Sanctuary Project in Nikko City at Japan
This sanctuary project is the huge project & one of paradigm of cultural exchange between Japan and Nepal. The main primary objective of this sanctuary project is to promote of mutual understanding and cultural exchange between Japan and Nepal.
Objective
Swyambhunath Stupa, UNESCO World Heritage Site stands on a lovely little hillock located at Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. It is located 77m above the sea level of the Kathmandu Valley. A golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill, Swyambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles and from all sides of the valley. This religiously important site for Buddhist is also popular among Hindus devotees and people of other faiths. This peaceful and clam hill commands the picturesque view of the Kathmandu valley and splendid panorama of Himalayan range.
Swyambhunath Stupa is also called the `Monkey Temple’ because of the many hundreds of monkeys who scamper around the temple.
Swyambhunath Stupa has been inducted as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Japan places great importance on international cultural exchanges in various spheres including people-people, cultural and academic fields. Recognizing the fact that understanding and respecting different cultures helps to engender friendship among nations, Japan is actively promoting cultural exchanges. Cultural exchange programmes have been progressing both at the bilateral and people’s level. Cultural Exchanges provide an opportunity to explore other cultures, traditions, customs, beliefs, societies, languages and much more.
Japan and Nepal share a lot of similarities in terms of culture, religion, and even in terms of sentiment. People will be surprised to see how many of the deities worshipped by the Japanese, for example, are also Nepalese deities. The traditional culture of Nepal and Japan are closely linked together through the underground stream of history, which permeates both our cultures. Cultural Exchange with Nepal is a very important means of deepening understanding of Japan and promoting international friendship and goodwill. Therefore, the main primary objective of this sanctuary project is to promote of mutual understanding and cultural exchange between Japan and Nepal.