Himeji Castle History: “Win without fighting" by overwhelming beauty and impregnable defense
Himeji Castle - a UNESCO World Heritage site and the National Treasure - enthralls you with its amazing architectural beauty coalition with dazzling white walls and roofs made from stucco. Its shape is like Shirasagi (White Heron) spreading its wings. Why was it necessary to renovate it so spectacularly beautiful? The 1st Shogun of Tokugawa Shogunate, […]
Azuchi Castle, the first picturesque light-up event in Japan
The most powerful warlord, Oda Nobunaga (1534-1582, 織田信長), had a great zeal to realize a peaceful nation through his clever strategies, rationalism, and immense military power to end the Warring States Period. After seeing people’s joyful faces at the light-up event, he likely felt a deep sense of emotion and elation, realizing his lifelong ambitions […]
Osaka Honganji Temple: The Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism was divided into East and West
The Higashi (east) and Nishi (west) Honqanji Temples stand along Shichijo Street in Kyoto, less than 500 meters away. The Goei-do of the Higashi Honganji is the largest wooden founder hall in the world and enshrines the wooden statue of the founder, Shinran. The Nishi Honganji, a World Heritage Site, has remained intact to this […]
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura, The Birthplace of The Samurai Government
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the birthplace of the Samurai government esta blished by Minamoto Yoritomo in 1185 in Kamakura.
Enryakuji Temple Enlightens the World for over 1200 years
Enryakuji on Mt. Hiei was founded by Saicho. Producing founders of several sects, it's called the "Mother of Japanese Buddhism." Enryakuji fought against three warlords: Oda Nobnaga, Shogun, and its retainer.
Why was Nagoya Castle built? For the iron defense of the Tokugawa Shogunate
Nagoya Castle was built by a warlord, Tokugawa Ieyasu, as a solid fortress in 1612, just two years before the Winter Siege of Osaka against the Toyotomi clan. After Ieyasu's victory, Nagoya Castle kept the Western lords in check in the middle of the Tokaido road connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Osaka. He was eager to […]