Explore Japan's rich history with our engaging video content, including in 360°. Designed to be a fun and interactive way to learn about the fascinating history of Japan, discover the wonders of this incredible country. Educators of Japanese history and culture are welcome to download free image content.
KANTO REGION
VIRTUAL 360° TOUR VIDEOS
Virtual Tour | Shibuya Crossing (渋谷交差点): Scramble! One of the Busiest Pedestrian Crossings on Earth (Tokyo)
Shibuya Crossing is referred to colloquially as 'the scramble', but Shibuya Kosaten (渋谷交差点) to locals. Up to 1.5 million people cross this street every week; up to 400,000 people a day on a weekend of holiday! But it was once a rather sleepy little station until Japan's push to modernize went full tilt.
Virtual Tour | Hachiko (ハチ公): The Story of Japan's Most Loyal Canine (Whose Real Name is 'Hachi') (Tokyo)
The story of 'Hachi', most widely known as Hachiko, is legendary in Japan. Learn about the bond shared between an ailing puppy and its new owner that ended sadly, but wonderfully endured. It all started in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan.
Virtual Tour | Harajuku (原宿): From Farming Village to Military Outpost to Occupied Town to Youth (Tokyo)
Harajuku is THE youth hub of Tokyo, Japan, with music, fashion, and subcultures you possibly can't imagine. But it has a long and storied history. Learn how this farming village became a military outpost with the famous ninja from Iga protecting the shogun in the Edo Period (1603-1868), to a US occupied town in 1945, to a global fashion trend setting youth culture hub today.
Virtual Tour | Meiji Jingu Shrine (明治神宮): The Story of Japan's Transition from Feudal State to Modern Nation (Tokyo)
Meiji Shrine is one of the most famous shrines in Japan, surrounded by a large forested park, and a place any visitor or resident must see in Tokyo. Completed in 1921, it was constructed to commemorate the Meiji Emperor and Empress Shoken for their role in establishing the Meiji Restoration in 1868, moving an isolated Japan towards modernization. Today, it is still something of a center-piece of Japan's imperial family. The video tells the story of Meiji Shrine (also called Meiji Jingu) and not about my wedding ceremony held there.
Virtual Tour | Yasukuni Shrine (靖國神社): Controversial Meiji-Era Shrine with Veterans & War Criminals (Tokyo)
In the heart of Tokyo sits Yasukuni Shrine and decades of debate and controversy. Established at the beginning of the Meiji Period to honour those who died in service of the Japanese Empire, it was also intended to promote Shinto as a state religion. It now houses over 2 million names, including those of high profile war criminals.
Virtual Tour | Sengakuji (泉岳寺) Temple Graves: The 47 Ronin Story of Masterless Samurai, Loyalty, and Revenge (Tokyo)
Virtual Tour | Sengakuji (泉岳寺) Temple Graves: The 47 Ronin Story of Masterless Samurai, Loyalty, and Revenge Tokyo's Sengakuji Temple 泉岳寺 is famous for its graveyard where the "47 Ronin" (also known as Akoroshi, the "masterless samurai from Ako"). They served, and later avenged, the feudal lord (daimyo) Asano. While historical accuracy is debated, you can learn the story here.
Virtual Tour | Omoide Yokocho: The Hidden History of Tokyo’s Grittiest Eating & Drinking Alleyway (Tokyo)
Omoide Yokocho (思い出横丁), also known as “Memory Lane” is a small, narrow, alleyway near Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, famous for its nostalgic post-war charm and vibrant atmosphere. It also became known colloquially as “Piss Alley” by locals, coming from the lack of toilets in the earlier years (between food and drink, patrons relieved themselves on the nearby railway tracks). It’s lined with tiny bars with yakitori (grilled chicken) stalls, and izakayas (Japanese pubs). It’s so narrow it creates an intimate, authentic, old-school Tokyo experience from the Showa Period. Its gritty nickname masks this cool little place next to the busiest train station on the planet. *‘Yokocho’ (横丁) traditionally meant ‘alleyway’ in Japanese but has come to be known as a a narrow street that is packed with shops, bars, and/or eateries.
Virtual Tour | Tokyo’s Candy Lane: From Postwar Black Market to Popular Confectionary Hotspot (Tokyo)
Ameya Yokocho, also known as ‘Ame Yoko’ (アメヤ横丁), is a bustling open-air market street located next to Ueno Station in Tokyo, Japan. After the area was devastated during World War II, a black market emerged and has evolved into a lively shopping area known for its mix of food stalls, discount shops, clothing stores, and street vendors. The name "Ame Yoko" is short for Ameya Yokocho, which can mean “candy lane”, "candy store alley" or "American alley," referencing its postwar roots when American servicemen would sell or trade some items to vendors that were in demand. Ame Yoko is popular with both locals and tourists for affordable goods, fresh seafood, snacks, and a vibrant atmosphere. It's especially crowded on weekends and holidays, but a lively afternoon of fun. *‘Yokocho’ (横丁) traditionally meant ‘alleyway’ in Japanese but has come to be known as a a narrow street that is packed with shops, bars, and/or eateries.
Virtual Tour | Sensoji: Kaminarimon Gate (雷門): Where Gods of Wind & Thunder Enter Senso-ji Temple Complex (Tokyo)
As you enter the oldest temple in Tokyo, Sensoji temple complex, from the front, you’ll pass through the massive Kaminarimon (雷門), which means ‘Thunder Gate’, with the gigantic red lantern (which weighs 700 kg, or 1500 lbs). Built in 941 CE, it was moved to its current location in 1635. (reconstructed in 1960 long after an 1865 fire destroyed it) Thunder Gate has four statues - the two in the front are of Shinto gods - Fujin (the god of wind) on the left/east and Raijin (god of thunder) on the right/west. Hence the name, Kaminarimon, or Thunder Gate. In the back are the Buddhist god Tenryū to the east and Buddhist goddess Kinryu to the west. It’s located in Asakusa, Tokyo and the complex has around 30 million visitors every year.
Virtual Tour | Sensoji: Sensoji Temple (浅草寺): Tokyo's Oldest Temple, The Origin Myth and the Shogun's Devotion (Tokyo)
Sensoji (浅草寺) is the oldest temple in Tokyo, known throughout Japan, and attracts about 30 million visitors and worshippers of the Kannon every year. It is also called ‘Asakusa Kannon’ because it houses the Kannon (specifically called Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva). Kannon is the Buddhist goddess of mercy and compassion, making the god extremely popular in Japan for centuries. Sensoji is known throughout Japan. The mythical origins begin with Asakusa as a small fishing village in 628 CE, and says two brothers were fishing in the nearby Sumida River and brought up a statue in their net. The village head realized it was a statue of Kannon and thus remade his home into a temple to the goddess, devoting the remainder of his life to worship. A Buddhist priest by the name of Shokai came in 645 CE and built a hall for the Kannon, but decided to hide the statue from public view after having a dream. More and more people came to worship, and were given patronage by the Shoguns and intellectuals, and eventually commoners. It is located in Asakusa, Tokyo, and is surrounded by various forms of the arts, making Asakusa a cultural center of Tokyo.
Virtual Tour | Hozomon Gate (宝蔵門): Guardian Gate of the Senso-ji Treasures (Tokyo)
The two-story Hōzōmon (宝蔵門), or "Treasure-House Gate", is the second and inner entrance gate as you walk to Sensō-ji in Asakusa, Tokyo. The upper floor houses treasured sutras, and a copy of the Lotus Sutra that was designated as a Japanese National Treasure. Built in 942 CE, like many wooden buildings, it suffered from fire over the years. The reconstruction in 1636 by Tokugawa Iemitsu lasted for 300 years until US bombing in 1945. The two large sandals make this rather unique. Hozomon Gate is also referred to as Niomon, and the Sensoji complex has around 30 million visitors every year.
Virtual Tour | Sensoji: Nakamise Dori Shopping Street (仲見世通り): One of Tokyo's Oldest Shopping Districts (Tokyo)
Nakamise-dori (仲見世通り) is one of Japan’s and Tokyo’s oldest shopping streets, dating back to the late 1600s, selling both traditional and modern goods and, of course, food. Apparently, vendors were given special permission to sell their wares in the arcade between the two main gates, Kaminarimon and Hozomon, and in return were expected to keep the complex grounds clean and tidy. Most likely, Nakamise-dori’s early goods were food and drink, and perhaps items that travelers may have needed. From the early 1800s, Nakamise-dori was firmly placed in the culture of Asakusa. The complex has been destroyed due to fire and war, and rebuilt a number of times. It’s located in Asakusa, Tokyo and the complex has around 30 million visitors every year.
Virtual Tour | Sensoji: Asakusa Shrine (浅草神社): Curious Shinto Shrine Honouring Buddhists at Senso-ji Temple (Tokyo)
Asakusa Shrine (浅草神社, Asakusa Jinja) is a Shinto shrine curiously located on the Sensoji temple complex grounds. It is also known as Sanja-sama (Shrine of the Three gods) and is one of the most famous shrines in Tokyo. It’s long history, commissioned by Tokugawa Iemitsu and constructed in 1649 during Japan's Edo period, it was designated an Important Cultural Property. It is also one of the few buildings to have survived bombings during World War Two. Asakusa Shrine was purportedly dedicated to the two brothers who fished the Kannon statue from the Sumida River, prompting the establishment of a place of worship for Buddhists, and the wealthy landlord Haji no Matsuchi whose passionate sermon about the Buddha prompted the two brothers to convert to Buddhism. The three men are worshiped as deities. The popular Sanja Matsuri festival is held in late May. It is interesting to note that it is a Shinto shrine dedicated to three Buddhists.
