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…
Tokyo Station, Gateway to The Nation
Tokyo Station is a major commuter hub servicing some 380,000 people on average daily, and one that attracts many visitors…
Oda Nobunaga (June 23 1534-June 21 1582)
The first of the three Unifiers of Japan, Oda Nobunaga was born in 1534 during the height of the civil strife…
Samurai Ceremonial Wear, Kamishimo
Kamishimo were a two piece formal ceremonial dress worn by Edo period samurai of rank at court and during ceremonies….
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…
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….
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…
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…
The Battle of Shizugatake
The Battle of Shizugatake was fought on Mt. Shizugatake in Omi Province on the northeastern ridge between Lake Biwa and…
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…