history
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The Meiji Shrine | the Most Famous and Popular Shrine
Near the areas of Shibuya and Harajuku is the famous Meiji Jingu, where the souls of Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken are venerated. Today it is one of the most important tourist spots in Tokyo, attracting thousands of tourists from early in the morning.
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The Identity of Samurai and Shoguns in Japan’s Closed State
During the Edo period from 1603-1868, society was divided strictly into social classes, not unlike the caste system in India. The country was ruled by a shogun, who was the highest up in the military of that time.
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Koyasan with its Gorgeous Architecture and Traditions
Koyasan is a center of Buddhist study and practice, located in the northeastern part of Wakayama Prefecture. It is surrounded by eight low peaks in Koya-Ryujin Quasi-National Park.
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Himeji Castle | A Masterpiece of Castle Building Technology
Himeji Castle was the first registered World Cultural Heritage site (in 1993) in Japan. It is said to be a masterpiece of Japan’s unique castle architecture technology that reached its peak in 1600.
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Nijo Castle | with its Gorgeous Architecture and Many Treasures
Nijo-jo Castle in Kyoto has witnessed some of the most important events in Japanese history in the 400 years since it was built. In 1940 the palace was first opened to the public. Today it is one of the most important tourist spots in the city of Kyoto.
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Shinto | the Foundation of Japanese Thought
Shinto has been the main religion in Japan since ancient times, centering on the ideas of Japanese intimacy with nature and ancestor worship. Learn the basics of Shinto beliefs!
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Newly Designed Japanese Money | YEN /JPY
Have you always wanted to know more about the design of Japanese money? We outlined all the different designs of Japanese coins and bills, and explain the historical or symbolic significance of the design.
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The First Tokugawa Shogun
Learn more about one of the most important people in Japanese history, the first Tokugawa shogun. One of our history expert guides summarizes the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
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Tea Ceremony Characterized by Beautiful Gestures and Delicate Taste
The Japanese tea ceremony is called Chanoyu, Sado, or simply Ocha. It is a choreographed ritual of preparation and the serving of a type of Japanese green tea called matcha, along with traditional sweets to balance the bitter taste of the tea.
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Tokugawa Iemitsu created an era of peace
The third shogun of the Edo period had an interesting life. What made him the way he was? And what happened to Japan during his reign?
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The Meiji Restoration in Japan
The turning point for the city of Edo, actually for all of Japan, was the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry’s Black Ships at Edo-wan (now known as Tokyo Bay) in 1853. Perry’s US Navy expedition demanded that Japan open itself to foreign trade.
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Beautiful Koi fish | a Symbol of Longevity and Strength
Originally from China, it was the Japanese who created koi fish’ beautiful coloring that made them so popular. Where can you see these carps in Japan? And is it possible to visit a koi farm?
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The Japanese Emperor is the Oldest Hereditary Monarchy in the world
Learn more about the history of the Imperial Family of Japan and the lives of the current royals!
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Japanese Ceramics and Lacquerware with Great Materials and Beautiful Design
Japanese ceramics and lacquerware are very popular household goods throughout the world. Find out more about these wonderful crafts from Japan.
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Ukiyo-e | Beautiful Woodblock Prints, also known as Japonisme
Ukiyo-e is a famous form of visual art from Japan. Ukiyo-e works are woodblock prints that depict scenes from Edo-period Japan. Learn more about these intriguing works of art!
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The Kimono | Beautiful Traditional Japanese Clothing
Kimono are traditional Japanese clothes that used to be worn on a daily basis until western-style fashion came to Japan. Today, the Japanese still wear kimono to official functions sometimes.
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Experience Japan in the Edo Period at the Edo-Tokyo Museum
In the heart of the Japanese sumo wrestling city of Ryogoku is the acclaimed Edo-Tokyo Museum, where you can learn all about Tokyo when it was still named Edo.
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Fukagawa Edo Museum | Time Travel to the Edo Period!
The Fukugawa Edo Museum is a small history museum where you can be transported back in time to the Edo era. Find out what you can see in this cool little museum!
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Miyajima | Severe yet Beautiful Wilderness
Near Hiroshima, you can find the famous floating torii gate in Miyajima. Just this vision makes it worth a trip, but what else is there to do in Miyajima?
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Okunoshima is Filled with the Cutest Rabbits in the world
Okunoshima is better known as ‘rabbit island’ for its many cute furry inhabitants. Learn more about this animal-lovers paradise near Hiroshima!