Virtual Tour | Yoshimi Hundred Caves: Ancient Tombs to Wartime Tunnels and Archaeology All Gone Wrong (Yoshimi Town, Saitama)
This is most definitely a rare place with an uncommon story in Japan. The name, Yoshimi Hundred Caves (吉見百穴), is a bit of a misnomer, given that the caves were used for burials and were thus tombs rather than simple “caves.” Further, there are 219 existing caves, but the name given by locals in the Edo Period stuck. Yoshimi Hyakuana is the largest ancient grave cluster in Japan. A seemingly monumental task, the cliff is made of sandstone, which is relatively easy to carve with primitive tools. Each tomb has a roughly square, one-meter entrance that once had a lid to seal it. Many of the caves have platforms inside (perhaps for coffins), which also suggests that there were multiple burials in some of them, given the presence of more than one pedestal. Some tombs are small; others have a short tunnel leading to a larger chamber and extend several meters inward (you can venture into a couple if you’re okay with getting a little dirty). While there are many rows of these caves, none are interconnected. So, who made them, and why? This is where archaeology comes in to help - though archaeology sometimes gets things wrong. In 1887, Tokyo Imperial University archaeologist and professor Tsuboi Shōgorō excavated the site. To his credit, he was a pioneering archaeologist in Japan, but his imagination may have gotten the better of his interpretations. Tsuboi certainly found some exciting items: gold and silver rings, swords, bronze mirrors, and, in particular, Jōmon pottery fragments and clay haniwa figurines. Perhaps it was these discoveries that led him to conclude that the caves were created by pre-Japanese people of smaller body size. He associated them with the Koro-pok-kuru of Ainu mythology and posited that they had used the caves as dwellings, which were later converted into tombs by the invading Yamato people. This interpretation, unfortunately, was a myth. By the 1920s and 1930s, archaeologists in Japan challenged his conclusions, noting that the structures were not significantly different from late Kofun Period tombs and that the artifacts closely resembled burial goods from that era. While archaeology often leaves us with more questions than answers, without a written record we will never know the whole story. An interesting chapter in the history of the caves came near the end of World War II. The Nakajima Aircraft Company employed up to 3,000 (or more) laborers - many forced or conscripted, and some volunteers - to dig wide tunnels intended to serve as an aircraft engine factory. The goal was to protect production from American bombing. Ultimately, the factory was never put into operation, and an unknown number of the original cave graves were destroyed in the process. It was local activists who later pushed the local government to preserve the story of the caves, including the fact that the wartime construction was carried out using forced labor, likely by Koreans.
Virtual Tour | Iwamuro Kannondo: A Rare Open-Air Temple Inspired by the Famous Ancient Monk Kukai (Yoshimi Town, Saitama)
A short walk from the Yoshimi 100 Caves (Yoshimi Hyakuana, 吉見百穴) - the largest cluster of cave graves in Japan - stands Iwamuro Kannondo (岩室観音), a small, open-air temple hall. Such open-air structures are notably rare in Japanese architecture. Dating back to the 9th century, this temple was reportedly one of hundreds established by the Buddhist monk Kūkai (空海, posthumously known as Kōbō Daishi, 弘法大師) during his travels to spread the Shingon sect of Buddhism. As he did at other sites, Kūkai allegedly carved a small stone statue of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Mercy, and enshrined it within one of the caves. Upon entering the site, visitors will find two small caverns carved into the sandstone containing 88 stone statues known as Jizō, each depicted in a unique pose or performing a different activity. In behind, as you move up the crevasse, you can walk through the heart-shaped ‘Blessed Cave’. In 1590, the original temple was burned to the ground during a siege led by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣 秀吉), the second of Japan’s three "great unifiers." The current structure dates back to the Edo Period (1661-1673) and was protected for generations by the Matsudaira clan (松平氏). This is the same lineage that produced Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川 家康), the final unifier who established the Shogunate and ushered in over 250 years of peace and isolation.
Virtual Tour | Mitsumine Shrine 三峰神社: Rare Triple Torii Gates, Vivid Inner Shrine Gate, and Sacred Cedar Trees (Chichibu, Saitama)
The Shrine Torii Gate 三ツ鳥居 | Mitsumine Shrine 三峰神社 At the entrance is a torii gate (鳥居, literally taken means bird abode) that identifies that one is entering sacred ground. But it’s not your typical torii gate as it has three gates, called ‘mitsutorii’ (三鳥居, triple torii), rarely seen in Japan. Sometimes there is a door hung with revolving hinges called ‘itakarado’ (板唐戸), and might only be open on special occasions depending on the shrine. In ancient and medieval times traveling to the shrine took days, though people made the journey to seek spiritual protection. Mitsumine is the highest of three famous mountain top shrines, sitting at 1100 meters above sea level. Due to the special nature of the shrine, it is not guarded by the typical komainu (狛犬) lion-dogs, but rather wolves. (ookami, オオカミ,狼) This is likely due to it being a mountain shrine. (as wolves inhabited the mountains but are now extinct) The role of the wolves was to relay messages to the gods. Zuishinmon Gate 随身門 | Mitsumine Shrine 三峰神社 As you enter the grounds (past the torii gate) you’ll arrive at Zuishinmon Gate (随身門), built in 1691. The brightly colored gate has intricate carvings of flowers and animals and vivid colours, a rare opulence for a shrine. (often compared to Toshogu, the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu) That the gate isn’t red is quite rare for Japan. Wolf Guardians & Sacred Cedar Trees | Mitsumine Shrine 三峰神社 When walking to the main shrine you’ll come across the guardian wolves (oinu-sama, 御犬様), rather than komainu (狛犬) guardians, protecting from misfortune. Just beyond the ground has 800 year-old sacred cedar trees that are visibly worn from worshippers and visitors touching the trees with their palms and foreheads to ‘recharge their spirit’ with the trees’ energy. (they are shigetada sugi trees) These divine trees are referred to as ‘shinboku’ (神木). It’s believed that mountain gods, Yama-no-kami (山の神) reside in the trees, assuming to give the trees their power.
Virtual Tour | Mitsumine Shrine 三峰神社: 1900 Year Old Mountain Shrine with Tales of Unification in Ancient Japan (Chichibu, Saitama)
Mitsumine Shrine, located deep in the mountains of Chichibu, Saitama at 1,000 meters above sea level, is a unique Shinto shrine dedicated to the now-extinct Japanese wolf (ōkami). The shrine, dating back 1,900 years, is renowned for offering protection from misfortune. It also enshrines Izanagi and Izanami, the mythical married deities, making it a popular shrine for couples seeking blessings through prayer. Unlike typical shrines guarded by lion-dogs (komainu), Mitsumine Shrine is protected by wolf statues, symbolizing their role as divine messengers. The shrine’s history is traced back to the legendary warrior prince Yamato Takeru, who, according to the Kojiki (712 CE), founded it in 212 CE. The son of Emperor Keiko, Takeru was sent on military campaigns to subdue rebellious clans (or his father trying to keep him busy and away from affairs of the court). His legendary exploits include clever methods to defeat enemies, wielding the sacred sword Kusanagi (the Japanese equivalent of Excalibur), and ultimately dying from illness after angering a mountain deity on Mt. Ibuki (Gifu Prefecture). His alleged bravery shaped Japan’s mythological history, and he remains a revered folk hero. As for the founding of Mitsumine Shrine, we really don’t know who established the shrine and exactly when. Mitsumine Shrine’s striking triple torii gate, ornate Zuishinmon Gate, and sacred cedar trees draw worshippers seeking spiritual energy. During the Edo period, it was a significant pilgrimage site, offering divine protection from calamities such as fire, theft, and misfortune. Given how far into the mountains it resides, a pilgrimage must have been a daunting undertaking.
Virtual Tour | Ichibangai: Kawagoe’s Old Shopping District & Lifeline to the City of Edo (Kawagoe City, Saitama)
Take a walk through time on Koedo Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street (川越市一番街商店街), the heart of Kawagoe’s historic district and a must-visit destination just outside Tokyo. Known as “Little Edo,” this nostalgic town blends rich Edo-period heritage with Meiji-era architecture, creating a unique time-traveling experience. Ichibangai is lined with over 100 traditional shops housed in kurazukuri - fire-resistant storehouses built in the 19th century by prosperous merchants. Today, these beautifully preserved buildings are home to craft shops, tea houses, street food stalls, and sweet potato confections that Kawagoe is famous for. Among them, you’ll find Osawa Residence, the city’s oldest storehouse and an Important Cultural Property, as well as the iconic Time Bell Tower, which still chimes four times daily. Nearby highlights include Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokocho) for traditional Japanese sweets and Taisho Roman Street, where Western-style buildings from the Taisho era add charm to your stroll. Whether you're browsing antiques, sipping green tea, or simply soaking in the historic ambiance, Ichibangai captures the timeless spirit of Kawagoe. Discover the flavors, craftsmanship, and culture of old Japan - all in a single street. Subscribe for more Japanese history and heritage travel content!
Virtual Tour | Kitain Temple Complex: Step Inside the Only Surviving Buildings of Edo Castle (Kawagoe City, Saitama)
With a legacy stretching back over 1,200 years, Kitain Temple (喜多院) in Kawagoe is one of the most historically significant Buddhist temples in the Kanto region. Originally founded in 830 CE by the monk Ennin under Emperor Junna’s order, Kitain rose to prominence in the early Edo period thanks to the powerful monk Tenkai - a trusted advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan’s first shogun. After a devastating fire in 1638, Shogun Iemitsu Tokugawa ordered several palace buildings from Edo Castle (modern-day Tokyo Imperial Palace) to be relocated to Kitain. Today, these are the only surviving structures from the original Edo Castle, including the room where Iemitsu is believed to have been born and quarters once used by his wet nurse, Kasuga-no-Tsubone. These buildings are now Important Cultural Properties and a rare window into Tokugawa-era power. You can check out: ➽ The historic Tokugawa palace rooms ➽ Gohyaku Rakan: 540 unique stone statues of Buddha’s disciples ➽ Semba Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Ieyasu ➽ Japanese gardens and the legendary Seven Mysteries of Kitain ➽ Graves of 18th-19th century Kawagoe daimyō This temple is not only a religious site but also a living museum of Japan’s feudal legacy, culture, and architecture.
Virtual Tour | Gohyaku Rakan Statues: The 540 Curious Stone Buddhas and Individual Faces of Enlightenment (Kawagoe City, Saitama)
At Kitain Temple in Kawagoe, nestled beside Edo-period palace relics, you’ll find one of Japan’s most charming and human expressions of Buddhist art: the 500 Rakan (喜多院の五百羅漢) - though there are actually 540. Carved between 1782 and 1825 during the peaceful Tokugawa era, each stone statue represents a Rakan (Arhat in Sanskrit): a disciple of the Buddha who attained spiritual enlightenment. But don’t expect solemn sages here - the Kawagoe Rakan are lively, playful, deeply human. Some smile, some sleep, others argue, meditate, drink sake, or even pick their noses. No two are alike. With their endless variety of expressions and gestures, these figures turn sacred space into something almost theatrical - offering a spiritual encounter rooted in everyday humanity. You’ll find Rakan reading, talking, laughing, hunched with age, wearing glasses, or holding animals - even the zodiac creature for your birth year, which is said to bring good luck if spotted. It’s said that among them, one statue looks just like you. If you come at night and touch each one, you’ll find a warm Rakan. Return in daylight, and that one is said to resemble a parent. It’s a folktale that keeps visitors smiling - even if modern hours make it hard to test. Explore the lighter side of Buddhist sculpture in the heart of historic Kawagoe — where enlightenment meets personality, and the past looks back at you with a knowing grin.
