Already the title sounds poorly translated. fml.
I was watching a documentary from NHK about the importance of aroma in Japanese culture, there was mention of a list created by the Japanese Government detailing the top 100 places with aromas so special that they should be protected by the government (ie: no building condos in this area because if you disrupt this natural phenomenon the aroma would go away)
I snooped around the internet for a day, didn’t find the list. There was a lot of mention of the list existing, but there were no links to it. I emailed the ministry of environment in Japan, and they sent me the URL in a day.
Here’s the PDF (it’s in Japanese though): Japan 100 aroma areas
I’ll try to translate it but it will likely take me some time.
Kaori Fuukei 100 Sen:
In Japan, we have a lot of wonderful landscapes to give us positive energy and relaxation. Our time spent in these special places is an experience that our whole body can enjoy. When we have that feeling there is always a wonderful fragrance in the air, don’t you think? From our hearts, The Ministry of Environment requests the assistance of the local population to protect these pristine landscapes, so we as a people can continue to enjoy the aromas which we love. Therefore, for the love and enjoyment of everyone a list of 100 aromatic landscapes were selected and it is our wish that they be preserved from now until forever.
Applications for this publication (kaori fuukei 100) were centered on plant fragrances such as flowers, trees, and herbs. We received many submissions. In the survey conducted by the Ministry of the Environment, flowers, greenery, tidal aromas were the most popular. It’s common knowledge that the fragrance of nature is preferred by many people, but naturally there are vast differences in individuals likes and dislikes. Natures aroma is a valuable existence that gives serenity to many people — It teaches us the importance of coexistence with nature. We have selected places with plums and wisteria, places of interest, street trees, parks, forests that are loved and respected in their communities, locations where you can enjoy a bath. In addition to this, we also chose the aromas of the ocean, hot springs, etc.
People are said to feel comfort in the smells which they are intimately familiar.
If a distinctive smell drifts through a town or region, it may impress the visitors.
At the same time, it is one of the factors that gives peace of mind to people living there.
Towns that produce Sake, soy sauce, soba noodles, they’re all like that.
I chose relaxing landscapes, and areas to smell ‘traditional Japan’ because these are the scenes in life that I want to share with the future.
Spring:
Green sprouts and flowers upon flowers, the most fragrant time of the year.
The season of soft spring sunshine when using the word gorgeous is effortless.
It makes the landscape even more pleasant.
In this selection, plums and wisteria’s attractions, tulip fields
Summer:
In the early summer, within the tea production areas, the aroma of steamed tea leaves drying in the sun, the fragrance rises, representing Japan. The aroma scenery spreads across the country. Fresh flowers and refreshing fragrances were chosen, and also Lily’s and scallops.
Fall
The season when the sweet and pungent fragrance of the osmanthus flower is at its peak
It is suitable for harvesting of fruits and squash,
The fragrance of grapes, the fragrance to make wine, etc.
To also enjoy music and indulge in eating roasted fish at a stadium or event
It’s one of the best times to see scenic landscapes.
Winter:
Living creatures quiet down, and the activities of people also become quiet.
It is the season of the year where aromas become more subtle and harder to spot
Would you fill a sake brewery with a strong smelling air?
I will begin to wander.
Final note:
aromas drifts throughout the year, soy sauce, miso making, morning market etc.
I Related to the lives of our people, incense, ink making, There are many things related to culture that are also natural.
There are things that you can enjoy all year round such as the evergreen forests of cedar and pine, and the taste of the tide.
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