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 five-year-old son, Hideyori (1593-1615, 豊臣秀頼). In 1600, the Battle of Sekigahara broke out between Ishida Mitsunari (1560-1600, 石田三成), a loyal vassal of the Toyotomi, and […]
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, 豊臣秀吉), during the Warring States period (1467-1573). Known not only for his military expertise, Ujisato also excelled in economic policy and was celebrated as a […]
Dazaifu Tenmangu, Enshrines Sugawara Michizane as The God of Learning
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine enshrines Sugawara Michizane (845-903, 菅原道真), a renowned scholar who supported the 59th Emperor Uda (867-931, 宇多天皇) as a ‘Monjo-hakase’ (a scholar of the highest rank), offering his extensive knowledge and insight during the emperor’s region. The shrine is the head of the 12,000 Tenmangu shrines across Japan. Sugawara Michizane is revered as […]
Komaki and Nagakute Battlefield, Ieyasu's Strategy Toward Victory
Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-16161, 徳川家康) laid the foundation for the 260-year Edo period (1603-1868) after a lifetime of numerous battles. His victory at the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute was later celebrated in the words of historian Rai Sanyo: "Ieyasu's power as a ruler of Japan was not the victory of the Siege of Osaka or […]
Hakozakigu Shrine, Brings Victory and Good Luck
Hakozakigu Shrine is one of Japan's three major Hachimangu shrines (Usa, Iwashimizu Hachimangu, and Hakozakigu shrines). The main deity is the 15th Emperor Ojin, and his mother, Empress Jingu, and Princess Tamayori-hime are enshrined here. When Emperor Ojin was born, Empress Jingu put his placenta in a box called Hako (筥), buried it there, and […]
Kashima Jingu Shrine Enshrines the Diety of War, Takemikazuchi
Kashima Jingu Shrine, located in Ibaraki prefecture near the Pacific Ocean, is one of the oldest shrines in eastern Japan. It was established in 660B.C., the first year of the region of the mythological Emperor Jinmu (神武天皇). It enshrines Takemikazuchi Okami (武甕槌大神), revered as the most powerful deity in Japanese methodology, as described in NIHONSHOKIi […]
Three Karamon Gates Reflect Hideyoshi's Authority as a Ruler
Kyoto is home to three national treasures of Karamon Gates at Daitokuji Temple, Nishi-Hongwanji Temple, and Toyokuni Shrine. These gates were relocated from Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s retreats, Jurakudai and Fushimi Castles. Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–1598, 豊臣秀吉) ended over a century of warlike period in Japan. The Karamon Gates feature the distinctive Karahafu, an undulating bargeboard on the […]
Engakuji Temple: A Monument to Japan’s Victory Aginst the Mongols
Engakuji Temple, ranked second among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura, is located near Kitakamakura Station. It was founded in 1282, a year after Regent Hojo Tokimune overcame two Mongol invasions, intending to protect the nation, promote Zen teachings, and mourn for all war victims on both sides. Upon entering through the Sanmon gate, […]
Zuihoden Mausoleum of the One-Eyed Dragon, Date Masamune: The Great Samurai's Legacy and Beliefs
One-Eyed Dragon, Date Masamune: The Great Samurai's Legacy and Beliefs
Cherry blossoms and red leaves at Hakodate Goryokaku Fort
Goryokaku Fort (五稜郭) is Japan’s first western-style star fort located in Hakodate. The view from the top of the observatory, situated 90 meters above the ground of Goryokaku Park Tower, offers a truly spectacular sight. The iconic five-star shape, filled with approximately 1,600 cherry blossom trees in spring and adorned with vibrant autumn leaves in […]