Virtual Tour | Senba Toshogu: The Overlooked Shrine of Japan’s First Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (Kawagoe City, Saitama)
While Nikko Toshogu may be the most famous resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, few know that his journey to enshrinement passed directly through Kawagoe. For four days in 1617, Ieyasu’s remains were kept at Kitain Temple, where the influential monk Tenkai held a grand memorial service. To commemorate this sacred event, the Senba Toshogu Shrine (仙波東照宮) was established just south of Kitain in 1633. Later rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1638, Senba Toshogu was reconstructed under orders from Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu and stands today as one of Japan’s three major Toshogu shrines, alongside those at Nikko and Kunozan. Discover the little-known story of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s posthumous journey - and why this shrine deserves a place on every history lover’s map of Japan. The shrine is a masterpiece of Edo-period religious architecture: ➽ The Main Hall, Worship Hall, Karamon Gate, and other buildings are all Important Cultural Properties, adorned with brilliant lacquer, intricate carvings, and copper roofs. Inside, a statue of Ieyasu is enshrined alongside treasures like: ➽ The “Thirty-Six Immortals of Poetry”, gifted by Iemitsu ➽ 12 hawk paintings donated by Abe Shigetsugu, lord of Iwatsuki The approach to the shrine features 26 stone lanterns, each donated by former daimyō (feudal lord) of Kawagoe Castle, creating a solemn path that echoes with history. Marked with the Mitsuba Aoi (triple hollyhock) crest of the Tokugawa clan, Senba Toshogu is not only a site of worship, but also a hidden gem of Edo aesthetics and Tokugawa legacy. 🌸 This is a popular spot in autumn as the shrine path glows with fall leaf colours, and visitors can enjoy local good luck foods like kaiun dango and shusse miso oden, said to bring fortune and career success.
Virtual Tour | Toki no Kane: Kawagoe’s Timeless Bell Tower & the History of Kawagoe City (Kawagoe City, Saitama)
In the heart of Kawagoe, about an hour from Tokyo, discover the Time Bell Tower (時の鐘 - Toki no Kane), a cherished symbol of the city and a window into Japan’s Edo-period past. Standing 16 meters tall in the historic Kurazukuri district, this iconic three-story wooden tower has told time for over 400 years. Originally built in the early 1600s by feudal lord Sakai Tadakatsu, the tower has endured repeated destruction by fires - including the Great Fire of 1893. The current structure, the fourth generation, was rebuilt in 1894 thanks to the efforts of local merchants. Today, its bell rings out four times a day (6am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm), now powered by machinery but preserving the same sound that once echoed through the castle town. Designated a Tangible Cultural Asset in 1958 and named one of Japan’s “100 Soundscapes” in 1996, Toki no Kane isn’t just a historical structure - it’s a living heartbeat of the town. Whether you're strolling through the nostalgic warehouse-lined streets or exploring Kawagoe’s many shrines, don’t miss the timeless chime of this beloved landmark.
Virtual Tour | Thief’s Bridge: The Story of How Sticky Rice Foiled a Thief’s Escape (Kawagoe City, Saitama)
Step into the past with this short, immersive 360° clip to Kawagoe City’s Dorobō-Bashi (the “Thief’s Bridge”), located near Kita-in Temple. In historic Kawagoe, Japan, this fascinating local legend tells of a temple thief’s escape being foiled not by guards but by a trail of sticky rice!
Virtual Tour | The Historic Sweets District in the Former Castle Town of Kawagoe (Kawagoe City, Saitama)
Kashiya Yokocho (菓子屋横丁), also known as Candy Alley or Candy Lane, is a historic confectionery street in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. Its origins trace back to the 1790s, during the late Edo period, when Tozaemon Suzuki began producing and selling simple candies in the temple town near Yojuin Temple. As he trained apprentices and passed on his techniques, the number of candy shops gradually increased. The street gained particular significance after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, which devastated Tokyo’s candy supply. In response, Kashiya Yokocho ramped up production and became a major supplier of traditional sweets. By the early Showa period (1926-1989), the area peaked with over 70 candy shops. Over the decades, the number of stores declined, at one point with as few as five. But the area has seen a bit of a revival and now has around 20-30 shops today. Many of these confectioners continue to use traditional methods, offering traditional treats that evoke memories for older visitors while introducing younger generations to classic Japanese sweets. Despite modernization, Kashiya Yokocho retains its charm with its cobblestone lanes, old-fashioned storefronts, and sweet, nostalgic aromas. It is a beloved destination for both locals and popular with tourists. *‘Yokocho’ (横丁) traditionally meant ‘alleyway’ in Japanese but has come to be known as a a narrow street that is packed with shops, bars, and/or eateries.
Virtual Tour | Honmaru Goten: One of Japan’s Last Two Examples of a Lord’s Palace Residence (Kawagoe City, Saitama)
Step inside Kawagoe Castle’s Honmaru Goten, the last surviving piece of a once-mighty Edo-period fortress and a rare glimpse into Japan’s feudal past. Located just outside Tokyo, Kawagoe Castle was originally built in 1457 and played a vital role as a defensive stronghold north of Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Over the centuries, it became home to 21 powerful lords closely tied to the Tokugawa Shogunate. Today, only the Honmaru Goten (本丸御殿) - the main palace - remains. Built in 1848 by Lord Matsudaira Naritsune, it served as the residence and administrative center for the domain's ruling lord. It’s one of just two surviving castle palaces in Japan (the other being at Kōchi Castle), and it offers a rare look at the inner workings of a daimyo’s court. Explore its tatami-lined rooms, elegant pine-painted doors, and minimalist yet imposing architecture. You can even sit beside life-sized figures of a lord and his vassals, imagining the weighty decisions made within these walls. Exhibits and historical displays bring the region’s political and military past to life, while the serene atmosphere preserves the dignity of samurai-era governance.
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VIRTUAL 360° TOUR VIDEOS
Virtual Tour | Inuyama Castle: Japan’s Oldest Original Castle with a Dramatic and Storied History (Inuyama City)
To be clear, Inuyama Castle is in Gifu Prefecture, but in the Nagoya area. Inuyama is the smallest of Japan’s 12 remaining ‘intact’ castles, but it is the oldest. Through the period of war between feudal lords it was a strategic property in the Owari Domain (today’s AIchi) overlooking the Kiso River towards Gifu (formerly the Mino Domain). By the mid-1400s, Inuyama wasn’t a castle but rather a fortified hill. It was Oda Nobunaga, in 1537, who chose to reinforce it to become a proper castle, using some of the materials from the former Kinoshita Castle. Inuyama Castle is an example of advanced castle architecture of the time. As the conflict over who would control Japan continued to grow, so did the number of castles (up to 50,000 by the time Tokugawa Ieyasu tacitly unified Japan). When the second and third of the so-called ‘unifiers’, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu, were engaged in conflict at nearby Komaki and Nagakutte (giving the name to the Battle of Komaki-Nagakutte), Toyotomi occupied Inuyama Castle with an estimated 120,000 troops. The battle ultimately ended in a stalemate. The castle was maintained throughout the Tokugawa Period, but when the Meiji Restoration saw tens of thousands of Japanese castles dismantled, Inuyama managed to survive, albeit with the outer buildings and gates removed. The new Meiji government was intent on tearing down anything that could have been used for revolt.
Virtual Tour | Japan’s Lost Railway: Walk Through the Aigi Tunnels Lost to History for Forty Years (Kasugai City)
Step back in time and explore the Aigi Railway Tunnels (愛岐トンネル群), nestled along the scenic Shonai River valley between Aichi and Gifu Prefectures. This 360° virtual tour, walks through the red-brick tunnels, foliage overgrown on the tracks, and autumn-colored valleys that once carried steam locomotives through Japan’s Meiji-era railway network. Originally opened in 1900 as part of the Chuo (West) Line of the Japanese National Railways, these tunnels played a vital role in the Chubu region’s early development. But when high-speed rail demands reshaped Japan’s routes, this 8-kilometer section with 13 tunnels was abandoned in 1966. Nature then began to reclaim it. Forgotten for decades, the tunnels were rediscovered in 2005, sparking the creation of the Aigi Tunnel Preservation Society, an NPO dedicated to their revival. Recognized as a “Modern Industrial Heritage Site”, the tunnels now open to the public only twice a year, during spring and autumn. The Aigi Tunnels are a great place for a short walk with friends and family. You’ll see retro red-brick tunnels, soot-marked ceilings from old steam locomotives, a handmade water wheel and Momiji Valley, remnants of the Meiji-era railway, and a walk through Japanese maple forests during autumn or spring.
Virtual Tour | Founded in 1336, Jokoji Temple (定光寺): One of Aichi’s ‘Protective Gates’ (Seto City, Aichi)
Although Jokoji Temple is somewhat tucked away, past the northern suburbs of Nagoya in a relatively forested area of Seto City, it is a significant historical and cultural landmark. Founded in 1336, the main temple building (muiden) is listed as a National Important Cultural Property. The temple area is considered a ‘kimon’ (or “Demon Gate”), which was believed to protect the Owari Domain - a traditional name for what is largely Aichi Prefecture today - from misfortune (so believers who worship here are praying for good luck and prosperity). Even more significant is the mausoleum hidden in the back of the temple grounds that houses the mausoleum of Tokugawa Yoshinao, the first lord of the Owari Domain and the ninth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. For these reasons alone, it is worth the trek out, especially in autumn when the changin foliage makes the ground absolutely stunning. As it is rather isolated and quiet most of the time, it is known as a meditative spot.
Virtual Tour | Tokugawa Yoshinao’s Mausoleum at Jokoji: Aichi’s Connection to Power (Seto City, Aichi)
Tokugawa Yoshinao was a significant figure in early Edo Period Japan. Primarily known for being the first lord of Owari Domain and the ninth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, his story offers a glimpse into the history of the region and the hold the Tokugawa family had on Japan. Yoshinao established the Owari Tokugawa branch, one of the three prestigious ‘Gosanke’ families (御三家, which literally means "the three noble houses"). These families were considered potential successors to the shogunate, holding significant power and influence (along with the Owari branch, there was also Mito and Kii). Yoshinao was also a patron of the arts (as feudal lords, officials, elites, and high ranking samurai were known for being cultured). His efforts contributed to the rise or flourishing of various arts in the Edo Period. Yoshinao employed many scholars to edit and produce texts on Shinto, historical subjects, and military science. He was favorable toward Confucianism and established a shrine to Confucius within Nagoya Castle; in fact, he earnestly promoted the idea of Shinto and Confucianism being able to combine many aspects of the belief systems. Although ordered by Tokugawa Ieyasu, he played a key role in the construction of Nagoya Castle, a prominent landmark in the region and in Japan. His mausoleum is located at Jōkō-ji Temple in Seto City, Aichi, making it a significant historical site. Yoshinao never held the position of shogun, but he most certainly had influence in the ruling Tokugawa family, and contributed to the cultural and political landscape of central Japan and in the Edo period.
