The Truth Behind Yakushiji: Empress Jito Survived War, Loss, and Built Ancient Japan
Discover the story of Empress Jito, who survived the Jinshin War, overcame personal tragedy, and helped build ancient Japan. Her legacy lives on at Yakushiji Temple.
Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace: “Hidden Palace” Where an Abdicated Emperor Defied the Tokugawa Shogunate
Explore Kyoto’s Sento Imperial Palace — a hidden imperial garden built by Emperor Go-Mizunoo after his dramatic abdication from the Tokugawa shogunate.
Omi Shrine: Emperor Tenji’s Otsu Palace Site and the Spiritual Center of Competitive Karuta
Discover Ōmi Shrine, built on the 7th-century palace site of Emperor Tenji, a ruler who shaped early Japan and inspired classical poetry. Home of competitive karuta.
The Origins of the Shikinen Sengu at Ise Jingu: Emperor Tenmu's Ambition
Emperor Tenmu (?-686, 天武天皇), the 40th emperor of Japan, ascended the throne after winning the Jinshin War, the largest civil conflict in ancient Japanese history. He established the Shikinen Sengu system, the ritual rebuilding of Ise Jingu (Ise Grand Shrine), a tradition that has endured for over 1,300 years. After his death, his consort, Empress […]
Heijo-kyo Rises: Guided by Fujiwara Fuhito
Heijo-kyo, the capital of the Nara period (710–794), was relocated by imperial decree of the 43rd Reigning Empress Genmei (660-771, 元明天皇) in 710. Spanning an area similar to that of modern-day Nara City, it featured Suzakuoji Avenue, which ran straight from north to south, from the Daigokuden Palace through the Suzakumon Gate to the Rajomon Gate […]
Battle of Sekigahara: How Tokugawa Ieyasu Won Japan in Just Six Hours
170,000 troops. Just six hours. How did Tokugawa Ieyasu win the Battle of Sekigahara so quickly? Uncover the hidden strategies and alliances behind his victory.
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 reign. The shrine is the head of the 12,000 Tenmangu shrines across Japan. Sugawara Michizane is revered as […]
Hakozakigu Shrine, Brings Victory and Good Luck
Hakozakigu Shrine in Fukuoka prefecture, Brings Victory and Good Luck
Kashima Jingu Shrine Enshrines the Diety of War, Takemikazuchi
Kashima Jingu Shrine in Ibaraki prefecture Enshrines the Diety of War, Takemikazuchi
Kasugataisha: A 1,300-Year-Old Sacred Shrine in Nara
Kasgataisha Shrine in Nara has a 1300-year-old history. Feeling the spituality from the sacred deer, mountains, and forests, the all are the divinity of Kasuga's God.