Nagasaki Port, the blooming Nanban (or Namban) trade and Christianity
The Namban Screen, created by Kano Naizen, a renowned painter of the Kano School, is regarded as one of the most exceptional screen paintings on gold foil paper. This masterpiece has an impressive width of approximately 3.5 meters and comprises a pair of six-panel folding screens. The term “Nanban” refers specifically to the southern regions […]
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 […]
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 […]
Itsukushima Shrine, Itsukushima Detiy smiled on Samurai, Mori Motonari
Itsukushima Shrine - UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site - seemingly floating on the water enamors visitors with the atmosphere of its spiritual power in the vermillion-lacquered shrine. It’s located on Miyajima island in Hiroshima prefecture, traveling just 10 minutes by ferry from the port. Miyajima Island has been adored as “the island where deity resides” […]
The History of Hachiman Deity Worshipped at Usa Jingu Shrine, Protecting Japan and Samurai
Usa Jingu is the head shrine of approximately 460,000 Hachimangu shrines, out of a total of 110,000 shrines in Japan. This makes it the largest number in Japan. The three major Hachimangu shrines are Usa Jingu in Kyushu, Hakozakigu in Kyushu, and Iwashimizu Hachimangu in Kyoto. The deity worshipped at Usa Jingu Shrine, Hachiman Omikami, […]
The Standing Original Castle in Japan, the History of Inuyama Castle Lord, Narusa Masanari
Inuyama Castle, a National Treasure, stands on a small mountain overlooking the Kiso River, dating back to 1537. It holds among Japan's five castles designated a national treasure, including Himeji, Matsumoto, Hikone, Inuyama, and Matsue. The castle was constructed during the tumultuous Warring States period and a dizzying array of castle owners were changed due […]
Samurai Tea Ceremony, Joan is The Best Teahouse to Visit
There are three existing tea rooms in Japan designated as national treasures. They are the Taian at Myokian in Kyoto built by a tea master, Sen-no-Rikyu, the Mittan at Daitokuji Temple by Kobori Enshu, and the Joan at Yurakuen Garden in Aichi prefecture by Oda Nagamasu in his later life. Oda Nagamasu, also known as […]
Osaka Castle History: An unsurpassed Samurai Hideyoshi’s ambition to become a ruler of Japan
Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Along with the castle, its castle town, known as a "Water City," was also constructed. Unfortunately, the castle was burnt down during the Siege of Osaka in 1615 after Hideyoshi's death. Despite the destruction, the castle town demonstrated its logistical capabilities and played an important role as an […]
Tsurugajo Castle in Aizu, A symbol of samurai loyalty during the Meiji restoration
Bells rang in the center of the castle town of the Aizu domain, signaling the invasion of Meiji government forces. Despite the Aizu domain's allegiance to the Tokugawa Shogunate and generations of shoguns, the castle fell under incessant bombardment. This is in contrast to the Shogun's residence, Edo Castle, which surrendered without bloodshed. Why did […]
Castle in Tokyo, you should go to the Imperial Palace (Edo Castle ruin) to feel the end of the samurai era
The Imperial Palace, located near Tokyo Station, was the former residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns known as Edo Castle. During the era of significant change at the end of the Edo Period (1603-1868), many people lived tumultuous lives. How was Edo Castle able to open without bloodshed despite the threat of invasion by Western powers? […]