The floating festival floats of the Tsushima Tenno Matsuri
The 500 year old Tsushima Tenno Festival is one of Japan’s three major river festivals and is one of the…
Hamarikyu, Garden of the Shogun
Situated close to the mouth of the Sumida River is one of Tokyo’s special historic sites, and one recognized as…
Hosokawa Tadaoki
Hosokawa Tadaoki was a veteran warrior and daimyo of the Warring States period. He fought his first battle under Oda…
Toyokawa Inari, the Fox Gods of Success
Of the three major Inari Shrines dedicated to the Fox Gods, Toyokawa Inari is one of the most famous. Believed…
Ukai: Traditional Japanese Cormorant Fishing
If the sport of Kings is horse racing, then the sport of the Daimyo was UKAI. Mentioned in Japan’s legendary Kojiki…
About Japan | History | Hyogo | martial art
Mimasaka: Miyamoto Musashi’s Birthplace
In the northeast of Okayama Prefecture on the border of Hyogo Prefecture, is the quaint little village of Miyamoto in…
Himeji Castle, a treasure from the past
Japanese castles are one of the nations’ most popular tourist attractions amongst foreign travelers. Of all the castles in Japan, only…
Heian Period（794 to 1185）
With the rising influence on Buddhism on politics, the Emperor Kanmu founded a new capital at Kyoto in 794. This…
Komaki’s Giant Phallus Festival
Just north of Nagoya city in Aichi Prefecture is the industrial city of Komaki, where Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi…
Sen no Rikyu, the Tea Ceremony Master
Sen no Rikyu was an influential master of the Tea Ceremony. Famed for his having developed the Way of Tea…
Traditional Japanese roof tiles, Kawara
Traditional Japanese roof tiles, Kawara are a highly visible and elaborate component of Japanese architecture. They display a technical and…
Samurai and traditional formal Men’s Attire, Hakama
Hakama are a part of traditional Japanese clothing worn primarily by samurai, men of position and rank, and during ceremonies….
Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Toyotomi Hideyoshi（1537 ~ 1598 ) Toyotomi Hideyoshi was not a physically strong man. He had risen rapidly in the ranks…
The Martial Art Of Aikido
Aikido is a mentally and physically demanding modern martial art that teaches methods of unarmed defense while preventing the attacker…