Samurai Ceremonial Wear, Kamishimo
Kamishimo were a two piece formal ceremonial dress worn by Edo period samurai of rank at court and during ceremonies….
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Miyamoto Musashi
Miyamoto Musashi is considered one of the greatest samurai of all. Said to have fought over 60 duels and participated…
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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…
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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…
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Hosokawa Tadaoki
Hosokawa Tadaoki was a veteran warrior and daimyo of the Warring States period. He fought his first battle under Oda…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Shimazu Tadahisa
Shimazu Tadahisa, the first of the Shimazu clan lords, was the son of the Shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo, and was…
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The Battle of Shizugatake
The Battle of Shizugatake was fought on Mt. Shizugatake in Omi Province on the northeastern ridge between Lake Biwa and…