Virtual Tour | Nagoya Castle: A Symbol of Owari Tokugawa Power in One of Japan’s Largest Castles *Walk Around Outer Wall (closed for repairs)
Nagoya is located between Tokyo (formerly Edo) and the Kyoto-Osaka areas. It was essentially a link between the five main roads used to control the flow of goods, people, and ideas. There have been defensive forts in this area for centuries, though Nagoya Castle took its current form in the early 1600s after Tokugawa Ieyasu was in a position to truly ‘unify’ Japan (after changing hands several times, of course). There was a smaller castle on the site but abandoned by the Oda Clan in 1582. Ieyasu ordered the castle to be rebuilt between 1600-1609 and overseen by the Owari Branch of the Tokugawa Clan. Much of the material came from the nearby Kiyosu Castle and up to 20 feudal lords were ordered to help pay for and construct the castle. The ninth son of Ieyasu, Tokugawa Yoshinao, was charged with seeing that the castle was constructed and that a thriving castle town would emerge around it. To this end, he certainly succeeded. Throughout the Edo Period and afterward, Nagoya thrived as the home castle of the Owari branch of the Tokugawa family, the most prominent of the three Tokugawa branches. The castle is famous for its golden ‘shachihoko’ (usually shortened to ‘shachi’), mythical creatures that adorn the roof. This creature is a sea monster in Japanese folklore with the head of a dragon or tiger lion and the body of a carp covered entirely in black or gray scales. Shachi are unique to Nagoya Castle and have become a symbol of the city. Unfortunately, due to war, the Castle was destroyed in a 1945 air raid. Remarkably, this is the only time the castle had been destroyed (fires and earthquakes were a constant threat to buildings in Japan). As of summer 2024, the castle’s main keep is closed due to long term renovations that will likely last into 2028. On the positive side, due to surviving records, the castle will be restored in its original form (much of the post-WW2 castle was largely made from modern materials such as plaster and concrete).
Virtual Tour | Honmaru Palace: The Immaculate Residence of Nagoya Castle’s Feudal Lords (Nagoya City)
There have been defensive forts in this area for centuries, though Nagoya Castle took its current form from the early 1600s after Tokugawa Ieyasu was in a position to truly ‘unify’ Japan (after changing hands several times, of course). Nagoya is located between Tokyo (formerly Edo) and the Kyoto-Osaka areas. It was essentially a link between the five main roads used to control the flow of goods, people, and ideas. There was a smaller castle on the site but abandoned by the Oda Clan in 1582. Ieyasu ordered the castle to be rebuilt between 1600-1609 and overseen by the Owari Branch of the Tokugawa Clan. Much of the material came from the nearby Kiyosu Castle and up to 20 feudal lords were ordered to help pay for and construct the castle. Honmaru Palace was the residence of the lord of the Castle. It was known for its opulence, and even upgraded for a visit by the shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1634. The renowned artist from the Kano school, Kano Sadanobu was charged with painting the beautiful walls of the palace. While much of this is replicated, many artifacts (panels and screens, decorative covers, architectural design prints, and various writings) did survive the bombing during World War Two, giving historians an accurate understanding of the castle in its pre-war form.
Virtual Tour | Osu Kannon: The Temple Housing Japan’s Oldest Surviving Origin Story Manuscript (Nagoya City)
Osu Kannon Temple is dedicated to the Buddhist god of mercy (or compassion), Kannon. Osu originated in Gifu Prefecture and was established in 1324, well before the more peaceful Edo Period. (Japan’s roughly 250 year period of isolation) It was relocated to Nagoya in 1612 under Tokugawa Ieyasu when new defensive embankments continued to flood the temple. This was also around the time when Nagoya Castle was under construction and the area became more important for the Tokugawa shogunate to maintain strict control over movement in Japan. To emphasize the reverence for Buddhism and Shinto in Japan, the temple is associated with Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. At the temple is a statue of Kannon, its main feature. It was carved by Kobo Daishi, a key figure in Japanese Buddhism at the time. Beneath the hall is the Shinpukuji Library which houses 15,000 classical Chinese and Japanese texts. Some texts housed here have been designated as Japanese National Treasures. The most important is the oldest known copy of the Kojiki - a chronicle of early Japanese history, which includes Japan’s mythological origins. It can’t be emphasized enough how important this is to Japan’s cultural history.
Virtual Tour | Hanami: A History of the Timeless Tradition of Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan (Nagoya City)
Hanami, the traditional Japanese custom of cherry blossom viewing, dates back to as early as the Nara period (710-794). Initially, plum blossoms were the focus of admiration, influenced by Chinese customs that celebrated flowers alongside reciting poetry and drinking wine. However, by the Heian period (794-1185), cherry blossoms, or sakura, began to overshadow plum blossoms in popularity. The first recorded hanami event occurred in 812, hosted by Emperor Saga in Kyoto, marking the start of a noble tradition that would eventually spread to the samurai and eventually commoners. Significant hanami gatherings, such as those organized by warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the late 16th century, helped popularize the practice among the masses. By the Edo period (1603-1868), cherry blossom viewing had become a widespread celebration, with shoguns planting sakura trees to create public enjoyment spaces. The Somei-yoshino variety emerged during this time, becoming the iconic cherry blossom recognized today. In contemporary Japan, hanami is celebrated nationwide, with families and friends gathering under blooming trees to enjoy food and drink. The beauty of sakura symbolizes the transient nature of life, inspiring a sense of renewal during the spring season, coinciding with important life transitions in Japan like graduations and new beginnings.
Virtual Tour | Hanami: A Walkthrough of a Hanami Party in Tsurumai Park, Nagoya, Japan (Nagoya City)
A short walkthrough of a typical hanami party in Japan, located in Tsurumai Park in Nagoya, Japan. See how people sit on their tarps and enjoy food, drink, conversations, and sometimes guitars. The video ends with a short walk among the food stalls.
Virtual Tour | Kofu Castle: The Samurai Stronghold That Guarded Edo’s Western Gate in Yamanashi (Kofu City)
In the heart of Kofu, surrounded by the rhythms of a modern city, rise the stone ramparts of Kofu Castle - also known as Maizuru Castle. Built in the late 16th century by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s three great unifiers, the castle marked a turning point in the region’s history. Unlike earlier strongholds associated with the Takeda clan, Kofu Castle was a purpose-built political and military center designed to secure the western defenses of Edo, the Tokugawa shogunate’s capital. Following the downfall of the Takeda clan in 1582, control of Kai Province passed through several hands before Toyotomi Hideyoshi assigned the region to his retainers. Construction of Kofu Castle began in the 1590s on a small hill near the confluence of the Kamanashi and Fuefuki Rivers, an area made viable only through extensive flood-control projects initiated decades earlier by Takeda Shingen. Completed under Asano Nagamasa, the castle featured an imposing layout of terraced baileys, towering stone walls, and a multi-story central keep. After the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Kofu Castle came under Tokugawa control and remained an important shogunal stronghold throughout the Edo period. Though the main keep was never rebuilt after falling into ruin, the castle was carefully maintained due to its strategic proximity to Edo. In 1727, a major fire destroyed key buildings within the honmaru, marking the beginning of the castle’s gradual decline. The Meiji Restoration of 1868 brought an abrupt end to Kofu Castle’s role as a seat of power. Like many castles across Japan, it was dismantled under government orders, and parts of the grounds were absorbed into the growing city - most notably with the construction of Kofu Station. In the early 20th century, however, the site began a new chapter as a public space. Archaeological research and restoration efforts eventually led to the reconstruction of gates and the Inari Yagura turret, which now houses a small museum illustrating the castle’s original appearance. Today, Kofu Castle is preserved as Maizuru Castle Park, a calm green space where visitors can walk along original stone walls, explore reconstructed structures, and enjoy elevated views of the city and surrounding mountains. Recognized as one of Japan’s 100 most famous castle sites and designated a National Historic Site, Kofu Castle offers a tangible link between Kofu’s modern landscape and its layered samurai history.
Virtual Tour | Kai Zenkoji: Kai Zenkoji: Built by a Legendary Warlord to Protect Sacred Treasures from War (Kofu City)
In the mid-16th century, as Japan was being torn apart by war, the powerful warlord Takeda Shingen made a decision that was as spiritual as it was strategic. Battles were raging across what is now Nagano Prefecture, and Shingen feared that the sacred Buddhist treasures housed at Zenkoji Temple in Shinano might be lost to fire or plunder. In 1558, he ordered those treasures moved south to his own domain of Kai, where a new temple would be built to protect them. That temple became Kai Zenkoji. Located in present-day Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Kai Zenkoji is more than a replica of its famous counterpart in Nagano. It is a monument to faith during one of the most violent periods in Japanese history, and a reminder that even warlords sought spiritual refuge. Though construction continued after Shingen’s death, the temple grew into a major religious center, supported by successive rulers, including the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. Approaching the temple today, visitors pass through a massive two-story Sanmon gate, its red and white structure accented with gold and guarded by fierce Niō statues. Beyond it rises the vast main hall, rebuilt in 1796 after a devastating fire. The building is among the largest wooden temple halls in eastern Japan, designed to echo the form and spirit of the original Zenkoji. Standing before it, the scale alone inspires quiet awe. Inside, the hall reveals one of Kai Zenkoji’s most memorable features. Painted across the ceiling are enormous dragons, their forms faded by centuries of incense smoke. Beneath them is a carefully marked spot on the floor. When visitors clap their hands there, the sound resonates through the hollow ceiling and wooden floors, creating a deep, lingering echo said to be the dragons’ roar - or their sorrowful cry. It is a moment that blurs the line between architecture and ritual. Yet the most powerful experience lies hidden beneath the altar. Through a small entrance at the back of the hall, visitors descend nine steps into complete darkness to take part in Kaidan Meguri. The underground passage twists in the shape of the kanji 心 - kokoro, meaning heart, mind, or spirit. With no light to guide the way, visitors feel along the walls in silence, relying on touch rather than sight. At the path’s end is a locked gate directly beneath the temple’s main object of worship. Touching the key is believed to create a spiritual connection with the Amida Buddha above, an intimate act of faith that mirrors the inner journey suggested by the path itself. The Amida Buddha statue, flanked by two bodhisattvas, is normally hidden from view. Only once every seven years, during the Gokaicho festival, is it revealed to the public, drawing worshippers from across the region. For most of the time, the statue remains unseen, reinforcing the temple’s atmosphere of inward reflection rather than spectacle. Step back outside, and the mood shifts again. On clear days, Mount Fuji rises in the distance, perfectly framed from the steps of the main hall—a reminder of the natural world that has watched over this temple for centuries. Nearby, the treasure hall preserves artifacts dating back to the Kamakura period, including Buddhist statues, bells, and historical documents that speak to Kai Zenkoji’s long religious and political importance. Quiet, spacious, and deeply atmospheric, Kai Zenkoji is a place that rewards patience. It is not a temple of crowds or hurried sightseeing, but one that invites visitors to slow down, listen, and reflect. In a country shaped by both war and belief, Kai Zenkoji stands as a rare space where those forces meet - and where the past still feels very close.
