Bosen Tea Room – Kobori Enshu, Master of the Tea Ceremony and the Aesthetic of Kirei-SabiNew!!
Discover Bosen Tea Room in Kyoto, designed by Kobori Enshu. This elegant tea room at Koho-an embodies the refined tea ceremony aesthetic of kirei-sabi
Raikyuji Temple Garden: Kobori Enshu and the Samurai Aesthetic of Kirei-Sabi
Who was Kobori Enshū, the samurai-era master behind kirei-sabi? Explore how his refined vision shaped Japan’s most iconic gardens, including Raikyuji, Katsura Imperial Villa, and the Sentō Imperial Palace, in Edo era.
Koisihikawa Korakuen, A Tranquil Oasis in Tokyo
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is designed to resemble the scenery you would see on a journey from Edo to Kyoto. It includes a path through the Kiso region, a large pond modelled on Lake Biwa, the Ooi River, and Togetsukyo Bridge in Kyoto, and the mountain and rural scenery of the area around Kannondo Hall of […]
The Battle of Sekigahara
On 21 October 1600 (15 September 1600 in the Keicho era), the Battle of Sekigahara, the largest battle in Japanese history, was fought mainly in the Sekigahara area. The Eastern Army, led by Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616, 徳川家康), about 70,000 to 80,000 soldiers, some of whom were loyal to Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598, 豊臣秀吉), clashed with the […]
Kairakuen Garden, Three Thousand Plum Trees is Breathtaking
Kairakuen Garden Park is located in Mito city in Ibaraki Prefecture about one hour train journey from Tokyo to the east. It is one of the finest three parks in Japan, following Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Korakuen in Okayama. In early spring, the light pink, red, and white colors of over one hundred different plum […]
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 […]
Matsue Castle, Festival, and Tea Culture by Two Great Matsue Lords
Amid the chants of Horan Enya, around 100 boats, adorned with performers wearing colorfu,l splendid costumes, sail through rivers between Lake Shinji and Nakaumi Lagoon in Matsue, the capital of Shimane prefecture. The Horan-Enya Festival is one of three major Shinto boat rituals in Japan, alongside the Tenjin Festival of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and the […]
Nikko Toshogu Shrine – The Sacred Intersection Where Tokugawa Ieyasu Guards Japan Beyond Death
Discover why Nikko Toshogu Shrine was chosen as Tokugawa Ieyasu’s eternal stronghold—at the sacred crossroads linking Mount Fuji and Edo, guarding Japan beyond death.
Kenrokuen, a Scenic Garden, the Maeda Clan's Survival Strategy
Kenrokuen garden in Kanazawa is a symbol of Maeda Toshiie, Toshinaga, and Toshitsune, the great lords who protected Kaga's one million koku domain against the Tokugawa Shogunate. Thier strategy was brilliant.
Shugakuin Imperial Villa: Emperor Gomiziunoo's Villa Life
Shugakuin Imperial Villa is surrounded by a courtly atmosphere, and its beauty is beyond description. This magnificent villa was built by the 108th Emperor Go-Mizunoo (1596-1680, 後水尾天皇) after his abdication. Emperor Go-Mizunoo ascended to the throne at a young age as the Tokugawa shogunate consolidated its solid political system in pursuit of a centralized feudal […]