samurai
-
Japanese History : A Short and Simple Overview
Have you always wanted to understand Japanese history in a nutshell? Here is a handy, short overview of Japanese history from 14,000 BC to the modern time!
-
Warlords of the Warring States Period in Japan
The Warring States Period (15th to 16th century) was an exciting time in Japanese history. Military rulers were replaced one after another until shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu unified Japan. Let’s learn more about this period!
-
Sengakuji Temple and the 47 Ronin Ako Loyal Samurai
Sengakuji is a Buddhist temple in Tokyo. It is a famous spot among history lovers because this is where the tombs of the 47 Ronin are located. Learn more about this fascinating story of loyalty and revenge.
-
Kendo a one of Japan’s Proudest Martial Arts
Kendo is a Japanese martial art that descended from the sword fighting techniques that were used in the days of the samurai warriors.
-
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.
-
Kanazawa, Ishikawa | Unique Japanese traditions such as tea ceremony, Noh drama, gold leaf, etc
Kanazawa is the city of gold, but that’s not all this historical town has to offer. History buffs will love the samurai quarter and traditional Higashi Chaya district.
-
Hakama | A beautiful kimono to wear on the big day
While most foreigners know about kimono, another traditional Japanese garment called hakama is not that known amongst most foreign visitors in Japan. A hakama are the skirt-like pants that are worn over a kimono.
-
Nomura Samurai Home, Kanazawa | Would you like to take a peek into the life of the Samurai?
In Kanazawa, you can find the old home of the samurai Nomura clan. The building is almost intact and is a good example of how the samurai warriors who protected the city lived at that time.
-
Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima | Kingdom of Agriculture
Aizu-Wakamatsu in Fukushima is especially known for its delicious sake and long history of samurai culture.
-
Lake Tazawa, Kakunodate, Nyuto Onsen, Akita | Some of the best hot springs in Japan
Akita is not on the top of the list for destinations within Japan for the average foreign tourist, which is in part due to its remote location. However, for nature-lovers and those interested in history, it is certainly worth the trek up north!
