New Stories
- Siege of Osaka: The Last of Toyotomi & Begining of Tokugawa Era
Toyotomi Hideyori, A Wise Man In 1598, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598, 豊臣秀吉), who had risen from a peasant to become the ruler of Japan as regent, passed away, leaving behind his… Read more: Siege of Osaka: The Last of Toyotomi & Begining of Tokugawa Era - Matsusaka Castle: The Legacy of Martial, Scholarly, and Economic Talent of Gamo Ujisato
Gamo Ujisato (1556-1595, 蒲生氏郷) was a military commander of remarkable skill, both in martial arts and scholarship, who won the admiration of Oda Nobunaga (1534-1582, 織田信長) and Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–1598,… Read more: Matsusaka Castle: The Legacy of Martial, Scholarly, and Economic Talent of Gamo Ujisato - Matsue Castle, Festival, and Tea Culture by Two Great Matsue Lords
Amid the chants of ‘Horan Enya’, around 100 boats, adored with performers wearing colorful splendid costumes, sail through rivers between Lake Shinji and Nakaumi Lagoon in Matsue, the capital of… Read more: Matsue Castle, Festival, and Tea Culture by Two Great Matsue Lords
Destinations
Must Visit in 2024
The 360th Anniversary of Gesshoji Temple and Matsudaira Family Treasures, Oct.4-Nov. 24
Gessho-ji Temple is the resting place of the successive lords of the Matsue Matsudaira clan. It was founded to mourn Gesshoin, the mother of the first lord, Matsudaira Yoshinao (the grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu). The exhibition displays precious treasures, including those of the 7th Lord Harusato, a renowned tea master. In particular, the ‘Enpokihan-zu', (National Treasure) painted by Bokuyo is a must-see.
The 1300th Anniversary of the Enthronement of the 45th Emperor Shomu, Oct.22-Dec.8
The special festival is celebrated at the Nara Palace Site Museum and the Nara National Museum. Emperor Shomu ascended to the throne in 724, wishing to bring peace and tranquility to the nation and its people through the power of the Great Buddha at Todaiji. Coincidentally, in 2024, wooden tablets were excavated and linked to the Daijosai Festival, an important once-in-a-lifetime ceremony accompanying the succession to the throne, held when Emperor Shomu ascended to the throne. It seems that the prayers of Emperor Shomu to save people have been revived 1300 years later in the present day.
The 1450th Anniversary of Prince Shotoku's Birth, Horyuji Autumn Special Exhibition, Sep.-Nov.
For the first time in three years, the treasures of Horyuji Temple, including national treasures, will be exhibited in the Daihōzōin, or Great Treasure Gallery. Additionally, rarely displayed items, such as the lower part of the central pillar of the five-storied pagoda, will also be on view.
Daikakuji Temple: Saga-giku Chrysanthemum Exhibition, Nov.1-Nov.30
Traditional chrysanthemums have been unchanged for 1200 years since the Era of Emperor Saga. Daikakuji Temple exudes the elegance and prestige of Imperial culture. Under the autumn blue sky, the colorful chrysanthemums bloom beautifully.
Shokoku-ji Jotenkaku Museum 40th Anniversary Exhibition Legacy of Zen Temples: Shokoku-ji, Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji, Oct. 11 - Nov.27 at Aichi Prefectural Musuem of Art
The 3rd Shogun of Muromachi Shogunate, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu founded Shokokuji Temple. As the head temple of the Rinzai Shokokuji sect, including Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji Temples, you can enjoy masterpieces by Kano Tanyu, Ito Jakuchu, and others, including more than 45 national treasures and important cultural properties.
Our Selections
We select and offer attractive traditions and gems rooted in long Japanese history. It provides an opportunity to reacquaint yourself with the protagonist of the historical story by holding it in your hands and feeling it in your heart. >> Read More
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