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? […]
The Golden Tea Room & Taian Tea Room
The walls, pillars, ceiling, and tea utensils covered in gold leaf reflect a solemn scarlet color in the Golden Tea Room through the scarlet woolen cloth on the Shoji screen. In contrast, Taian in Myokian Temple, a National Treasure, is the oldest existing tea room and one of three tea rooms of national treasures (Taian, […]
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 […]
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.