Virtual Tour | Takeda Shrine: Yamanashi’s Home of the Legendary Samurai Takeda Shingen (Kofu City)
At the foot of Yogai Mountain in Kofu stands Takeda Shrine, a place where samurai history and Shinto belief converge. The shrine occupies the former site of Tsutsujigasaki-yakata, the fortified residence of Takeda Shingen - known as the “Tiger of Kai” - one of the most formidable warlords of Japan’s 16th-century Warring States period. From this stronghold, the Takeda clan ruled Kai Province (modern-day Yamanashi) for generations, shaping the region’s political, military, and cultural identity. Following the fall of the Takeda clan in 1582, the residence was abandoned and gradually fell into ruin as the center of power shifted south to Kofu Castle under the Tokugawa shogunate. The site was later recognized for its historical significance and protected as a National Historic Monument. In 1919, exactly 400 years after the founding of Kofu, Takeda Shrine was established to enshrine Takeda Shingen as a kami and to honor his enduring legacy as both a military strategist and regional leader. Today, visitors to the shrine can still see traces of the original fortress, including stone walls and sections of the surrounding moat. The shrine grounds are spacious and tranquil, featuring a main hall, prayer hall, torii gates, a Noh stage, and shaded walking paths. The Homotsuden treasure house displays valuable artifacts connected to Shingen and the Takeda clan, including armor, weapons, battle standards, and a nationally designated Important Cultural Property: a tachi sword dating back to the Kamakura period, once part of the bridal gifts exchanged when Takeda Shingen married Lady Sanjō. Takeda Shrine is also deeply woven into local belief. Several locations within the grounds are considered lucky power spots, such as the Princess Well and a sacred trident-shaped pine tree whose rare clusters of three golden needles are said to bring prosperity. These quiet traditions reflect the continued reverence local residents hold for Shingen, not only as a warrior, but as a protector of the land. In spring, the shrine becomes one of Kofu’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spots. Around 50 cherry trees bloom within the grounds, while hundreds more line Takeda-dori, the two-kilometer avenue leading from Kofu Station to the shrine. Whether visited for history, faith, or seasonal beauty, Takeda Shrine offers a powerful connection to Japan’s samurai past and to the legacy of one of its greatest warlords.
KANSAI REGION
VIRTUAL 360° TOUR VIDEOS
Virtual Tour | Sumiyoshi Taisha: Japan’s Silk Road Link & 1,800 Year-Old Protector Shrine of Osaka (Osaka)
Sumiyoshi Taisha, an ancient Shinto shrine in Osaka, holds a significant place in Japan’s history and culture. It was founded by Empress Jingu in the 3rd century and honors the ‘Sumiyoshi Sanjin’, three sea gods, and the Empress herself. Originally built on the shores of Osaka Bay, but encroached by modernity, the shrine has served as a spiritual guardian for seafarers and a center of worship for those seeking blessings in various aspects of life, including maritime work, success in love and business, and safe childbirth. Over the centuries, Sumiyoshi Taisha has become deeply interwoven into Japanese culture influencing poetry, the performing arts, and sumo wrestling. Its unique architectural style, known as sumiyoshi-zukuri, influenced Japanese shrine architecture for centuries. Sumiyoshi Taisha attracts millions of visitors each year.
A short walk over the arched bridge at Sumiyoshi Taisha. (Osaka) *Another video has details on the shrine itself
A short walk over the arched bridge at Sumiyoshi Taisha. The next video has details on the shrine itself.
Virtual Tour | Shitennoji: Japan’s Oldest Official Temple Built in 593 by Prince Shotoku (Osaka)
Note: I mistakenly refer to the temple as ‘Shiten-ji’ which is incorrect. It’s ‘Shitennoji’. Shitennoji Temple near Osaka is Japan's oldest officially sanctioned temple, founded in 593 CE by the influential Prince Shotoku. He was a pivotal figure in the introduction of Buddhism to Japan and dedicated the temple to the Shitenno, the four heavenly kings of Buddhist lore, as a testament to his faith and a plea for protection. It was a massive national project for the time, built by three Korean carpenters from Baekje. The temple's significance extends beyond its religious purpose. Prince Shotoku envisioned a holistic approach, establishing the "Shika-in" system alongside the main temple complex. This system had four institutions: education, welfare, medicine, and pharmacy, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to social well-being that was unprecedented for its time. Destroyed by fires and wars throughout its history, Shitennoji Temple has been meticulously reconstructed, preserving its original architectural style. The temple complex includes an array of structures, including a five-story pagoda, a main Golden Pavilion (Kondō) housing an image of the Bodhisattva Kannon - the goddess of mercy and compassion - and a Lecture Hall (Kōdō). As with any temple, there are several protective gates.
Virtual Tour | Todaiji: Daibutsuden - The Striking ‘Great Buddha Hall’ and Political Intrigues in Ancient Japan (Nara)
Todaiji, a renowned temple in Nara, Japan, was established in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples. Its significant influence on government affairs led to the capital's relocation in 784. The temple's centerpiece is the Daibutsuden, the Great Buddha Hall, which once held the title of the world's largest wooden building. This majestic hall houses a colossal bronze Buddha statue, one of the largest in Japan. The Nandaimon Gate, adorned with imposing Nio guardian statues, serves as a grand entrance to the temple complex. Within the grounds, visitors can also explore the Hokkedo Hall, an ancient structure housing a Kannon statue, and the Kaidando Hall, known for its celebrated clay statues of the four heavenly kings. The Shosoin storehouse, though only viewable from the outside, is a significant historical landmark, once used to store imperial treasures. Todaiji stands as a testament to Japan's rich history and architectural prowess, offering a glimpse into the profound impact of Buddhism on the nation's culture and spirituality.
Virtual Tour | Todaiji: Nandaimon - Japan’s Largest Wooden Temple Gate, and 8-Meter ‘Nio’ Guardian King Statues (Nara)
The Great South Gate (Nandaimon) of Tōdai-ji, Japan's largest temple gate, stands as a testament to 13th-century craftsmanship. Rebuilt in the "Daibutsu style," inspired by Sung Chinese architecture, it showcases a unique blend of Japanese and Chinese aesthetics. This imposing gate is renowned for its two colossal Nio statues, meticulously sculpted by the renowned artists Unkei and Kaikei in a remarkably short span of 69 days. The construction of the gate and the creation of these guardian deities are meticulously documented, offering valuable insights into the artistic and religious practices of the Kamakura period. The discovery of sacred texts within the statues during a 1988 restoration further enriched our understanding of this significant historical and artistic achievement. The Great South Gate, a masterpiece of Japanese architecture and sculpture, continues to awe visitors with its grandeur and serve as a powerful symbol of the enduring legacy of Tōdai-ji.
Virtual Tour | Kasuga Taisha: Thousands of Lanterns Guide You to Nara's Most Celebrated Shrine (Nara)
Kasuga Taisha shrine, arguably the most important shrine in Nara, Japan, was founded alongside the city and dedicated to the city's protection. As the custodians of the shrine, the powerful Fujiwara clan held immense historical importance. Renowned for its unique Kasuga-zukuri architecture and thousands of lanterns, both stone and bronze, the shrine offers a serene atmosphere. Twice a year, during special lantern festivals, the shrine is illuminated by these donated lanterns. It is considered one of the most traditionally authentic shinto shrines in Japan. The surrounding area has auxiliary shrines, a botanical garden showcasing plants mentioned in ancient Japanese poetry, and a museum displaying valuable artifacts.
Virtual Tour | Kofukuji Temple: A Crucial 1300 Year-Old Role in the Development of Japanese Buddhism (Nara)
Kofukuji Temple, once the family temple of the powerful Fujiwara clan, was established in Nara in 710, and over time Kofukuji played a critical role in the early development of Buddhism in Japan. At its peak, before falling into decline in the Meiji Period, it comprised over 150 buildings. The temple is renowned for its architectural marvels, most notably the iconic five-story pagoda, the second tallest wooden pagoda in Japan. While the temple grounds are free to explore, entry to key areas like the Central Golden Hall, Eastern Golden Hall, and the National Treasure Museum requires a fee. The museum houses a significant collection of Buddhist art, including the renowned "Ashura" statue (a demigod from Indian mythology associated with negative emotions like greed and anger). Other important structures include the Northern and Southern Octagonal Halls, (interesting architecture, but closed to the public).
Virtual Tour | Himeji Castle: Japan’s Largest Original Castle & Powerful Feudal Lord Stronghold (Himeji, Hyogo)
The ‘White Heron Castle’ - Himeji-jo (姫路城) - is one of the most famous castles in Japan, and is one of the best preserved of the original castles in Japan. Himeji Castle has remarkably survived earthquakes, civil wars, and bombing during World War 2. This National Treasure of Japan is the most visited castle in the country and the best example of castle architecture from the 17th century. Centered between Kobe and Hiroshima, Himeji was an important transportation hub in ancient times and a key defensive position for the Tokugawa Shogunate for almost 300 years and is almost completely original (considering authentic repairs over time). The castle began as far back as 1333 when it was a fort on the hill. In 1346, it was pulled apart, remodeled, and renamed Hirayama-jo (Hirayama-jo (平山城) is a Japanese term that refers to a type of castle built on a hilltop surrounded by flat plains). In 1581, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the second of the three ‘unifiers’ of Japan, remodeled the castle to have three stories. In 1600, Himeji was awarded to Ikeda Terumasa for his loyalty to Tokugawa Ieyasu in the Battle of Sekigahara, and he in turn remodeled the castle from 1601-1609 to create a huge castle complex with over 80 buildings. Until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Himeji remained an important defensive location for the Tokugawa shogunate.
Virtual Tour | Himeji Castle: Ladies-in-Waiting and Servants Behind the Defensive Wall (Himeji, Hyogo)
The Hyakken Roka (百間廊下 or ’hundred-ken corridor’) is a long corridor within Himeji Castle (姫路城). It's about 240 meters long and runs along the outer edge of the West Bailey. The Hyakken Roka served as a defensive structure, offering protection to the West Bailey and its inhabitants. It also housed the servants and ladies-in-waiting of Princess Sen, who resided in the West Bailey during the Edo period, and offers a glimpse into the lives of the castle's inhabitants and the strategic considerations of its construction.
