Hikone Castle, The life of Ii Naomasa, a Brave Warrior with Strong Diplomatic Skills
Hikone Castle, situated atop Mount Kinko along the shore of Lake Biwa, retains its stunning three-story structure, adorned with its white stucco exterior walls as it was in the past. The castle tower, a national treasure, showcases an elegant and rhythmical architectural style adorned with three types of gables: Kirizuma, Kara-hafu, and Iriomoya. Adding to […]
Wakayama Castle, A Great Lord, Yorinobu, laid the foundation of the Kishu's prosperity
In 1619, three years after Tokugawa Ieyasu's passing, his 10th son, Tokugawa Yorinobu (1602-1671, 徳川頼宣), received 555,000 koku, equivalent to the rice crop of yield (*) and established the Kishu domain (present-day Wakayama and southern Mie Prefectures). Wakayama Castle, the Kishu Tokugawa Family's residence, was extended and constructed at the mouth of the Kino River, […]
TIME magazine compiled the list of the World’s Greatest Places 2023
Nagoya is introduced to the list If, in addition to anime and whiskey, you seek a deep dive into Japan's Historical Sites, Nagoya, and its surroundings are some of the most suitable cities in Japan to visit. Situated between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto, Nagoya has played a pivotal role in Japanese history since ancient times. It […]
TIME magazine compiled the list of the World’s Greatest Places 2023
Nagoya is introduced to the list If, in addition to anime and whiskey, you seek a deep dive into Japan's Historical Sites, Nagoya, and its surroundings are some of the most suitable cities in Japan to visit. Situated between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto, Nagoya has played a pivotal role in Japanese history since ancient times. It […]
Zuihoden Mausoleum of the One-Eyed Dragon, Date Masamune: The Great Samurai's Legacy and Beliefs
The Zuihouden stands as the mausoleum of the renowned warlord of Date Masamune. It embodies the quintessential beauty of the Momoyama decorative style, perfectly reflecting the flamboyant nature of Masamune himself. His final poem encapsulates his life: “I have journeyed through the warring states with unwavering beliefs, like the moon shining in the dark.” In […]
The Katsura Imperial Villa, authentically beautiful architecture
Situated in the southern province of Kyoto, along the picturesque Katsura River, the Katsura Imperial Villa, a masterpiece of beauty, served as a detached villa of two aesthetic crown princes: Prince Toshihito (1579~1629, 八条宮智仁親王) and his son, Prince Toshitada (1619~1662, 八条宮智忠親王). Its construction started in 1628 and was completed in 1658 during the transition from […]
Heian Jingu Shrine: When was Kyoto the capital of Japan?
Heian Jingu Shrine enshrines the spirits of the first and last emperors who governed the nation in Kyoto, the old capital of Japan, for over 1100 years, spanning from 794 to 1868. Passing through the vermilion Otorii gate, the Otenmon gate leads you into the interior of the Heian Jingu Shrine. The bright vermillion color […]
Konkai Komyoji Temple, the base of the Shinsengumi samurai who followed the Bushido
On the days of the vernal equinox and the autumnal equinoxes, the Konkai Komyoji Temple offers a breathtaking view of the setting sun turning vermilion in the western sky. The temple was founded in 1175 when Honen, a founder of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, descended from Mount Hiei to spread his teachings here. Situated […]
Thomas Blake Glover, a brilliant turnaround from a weapons merchant to a contributor to Japan’s industrialization
Glover House stands as the most renowned Western residence constructed within a foreign settlement in Nagasaki. It holds the distinction of being one of Japan’s World Heritage sites: the Meiji Industrial Revolution; Iron, Steal, Shipbuilding, and Coal Mining. In 1859, Thomas Blake Glover embarked on a journey to Japan as an employee of the tea […]
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 […]