One-Eyed Dragon, Date Masamune: The Life, Legacy, and Beliefs of Japan's Great Samurai
Discover the story of Date Masamune, the legendary One-Eyed Dragon of Japan. Explore his beliefs, legacy, and the magnificent Zuihoden mausoleum that reflects the spirit of this great samurai.
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 […]
Inuyama Castle: Japan's Oldest Original Castle and the Legacy of Naruse Masanari
Discover the history of Inuyama Castle, Japan’s oldest original National Treasure castle. Explore its samurai legacy and the life of Naruse Masanari, trusted retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Osaka Castle: The Symbol of Japan’s Unification and the Rise of Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Discover why Toyotomi Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle, and how his political genius—not just military power—led to the unification of Japan. Explore the hidden strategy behind one of history’s greatest rises to power after Oda Nobunaga’s death.
Tokyo Imperial Palace: Edo Castle Ruins and the Bloodless End of the Samurai Era
Explore Tokyo’s Imperial Palace: Edo Castle Ruins and the Legacy of the Samurai Era
The Golden Tea Room and Wabi World Tai-an
Explore the clash between Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Sen no Rikyū, from the lavish Golden Tea Room to the wabi simplicity of Taian—and the mystery behind Rikyū’s forced seppuku.
Himeji Castle: The Stunning White Fortress That Broke the Enemy’s Will to Fight
Discover the hidden strategy of Himeji Castle. From Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s rise to Tokugawa Ieyasu’s rule, this stunning white fortress projected power that broke enemies’ will to fight.
Azuchi Castle Light-Up: Japan’s First Illuminated Event by Oda Nobunaga
Discover Azuchi Castle’s light-up, believed to be Japan’s first, led by Oda Nobunaga. Follow his rise from Okehazama to the Honnoji Incident.
Osaka Honganji Temple: The Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism was divided into East and West
The Higashi (East) and Nishi (Eest) 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 on Mt. Hiei: The 1200-Year Eternal Light of Japanese Buddhism
Enryakuji on Mt. Hiei, founded by Saichō, is the “Mother of Japanese Buddhism.” Though attacked by shoguns and even Oda Nobunaga, its Eternal Light has burned for more than 1,200 years.