Virtual Tour | Himeji Castle: Architecture of the Outer Gates and Geometric ‘Sama’ Shooting Holes (Himeji, Hyogo)
A number of the former buildings on the site of Himeji Castle (姫路城) survive. This video wanders through the outer gates leading up to the castle, each with a different story. The holes in Japanese castle walls for shooting guns or arrows are called sama (狭間); essentially ‘firing’ or ‘shooting’ holes. Himeji is a great example of a carefully planned castle, in which a vibrant castle town grew around.
Virtual Tour | Akashi Castle: The Final Line of Defense for Himeji Castle Along the Seto Inland Sea (Akashi, Hyogo)
Akashi Castle (明石城), located south of Kobe, is arguably not so well-known even to the Japanese. It was established as a back-up defense for Himeji Castle in the event that an attack might come from the West. The castle was constructed by order of Shogun Tokugawa Hidetada from 1617 to 1619, consolidating the power of the Tokugawa regime. Although Tokugawa Ieyasu effectively ended the civil wars in 1600 at the Battle of Sekigahara, almost two decades later there was still a perceived threat from feudal lords. Allegedly, it was built on the site of a burial mound which was believed to have been the grave of the Nara period poet Kakinomoto no Hitomaro.
Virtual Tour | Ishi no Hoden: The Colossal 500-ton Monolith with Mysterious Origins (Takasago City, Hyogo)
Yes, this is the place featured on History Channel’s ‘Ancient Aliens’, and was most certainly not created by aliens. In the English language, Ishi no Hoden (石の宝殿) literally means ‘Stone Sanctuary’ or ‘Stone Treasure Hall’, and is a mysterious monolith located on the grounds of Oshiko Shrine (生石神社), south of Osaka-Kobe. The area was known for the stone quarries, used as far back as the Kofun (Tumulus) Period (about 300-500 CE). Weighing around 500 tons, nobody can conclusively say when it was made, who made it, or why. Made from tuff (a kind of volcanic ash), it appears to be floating on the small in which it rests due to the carved pillar underneath and not visible at eye level. At the back, there is a pyramid-shape carved out of the stone. Ishi no Hoden is mentioned in the "Harima Kokudo Fudoki", which is dated to around 713 to 717, so it is certainly quite old. It may have initially had a religious purpose, or perhaps a monument to a powerful leader.
Virtual Tour | Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺): The Enigmatic History of Kyoto's Most Sacred Place of Worship (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
Enchin Shonin was a Buddhist monk who established Kiyomizu-dera, the Temple of the Pure Water Spring (or ‘Pure Water Monastery’), in 778 CE, arguably the most sacred site in Kyoto. It came to him in a vision to build a temple next to the Otowa spring. He came from the ancient capital of Nara during the Nara Period. The main hall is famous for its wooden stage built into the cliff that stands over the landscape, with the temple being built without a single nail, overlooking the Otowa waterfall. It has received patronage from feudal lords, shoguns, and emperors over its 1200 year history. Inside is the main image of Kiyomizu, the statue of the Eleven-headed Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva is enshrined in the Hall.
Virtual Tour | Kiyomizu-dera: Niomon Gate (清水寺 仁王門) (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
Nio-mon is the gate with two wooden warriors called Nio who protect the entrance to buddhist temples. ‘Blindfold Gate’ is a literal translation of ‘Nio-mon’. It is meant to focus your attention on the gate so that you were not “looking down” on the (ancient) Imperial Palace. The gate was burned down (1469) during the civil wars that plagued the islands of Japan in the 15th and 16th centuries, and rebuilt around the year 1500. The outer part of the gate is further guarded by two ‘komainu’ lion dogs, an interesting addition considering komainu are more commonly found as guardians of Shinto shrines. (perhaps due to the Jishu Shrine inside the temple complex)
Virtual Tour | Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺): Jishu-Jinja Shrine (地主神社) (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
Jishu-Jinja Shrine is the oldest shrine in Kyoto for the gods of love and relationships. (en-musubi) and have been worshiped in Japan since ancient times. In fact, the origins of the Shrine aren’t completely known due to its long history that predates any recognition of Japan as a country, although the architectural style dates back 1300 years to the Nara Period. The shrine is popular with people seeking fulfillment through new or renewed relationships, and you’ll find some praying for luck in love. There are two stones 18 meters apart, and it is said that if one can walk from one to the other with their eyes closed they will have their prayers or wishes fulfilled.
Virtual Tour | Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (伏見稲荷大社): One of Japan’s Oldest Shrines & Dedicated to the God of Rice, Inari (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
Fushimi Inari (伏見稲荷大社), dedicated to the god of rice (and therefore agriculture) is probably best known for the thousands of orange-ish torii gates leading up the mountain, in a tunnel-like fashion, along the ‘Senbondori’. While the well-photographed Senbon Dori (one thousand gates - 千本鳥居) are impressive, the entire network of paths leading up to the mountain account for about 10,000 gates, donated by Japanese businesses since the Edo Period (1603-1868), praying for prosperity. There are many stone foxes along the way - messengers of the god Inari. Fushimi Inari is known for being the oldest of all the shrines in Japan, though there may be others that are truly older. The first mention of Fushimi Inari comes from an ancient text written in 713 and presented to the Emperor of Japan, called ‘Yamashirokoku Fudoki’, but the shrine’s history is likely much older. Mythically, the story explains that Irogu no Hatanokimi shot a rice cake into the air, which turned into a swan and landed on the peak of a mountain, now known as Inariyama. An auspicious omen occurred and rice grew in the area - the food that sustained the Japanese people. ‘Inari’ is an ancient Japanese word for ‘rice’, marking the area a place of importance. Another text mentions that festivals have been held in spring and autumn ever since the deity Inari Okami was enshrined there (sometime between 708-715). Regardless of myth, when Japan’s capital moved from Nara to Kyoto in 794, Fushimi Inari was already well established. The shrine gained imperial patronage during the early Heian Period (794-1185). While the main shrine was built in 1499, the original buildings date back to at least 711, with the present site being relocated from its former space in 816. In 942, it was given the highest rank of shrines in Japan and its popularity led to about 32,000 ‘Inari’ sub-shrines in Japan (with Fushimi Inari being the most important). The Onin War broke out in 1467, and Fushimi Inari was a target for destruction, as the shrine priests sided with the losing eastern army that had used the area as a camp. It was burned to the ground and later reconstructed. After passing through the large torii gate at the entrance, there is Romon Gate, donated in 1589 by the second of the three ‘unifiers of Japan’, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Millions of people visit the shrine each year, and in 2006 Japanese police reported over 2.5 million visitors in the three days of the Japanese New Year alone.
Virtual Tour | Senbondori Torii Gates (千本鳥居) at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine: 1,000 Gates with 1300 Years of History, Prayers and Hope (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (伏見稲荷大社) was originally located on the Inariyama in southwestern Kyoto. In 711 CE, the Hata Clan founded it. (83 years before Kyoto became capital of Japan in 794) It was moved by the Hatas in 816 to its present location in southern Kyoto, for reasons unknown. Fushimi Inari is world famous for its tunnels of more than 10,000 closely-spaced torii gates that wind around Mount Inari. The best known is Senbondori (or Senbon Torii - 千本鳥居). It has about 1,000 densely lined gates in two parallel rows, winding their way up the 233 meter hill. In spite of many visitors, it is surprisingly tranquil. You’ll find the names of the donors for each gate, mostly from Japanese businesses praying for prosperity, though commoners to elites worship here, as Inari is the god of rice and agriculture that sustains the population. Inari also brings prosperity and safety to people, hence its popularity among all classes. *Vermillion is the name of the orange-ish colour of the gates (shuiro 朱色 in Japanese). In actuality, “朱” means “red” and is a color that expresses bright hope and the power of life, the earth, and productivity following the spirit of Inari no Mikoto (the Great God Inari).
