Following the Footsteps of Japan's Emperor in Yogyakarta

On June 19, 2023, Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako began their first diplomatic trip to Indonesia. One of the highlights was a special visit to Yogyakarta, an Indonesian city known for its vibrant culture and heritage.

There, Emperor Naruhito not only enjoyed traditional performances at the Palace of Yogyakarta, but also explored the historic Borobudur Temple.

Also, on his journey, the Emperor paid special attention to the Sabo Dam, a symbol of Indonesia and Japan's teamwork in managing the threats of volcanic lahars. His interest in water resources makes this part of the visit quite meaningful.

Curious to experience Yogyakarta as Emperor Naruhito did? Well, you're in luck! This article is like a treasure map, guiding you to experience the same places and culture as the Emperor. With TRAC, your reliable travel friend, we'll show you all the interesting spots.

3 Japan’s Emperor Destinations in Yogyakarta and Surroundings

Borobudur Temple

Emperor Naruhito made a special visit to the Borobudur Temple, situated in Magelang, Central Java. With grace, he donned a batik shirt boasting the intricate truntum motif and a pair of traditional 'upanat' footwear, blending effortlessly into the cultural ethos of the region.

His ascent to the temple's peak was not a solitary one. Accompanied by the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo, and several other officials, he embarked on his spiritual journey within the ancient temple walls.

Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple and the largest of its kind in the world. Constructed during the Sailendra Dynasty, the temple elegantly fuses indigenous Indonesian tradition with Buddhist spirituality.

The monument's impressive design features nine stacked platforms six square and three circular adorned with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues, with a central dome encircled by 72 Buddha statues within perforated stupas. 

Serving both as a shrine and a pilgrimage site, Borobudur offers a unique journey for visitors. Its pathway, leading from the base to the top, mirrors the three realms of Buddhist cosmology.

Despite the centuries, the temple's grandeur has been diligently preserved through multiple restorations, maintaining its status as an influential cultural and historical symbol and Indonesia's most visited tourist attraction.

Maguwoharjo Area

While Sabo Dam Technical Office isn’t a tourist spot, but nestled in the vicinity of Sabo Dam in Maguwoharjo are multiple attractions, each brimming with its own unique charm.

Among the attractions is Waterboom Jogja, located on Jl. Jenengan Raya, Maguwoharjo, in Kabupaten Sleman. Set within a lush park setting, this waterpark boasts 19 exhilarating rides suitable for all ages.

Its most notable feature, the Water For Life Museum, serves as an educational hub, presenting 13 intriguing exhibits that highlight the importance of water and the progress of water science.

Not too far off, the 9th-century Sambisari Hindu temple serves as a window into the region's deep-rooted history. Unearthed nearly five meters underground, this monument can be found just 8 kilometers east of Yogyakarta, close to Adisucipto International Airport. The excavation site of Sambisari presents a fascinating glimpse into past cultures and traditions.

Merely nine kilometers east of Sabo Dam's engineering office, you will encounter the impressive Prambanan Temple compound. This 9th-century Hindu marvel, devoted to the Trimūrti Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, holds the title as the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia and the second-largest in Southeast Asia.

Distinguished by its tall and pointed architecture, the main structure soars 47 meters high within a sprawling temple complex. Prambanan, with its striking ensemble of 240 temple structures, embodies the grandeur of ancient Java's Hindu art and architecture, making it a globally revered site for its cultural and historical significance.

The Palace of Yogyakarta

Located in the heart of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the Royal Palace of Yogyakarta (Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat) is a richly symbolic center of Javanese culture, housing the reigning Sultan and his family.

Established by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I in 1755–1756, the palace showcases a blend of Javanese architectural style and floral motifs along with international influences from Portuguese, Dutch, and Chinese design.

The Palace complex, chosen strategically between two rivers, comprises a main building and a secondary building, distinguished by a regol, a special wall with a gate.

Its wooden buildings, notable for their joglo construction, exhibit a variety of nature-inspired decorations. The floors are typically composed of white marble or patterned tiles, signifying their status above the sandy courtyard.

Notable is the significance of the Tugu Yogyakarta (the Gilig golong monument), symbolizing unity between the king and his people. Such deeper meanings extend to the different sections of the Palace; the Gate Donopratoro stands as a symbol of virtue and control, while the Dwarapala statues represent the duality of good and evil.

The Emperor of Japan had the privilege of experiencing these cultural and architectural marvels firsthand during his visit. As he entered the Srimanganti complex, forty soldiers in full uniform saluted him.

He had the honor of seeing an exclusive display of Yogyakarta's royal artifacts, and witnessing a Beksan Lawung performance, a dance demonstrating the skills of palace soldiers. Finally, he dined at the grand Kagungan Dalem Bangsal Manis, sealing an unforgettable immersion into Javanese culture and history.

As we bring this exciting tour to a close, it's worth noting that Yogyakarta bursts into life, especially over the weekends. The city is full of color and movement, with both tourists and locals adding to the lively atmosphere.

Be aware, though, finding a parking space can be a bit like a treasure hunt during these bustling times. The city's energetic pulse is all part of its unique charm.

Explore Yogyakarta with TRAC Car Rental

Given the circumstances, the ideal way to explore Yogyakarta seamlessly is by using a car rental service. TRAC - Astra Rent a Car stands out as an exceptional choice for your travel needs in the city.

For ease of booking, you can do it through the TRACtoGo application. Immediately install the TRACtoGo application on Google Playstore or Apple App Store. Don't forget to register for membership to enjoy various TRAC services.

And then, for the latest information, don't forget to follow TRAC's social media through Instagram @trac_astra, Facebook TRAC-Astra Rent a Car and Twitter @TRACastra.

Wherever the track, just use TRAC!