesthood, the religion does not have a founder or a set of laws a believer should obey, and no ancient texts or scriptures are associated with the religion.
Buddhism is the most practiced religion in Japan. Founded by Siddhartha Gautama around 470 BCE, Buddhism bases its foundation on a set of philosophical teachings rather religious teachings. It teaches an ideal way of life where the person becomes one in his surroundings and nature, leading to a more harmonious existence.