Virtual Tour | Kinkakuji (金閣寺): The Story of Powerful Aristocrats and Chinese Learning in Japan (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
Kinkakuji is known as The Golden Pavilion, though originally named Rokuon-ji. The mountains along the northern part of Kyoto are known as Kitayama, also referred to as Hokuzan, which is a different pronunciation of the same characters. The name dates back to the Heian Period (794-1185). There are many burial sites and tombs in the area, including Emperor En’yu (r. 969-84), and the area is surrounded by a garden that has inspired visitors for centuries. The current site of Kinkaku-ji was primarily rice paddies and farmland, passed from the head of the Office of Shinto Worship, to an aristocrat Saionji Kintsune (1171-1244), the head of a powerful clan at the time. He built the first structures on the site, the Saionji family temple, and a villa known as Kitayamadai, during the Kamakura Period (1185-1333). However, with the fall of the Kamakura military government, the Saionji family’s power also declined. Later, when the area was in disrepair, the third Ashikaga shogun Yoshimitsu (1358-1408) took over the site from the Saionji family in order to build his own villa during the Muromachi Period (1392-1573), as he liked the beauty of the area. What is now ‘The Golden Pavilion’ was built by Yoshimitsu in 1398 (he had actually retired in favour of his son in 1394 to focus on a simple Buddhist life). The temple itself is actually a small pagoda built to house the sacred relics of the Buddha, but only became a temple after Yoshimitsu died and according to his will. Muso Soseki (1275-1371) is considered the honorary founder, given that he was the temple’s first abbot. The public is not allowed inside. The temple demonstrates the import of Chinese characteristics to architecture through trade relations with China. Yoshimitsu Ashikaga promoted trade with Ming China, entertained official emissaries of the Ming at Kinkakuji, and was able to assemble a large collection of important Chinese cultural artifacts. The destruction of many Buddhist temples in Kyoto as a result of the Onin War (1467-77) didn’t fall on Kinkakuji, which survived. Some parts of the complex were damaged, but not The Golden Pavilion. After a period of instability and the period of ‘Warring States’, Ieyasu Tokugawa brought unity and stability to Japan. Thus, in the Edo Period (1615-1868), the temple received patronage from the shogun. However, official sponsorship of Buddhism ended when the Meiji Period (1868-1912) arrived. The temple did continue to operate and opened itself up to the public in 1894, overcoming this particular period of persecution of Buddhism in Japan. As it is located in Kyoto, it was also spared American bombing during the Second World War. The temple was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Virtual Tour | Nijo Castle (二条城): Where Official Shogunate Rule Over Japan Began and Collapsed (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
It was at Nijo Castle, in Kyoto, that the Emperor declared Ieyasu Tokugawa as shogun in 1603. Thus, Nijo Castle was center-stage for the end of the warring states period of chaos ushering in 250 years of peace under Tokugawa rule. Following his appointment, he in turn appointed the feudal lords who would govern Japan under him. While Nijo was the shogun’s residence in Kyoto, in reality the shogun was seldom there, only traveling for important ceremonies and official meetings, and keeping residence in Edo (today’s capital of Tokyo). It was, however, Ieyasu who ordered the feudal lords of Western Japan to contribute to the construction of Nijo in 1601. It was completed by his grandson, Iemitsu, in 1624 following a massive effort to honour the emperor’s visit. Uniquely, while the castle itself appears more like a palace, the complex has much of what any Japanese castle would contain - a moat, surrounded by walls, watchtowers, guarded gates, and of course, gardens. The inner part of the Ninomaru Palace received high-ranking guests of the shogun, while lower-ranking officials were received in the outer chambers - demonstrating the carefully defined social structure of elites under Tokugawa rule. One of the more ornate structures is the karamon (唐門), or Kara Gate, due to the ornate design. During the Tokugawas reign over Japan, karamon gates were used to project a powerful symbol of authority. It has intricately carved cranes, pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms that symbolize longevity, and carved lions that protect the palace. Over time, additional gates were constructed. Some parts of the grounds were destroyed by fire, an obvious common threat to the wooden buildings in Japan. Perhaps ironically, it was also from Nijo Castle that Yoshinobu Tokugawa summoned the senior vassals of the forty domains in Japan to announce the end of Tokugawa family rule and the return to imperial rule ushering in the Meiji Period (1868-1912). Japan was moving into the modern age. Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Virtual Tour | Ryoanji (龍安寺): The World Famous Dry Rock Garden and Its Mysterious Zen Secrets (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
Ryoanji (龍安寺) - The Temple of the Dragon at Peace - is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, which is most famous for its Zen rock garden with a mysterious arrangement of stones, and deliberately simple layout to allow for quiet contemplation. It is arguably the most well-known dry landscape garden on the planet. The relatively small garden is to be viewed in silence from the veranda, and it is said that only one who is enlightened can view all of the 15 carefully-placed stones at once. It’s argued that this is a metaphor for humans never being able to see ‘the complete picture’. The composition reflects the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, an appreciation of imperfection and the impermanent and incomplete beauty of nature. The ruling Fujiwara Clan built an estate on the property in the 11th century and constructed the temple and pond (the pond still exists today). Hosokawa Katsumoto was a powerful warlord who obtained the land in 1450 and had Ryoanji built, along with his residence. The ten-year Onin War (1467 - 1477) saw the temple destroyed, but was rebuilt in 1488 by Katsumoto’s son, Masamoto. While the founding of the temple in 1450 by Katsumoto is not disputed, there is a debate over who built the famous garden at Ryoanji. Was it Katsumoto or his son Masamoto? Or was it the famous landscape painter and monk Saomi? Some historians argue it was constructed in the early 1500s while others suggest it was during the Edo Period (1603-1868). The meaning of the garden is also in dispute. Some argue it represents the islands in the sea, mountain peaks above the clouds, and even a tiger family crossing a stream (or even a code about a tiger cubs. Another suggestion is that they mean ‘7-5-3’, which are auspicious numbers in Zen Buddhism. There is also a 17th century tea house and a tea garden, as well as the various forested walking paths in and around the even older pond. A 17th-century Chinese coin-shaped water basin is also on the property. When the four characters on the outside are each matched with the square in the middle, new characters are formed to give a Zen message that learning should be for satisfaction (the coin suggesting that learning should not be for profit). Zen Buddhists are expected to live simple lives of study and spurn materialism. Another demonstration of Ryoanji’s significance can be seen in the mausoleums for several emperors located here, known as the "Seven Imperial Tombs". The burial places of the emperors - Uda, Kazan, Ichijō, Go-Suzaku, Go-Reizei, Go-Sanjō, and Horikawa - were apparently muted, highlighting the limited power of the emperors. The entire complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
CHUGOKU REGION
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Virtual Tour | Itsukushima (厳島神社): Iconic 6th Century Shrine on a Sacred Island That Floats on Water (Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima)
Located south of Hiroshima, Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社) is said to have been founded in the 6th century CE, with the present layout of buildings dating back to the 12th century CE, demonstrating the Japanese sense of blending nature and spiritualism . The shrine buildings and torii gate give the appearance of floating on the water when the tide is high. The five-story pagoda included makes the area one of the most well-photographed in Japan. Most likely, the first shrine built was small and by local fishers, but the entire island has been considered sacred since ancient times; Mount Misen behind it is a sacred mountain. A larger complex was claimed to be built in 593 CE, though historians also say it may have been constructed in 811 CE (probably based on the architectural style). This particular iteration was dedicated to Susanoo, the Shinto storm god. The Shrine also contains elements of Buddhism. As the powerful Heike Clan gave patronage to the shrine, more followers came and patronage from the imperial family. Its influence declined over time, particularly from the end of the Kamakura military junta and the Warring States Period. The uncommon positioning of the buildings, corridors, and walkways on stilts over water dates to 1168 CE and is credited to Taira no Kiyomori, who believed that his military victories were due to the gods (kami) on Miyajima Island. There are 36 wooden structures built over the water. Itsukushima was eventually made the head shrine of the powerful Taira clan. But why build on the water? One theory is that Kiyomori wanted to keep worshippers away to maintain the purity of the island. Another theory is that this followed the Buddhist Pure Land belief, that the dead crossed an expanse of water before reaching the next life. This belief was popular at the time of construction. Another is that Kiyomori wanted to replicate the floating palace of the Dragon King in Japanese mythology. He spent heavily on the Shrine because of his beliefs, and gave the shrine a famous collection of Buddhist sutras that have 33 handwritten illuminated paper handscrolls. It’s possible that the configuration of buildings changed when fires caused damage in 1207 and 1223, based on illustrations and texts from different periods. “Itsukushima, which derives from’ kami o itsuki matsuru shima’ or 'island dedicated to the gods.’ To maintain the island's spiritual purity, no births, deaths or burials were permitted to take place there, a policy which still, at least in theory, continues today.” (World History Encyclopedia) “The first record of Itsukushima Shrine in Japanese history was in the Nihon Koki (Notes on Japan), dated 811, and it was noted Itsukishima Shrine along with other famous shrines.” (Miyajima Tourist Association) The great red torii gate that stands in the sea 160 meters from the shoreline was first erected in 1168 CE. It is constructed with camphor wood from centuries-old trees to resist the degrading effect of seawater. The structure today was built in 1875, when state Shinto came into force. It’s 16 meters high and weighs about 60 tons (much of the inside is made of concrete and still needs to be protected from the effects of seawater). The area is dominated by a five-story Buddhist pagoda dedicated to Yakushi, the Buddha of medicine. It was built in 1407. The second of Japan’s ‘three unifiers’, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, had Senjokaku - the island’s largest structure - built in the late 1500s. The name means ‘1,000 mats’ (the traditional method of floor space measurement in Japan), though the space is slightly less than that. The other 15 buildings at the site include shrines, sub-shrines, and three separate platforms for staging ceremonies, dances, and one for Noh theatre (the only Noh stage in Japan to be above water). “In 1868 CE the shrine and temple buildings were separated according to their Shinto or Buddhist affiliations, a policy which was carried out at many Japanese sites during the Meiji Restoration. “ (World History Encyclopedia) This did lead to the destruction of some buildings, and some Buddhist affiliated ones that were moved. Itsukushima Shrine is an official National Treasure of Japan and has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1996 CE.
Virtual Tour | Itsukushima (厳島神社): Iconic 6th Century Shrine on a Sacred Island That Floats on Water (un-narrated walkthrough) (Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima)
Located south of Hiroshima, Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社) is said to have been founded in the 6th century CE, with the present layout of buildings dating back to the 12th century CE, demonstrating the Japanese sense of blending nature and spiritualism . The shrine buildings and torii gate give the appearance of floating on the water when the tide is high. The five-story pagoda included makes the area one of the most well-photographed in Japan. Most likely, the first shrine built was small and by local fishers, but the entire island has been considered sacred since ancient times; Mount Misen behind it is a sacred mountain. A larger complex was claimed to be built in 593 CE, though historians also say it may have been constructed in 811 CE (probably based on the architectural style). This particular iteration was dedicated to Susanoo, the Shinto storm god. The Shrine also contains elements of Buddhism. As the powerful Heike Clan gave patronage to the shrine, more followers came and patronage from the imperial family. Its influence declined over time, particularly from the end of the Kamakura military junta and the Warring States Period. The uncommon positioning of the buildings, corridors, and walkways on stilts over water dates to 1168 CE and is credited to Taira no Kiyomori, who believed that his military victories were due to the gods (kami) on Miyajima Island. There are 36 wooden structures built over the water. Itsukushima was eventually made the head shrine of the powerful Taira clan. But why build on the water? One theory is that Kiyomori wanted to keep worshippers away to maintain the purity of the island. Another theory is that this followed the Buddhist Pure Land belief, that the dead crossed an expanse of water before reaching the next life. This belief was popular at the time of construction. Another is that Kiyomori wanted to replicate the floating palace of the Dragon King in Japanese mythology. He spent heavily on the Shrine because of his beliefs, and gave the shrine a famous collection of Buddhist sutras that have 33 handwritten illuminated paper handscrolls. It’s possible that the configuration of buildings changed when fires caused damage in 1207 and 1223, based on illustrations and texts from different periods. “Itsukushima, which derives from’ kami o itsuki matsuru shima’ or 'island dedicated to the gods.’ To maintain the island's spiritual purity, no births, deaths or burials were permitted to take place there, a policy which still, at least in theory, continues today.” (World History Encyclopedia) “The first record of Itsukushima Shrine in Japanese history was in the Nihon Koki (Notes on Japan), dated 811, and it was noted Itsukishima Shrine along with other famous shrines.” (Miyajima Tourist Association) The great red torii gate that stands in the sea 160 meters from the shoreline was first erected in 1168 CE. It is constructed with camphor wood from centuries-old trees to resist the degrading effect of seawater. The structure today was built in 1875, when state Shinto came into force. It’s 16 meters high and weighs about 60 tons (much of the inside is made of concrete and still needs to be protected from the effects of seawater). The area is dominated by a five-story Buddhist pagoda dedicated to Yakushi, the Buddha of medicine. It was built in 1407. The second of Japan’s ‘three unifiers’, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, had Senjokaku - the island’s largest structure - built in the late 1500s. The name means ‘1,000 mats’ (the traditional method of floor space measurement in Japan), though the space is slightly less than that. The other 15 buildings at the site include shrines, sub-shrines, and three separate platforms for staging ceremonies, dances, and one for Noh theatre (the only Noh stage in Japan to be above water). “In 1868 CE the shrine and temple buildings were separated according to their Shinto or Buddhist affiliations, a policy which was carried out at many Japanese sites during the Meiji Restoration. “ (World History Encyclopedia) This did lead to the destruction of some buildings, and some Buddhist affiliated ones that were moved. Itsukushima Shrine is an official National Treasure of Japan and has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1996 CE.
