The region includes the Tokyo metropolitan area. After the first Samurai government was established at Kamakura in 1185, the Hojo clan subdued a vast area of the eight provinces of Kanto in the Warring States period (15C-16C). In 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu, the great Samurai won against the Toyotomi Clan at the Battle of Sekigahara, which was the largest battle by dividing the entire Samurai in Japan, and he established the Edo shogunate in 1603, centering on Edo Castle (the current Imperial Palace) and achieved the unification of Japan aiming the peace world. This remained the center of the Samurai government until the Taisei Hokan (the Return of Political Power to the Emperor) or the Meiji Restoration in 1868. The Meiji government requested that Emperor Meiji enter the Edo Castle in 1869 moving from Kyoto. Kanto remains many historical sites that are the living testimony of many samurai, feudal lords, emperors, cultural figures such as castles, temples, shrines, museums, and the seasonal scenery.
Stories about Samurai
Edo Castle
Successive Tokugawa Shogun's residence and the headquarters of Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo Period, now the Imperial Palace
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Polaris, the lord Tokugawa Ieyasu spirit, is positioned directly above the center of Yomeimon gate. Why was this gate built like this? One theory says that his spirit has protected the successive Shoguns and Edo castle.
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
Enshrines Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu near his final residence at Sunpu Castle according to his last will. Its beautiful decorative shrine attracts you.
Odawara Castle
The pioneer and the last Warlord, the Hojo clan gained hegemony in the Kanto region for 100 years over five generations
Golden Tea Room
The walls, pillars, and ceiling covered with gold are scarlet. Lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi sued the golden tea room at Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Hachimangu Shrine
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shine is the center of Kamakura, the birthplace of the Samurai period established by Minamoto Yoritomo.
The Imperial Palace
The emperor’s role, inherited over generations is the chief and father or mother of the people. The history of emperors spans over 2,600 years.
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Surrounded by the metropolis of Tokyo, the Meiji Jingu Forest is a sanctuary for living creatures. More than 110,000 volunteers built it to commemorate Emperor Meiji's virtues.
Sakuradamon Gate
The cherry blossoms in full bloom reflecting on the water of the Chidorigafuchi moat are breathtaking. Here, Ii Naosuke, the highest rank retainer, was assassinated. It triggered the Meiji Restoration.