Samurai Ceremonial Wear, Kamishimo
Kamishimo were a two piece formal ceremonial dress worn by Edo period samurai of rank at court and during ceremonies….
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…
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…
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…
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…
Miyamoto Musashi
Miyamoto Musashi is considered one of the greatest samurai of all. Said to have fought over 60 duels and participated…
How To Visit The Site Of The Battle of Sekigahara
The best way to see the old battlefield is to start at the Sekigahara Town History and Folklore Museum, (350…
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…
Hosokawa Tadaoki
Hosokawa Tadaoki was a veteran warrior and daimyo of the Warring States period. He fought his first battle under Oda…
Azuchi-Momoyama Period（1568 – 1603)
The Azuchi Momoyama, or simply Momoyama Period spans the years 1573 to 1603 when political unification under Oda Nobunaga and…
Nara Period（AD 710 to 794)
In 710, the Imperial Government moved the nation’s capital to Nara, and the city of Heijo-Kyo was established, it’s design…
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…
Shimazu Tadahisa
Shimazu Tadahisa, the first of the Shimazu clan lords, was the son of the Shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo, and was…
The Battle of Shizugatake
The Battle of Shizugatake was fought on Mt. Shizugatake in Omi Province on the northeastern ridge between Lake Biwa and…