Virtual Tour | The Otorii on Water at Itsukushima Shrine (大鳥居): The Story of Japan’s Iconic Shinto Torii Gate That Floats on Water (Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima)
The great red torii gate that stands in the sea 160 meters from the shoreline was first erected in 1168 CE. It is constructed with camphor wood from centuries-old trees to resist the degrading effect of seawater. The structure today was built in 1875, when state Shinto came into force. It’s 16 meters high and weighs about 60 tons (much of the inside is made of concrete and still needs to be protected from the effects of seawater).
Virtual Tour | Daishō-in Temple (大聖院): 1200 Year-Old ‘Great Holy Temple’ with Buddhist Icons and Golden Lanterns (Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima)
The sacred island of Miyajima, south of Hiroshima, is packed with shrines and temples. Established in 806 CE by Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism in Japan, Daishō-in Temple (大聖院) is the 14th on the Chūgoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage route (all temples dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Kannon). It is the most important temple on Miyajima, especially owing to its claim to have been founded by Kukai, Japanese Buddhism’s most important figure. As one walks up the temple steps there is a row of spinning metal wheels inscribed with sutras (Buddhist scriptures), which can be turned as you walk up (and it is said that it is the same as reading them and receiving their blessings). There are a variety of buildings, statues and other religious objects. One such building, Daishi Hall, is a cave filled with 88 icons representing the temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The room is lit up by hundreds of traditional, golden lanterns hanging from the ceiling, creating a unique golden light in the room. There are hundreds of small statues of sitting monks as you walk around the hall. The furious looking “Fudo-myo-o, or Immovable King, is an incarnated figure of Dainichi Nyorai, or Cosmic Buddha. The image is characterized by the fierce face to show his determination to destroy evil. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of three great unifiers of Japan in the 16th century, prayed to this image for safety at sea and victory in battle.” (Miyajima Tourist Association) Emperor Toba founded his prayer hall in the temple in the 12th century and the temple had close links to the imperial family up to the 19th century and the beginning of the Meiji Restoration - the end of the shogun’s rule in Japan, though Emperor Meiji did stay there in 1885. As with many ancient sites, over its 1200 years Daishō-in has suffered damage from fires and typhoons (but apparently not war).
Virtual Tour | Senjokaku Pavilion (千畳閣): Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s 16th Century Unfinished ‘Pavilion of a 1000 Mats’ (Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima)
Senjokaku (千畳閣) meaning "Pavilion of the 1000 (Tatami) Mats", and is also called Hokoku Shrine. It is the largest structure on Miyajima Island and sits just beside Itsukushima Shrine. In 1587, one of the three great ‘unifiers’ of Japan Toyotomi Hideyoshi started construction of Senjokaku as a Buddhist library so that the chanting of Senbu-kyo sutras could be held for fallen soldiers (and according to the Miyajima Tourist Association, the reason for constructing it is stated in a letter by Ankokuji Ekei, head monk of Ankokuji Temple). Two Buddhist saints, Ānanda and Mahākāśyapa, were enshrined in the structure until the Meiji Restoration (1868). Hideyoshi died in 1598 and the building was never fully completed, and it remains uncompleted today. When Tokugawa Ieyasu finally united Japan, Toyotomi’s project was abandoned. However, “in 1872, the incomplete building was dedicated to the soul of its founder, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, which remains its present day religious function.” (Japan Guide) This effectively turned the building into a Shinto shrine and is now used primarily for Shinto rituals, but there are many ancient paintings hanging from the ceilings that reflect its Buddhist history. The first thing that stands out is how wide open it is and without a specific entrance (there is one now for visitors, but in the past it was rather wide open). Something unique about Senjokaku is that it isn’t painted. This allows dendrochronologists (experts who study tree rings) to age the building and that can be matched to others on the island. In 1555, the island experienced the Battle of Itsukushima but Senjokaku didn’t exist at the time. This was when the Mori clan defeated the Sue clan to unify the Chugoku region. Because the headquarters of the Sue clan was located on the same hill, the pagoda was a target (there is a large five-storied pagoda behind Senjokaku, established in 1407, almost two centuries before the temple).
Virtual Tour | Hiroshima Castle (広島城): The Beginnings of a Garrison Town (Hiroshima City, Hiroshima)
Hiroshima Castle was built on a flat plain by a powerful feudal lord (daimyo) named Mori Terumoto between 1589 and 1599. He was one of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s five council elders. Hiroshima, of course, didn’t exist at the time and was a collective of five villages. Mori was forced out of his castle in 1600 after backing the wrong side at the historically pivotal Battle of Sekigahara, and eventually was administered by the Asano family for much of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The castle was used as headquarters during the First Sino-Japanese War at the end of the 19th century. It was also a military installation along with the garrison town of Hiroshima during WW2. It was completely destroyed by the atomic bombing of the city and reconstructed later as a museum. Flatland castles (hirajiro) are rather uncommon in Japan, which are more typically built on a hill or small mountain to provide an unobstructed view of any invaders. During the Tokugawa reign, however, castles were forbidden to be constructed without permission from the Shogun. Many were completely dismantled during the Meiji Restoration with the aim of limiting any possible bases for rebellion.
KYUSHU REGION
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Virtual Tour | Dejima: Japan’s Dutch Gateway to the World During 250 Years of Relative Isolation (Nagasaki City, Nagasaki)
In 1543, the Portuguese introduced guns to Japan, which feudal lords (daimyo) were quick to adopt in their military tactics to some extent. “Products such as raw silk, silk and cotton fabrics, ivory, coral and sugar were imported into Japan by the Portuguese. The exports from Japan consisted mainly of silver, iron, folding screens, swords and sundry goods.” (nagasakidejima.jp) While Christianity began to take root in Japan in the late 1500s, Toyotomi Hideyoshi issued an expulsion edict to stem the spread of the foreign god (and potential threat to his power). Up to 750,000 Japanese were estimated to have converted to Christianity, some for better trade relations and others who became truly devout. Intimiadtion, torture, and executions were all used to surpress Chritianity. Another tactic that would allow for some trade with Europeans was to construct Dejima (translated directly it means ‘Exit Island’ though the exact meaning is up for debate). The island was built by reclaiming land and completed in 1636 and the Dutch were the only Europeans permitted to be there and strictly forbidden from stepping onto mainland Japan. Who designed and built it is still unknown. “Increasingly wary of Christianity after the Shimabara Rebellion of 1637, the Shogunate expelled the Portuguese from Japan in 1639. The Dutch, who had demonstrated loyalty to the Shogunate by bombarding Hara Castle during the rebellion, eventually won a monopoly on the trade with Japan.” (nagasakidejima.jp) Undoubtedly, there were other inlets and small ports where illegal trade was done but for the most part the policy of isolation (known as sakoku) was effective. Foreigners were not allowed to enter Japan and the Japanese were not allowed to leave without permission from the Shogun himself. It was largely through the Dutch and the Chinese that news of the outside world came. This essentially lasted until 1853 when the United States sent Commodore Matthew Perry to apply gunboat diplomacy to force Japan to open up to American trade. Japan was outmatched and eventually had no choice but to end its policy of isolation, leading to the collapse of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Virtual Tour | Suwa Shrine: The 400 Year-Old Shrine Established to Limit the Spread of Christianity (Nagasaki City, Nagasaki)
Suwa Shrine is the most important shrine in Nagasaki and one of many suwa shrines in Japan, but the reason for its establishment was less about worship and more of a reaction to the growing strength of Christianity in Japan. When Japan was finally unified under the Tokugawa Shogunate in the early 1600s Christianity was deemed a significant threat to the regime. After all, the Emperor and Shogun were to be revered, not a single (and foreign) god. The Tokugwa shogunate, under Tokugawa Ieyasu, determined that Christianity had outlived its use in Japan. Europeans had traded in many things, but it was guns that changed the landscape of battle in Japan (to some degree, at least). The official date for the Suwa Shrine is 1614, the same year of the anti-Christianity edict that launched the persecution of Christians in Japan. It was also a response to many of the older Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in the region that were destroyed by Christians, thus reversing an earlier policy of tolerance. Every citizen in Nagasaki, in fact, had to register as a patron of the shrine. The current structure - which survived the atomic bombing that gave right wing nationalists an argument that the gods were on their side as Urakami Cathedral and Christian churches were destroyed - still survives in its original form. In 1647 and 1683 the shrine was actually moved further up the hill, making it easier to see. The shrine itself was used to impress upon foreigners locked in the isolated island of Dejima of Japanese pride in their culture by hosting Noh plays, sumo, and festivals (the Kunchi festival dates back to the founding of the shrine). During the Tokugawa reign the government was relentless at exposing and punishing ‘hidden Christians. One strategy was to have people walk on a portrait of Jesus, the practice known as ‘fumi-e’ (stepping on the picture). The persecution of Christians, however, wasn’t anything new. Toyotomi Hideyoshi infamously engineered the crucifixion of 26 Christians in 1597.
Virtual Tour | Suwa Shrine: The 277 Stairs to Suwa Shrine: An Overview of Religious Conflict in Japan Over 277 Steps to the Sanctuary (Nagasaki City, Nagasaki)
Suwa Shrine is the most important shrine in Nagasaki and one of many suwa shrines in Japan. This video is a walk-up of the 277 stairs to the shrine and a simple overview of religious conflict in Japan with a view of Nagasaki City from the top.
Virtual Tour | WW2 Air Raid Shelter: A Shelter That Survived the Atomic Bomb & Overwhelmed with Survivors (Nagasaki City, Nagasaki)
Tucked in the side of a small hill in Nagasaki, this air raid shelter was saved by its approximate location being sheltered from the atomic bomb blast by a hill. Surviving the bomb, however, was the first of the problems for the Japanese Imperial Forces managing it, soon becoming overwhelmed with the injured and dying and a significant lack of resources. When walking through today it boggles the mind how so many people crammed into such a small space, simply trying to survive.
Virtual Tour | Nagasaki Peace Park: A Reflective Stroll Through the Park That Pleads for World Peace (Nagasaki City, Nagasaki)
Like Hiroshima, Nagasaki has its own peace park that stands as a reminder of the follies of war and the threat of militarism to humanity. Ceremonies are held each year on the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.
ABOUT
Japanese History Trip is a pet project of a History teacher living in Japan since the mid-1990s, hoping to share the amazing history of Japan with the world. Videos and other resources are intended to be both informative and entertaining. Learning about history should be fun and engaging. Educators are welcome to access the 360° images (soon to be linked) for free use in your classrooms. Unless acknowledged, all materials on this site are by the author.
