Saturday, March 25, 2017

Peace Park Gotemba - A Hidden Gem of a place

Introduction:
Just around 120 Kms from the heart of Tokyo, is a Peace Park nestled in a beautiful location from where you have a spectacular view of Mount Fuji and see the small lego like city on its foothill. You can enjoy this view from a small platform which is created near the temple. Location wise, it is in Gotemba, (Shizuoka Prefecture, near Hakone) and is a A Buddha`s Stupa.

You can easily make a day trip with this location.

Where is this place ?
(Direct Google Link: 静岡県御殿場市東田中 平和公園),
〒412-0026 静岡県御殿場市東田中


Famous For ?
The most remarkable view of the temple is luminous bright white chalky-colored Stupa which basically means a round shaped hemispherical structure where the relics are stored in a special metal container. This place is a private property but open to public.

Lots of foreign visitors visit this place every year due to its historic importance, vicinity to Hakone, Gotemba Premium Outlet Mall and most important mount Fuji.





Brief History and Background:
This Stupa has relics of Buddha presented by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1964. Even before this, the ancient story of relics of Buddha is really interesting for the students of History. 

When Buddha left his body and when he was cremated, the relics were to go to only his clan. But there was a demand from other six clans and a king. Hence to avoid the conflicts it was equally divided between them. After many decades when King Ashoka was also greatly influenced by Teaching of Buddha, he re-dug these relics and re-divided into 84,000 parts and equal number of Stupas were created across the land under his rule. A portion from one of these ruins of Stupas were recovered and also found their way in different countries of the world. Japan was also one of them in those time. However, relics particularly for this stupa traveled in modern history after India got its independence from British Colonization.

This Stupa has messages conveying world peace. And it makes complete sense coming from this country which has seen the worst face of weapon of mass destruction and always appeal to the world not to use that again and leave the path of war. There is an apt message written here even in hindi saying "Vishwa Shaanti Mein Hee Sansaar Ka Kalyaan Hai" i.e Betterment/Happiness of the world resides in World Peace.
Kids Friendly:
For kids, there is a small play area where they will enjoy staying in this place. Also there are hundreds of Sakura trees planted in this area which must be giving this place a different charm in spring season. Kids even enjoy the big bell 





Nearby Location:
You can combine this trip with a visit to nearby Gotemba Premium Outlet Mall where there are all the famous brands available and offer a wide variety of products with a very attractive prices. To name few are Adidas, Nike, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Patagonia, Coach, Crocs, , It also offers great options for eating and can be a treat for connoisseurs. 


Off course apart from this place, you can always visit Hakone which can extended one or two day visit depending on the time you have.

Here is the Google Map For Gotemba Premium Outlet Mall.


Hope you enjoy the place.

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