Geishas have been one of the most ancient symbols of Japan and its culture since the time when the land of the rising sun was closed to outside influences. They are part of a tradition that is disappearing, but seeks to preserve the most important features of its history. Representing much more than just fun …
Sumo (Japanese 相撲) is a contact sport, a traditional Japanese wrestling involving two wrestlers (rickshaws). In Japan, it is considered a martial art. The tradition of sumo is very ancient and even today it includes many ritual elements of Shinto origin. According to an ancient Japanese legend, the very origin of the Japanese people is …
Matsue Castle is one of twelve surviving ancient castles in Japan and the only one in the San’in region. It is called “Plover Castle” because of its characteristic pediments, which resemble the spread wings of this water bird. Another distinctive feature of the castle is the rows of large black amaoi-ita shutters to keep the …
Towers, sakura and apples Hirosaki Castle is considered one of the most beautiful in Japan. The main tower, built at the top of the hill, is surrounded by defensive walls, moats and yagura towers. Around the castle is a beautiful cherry orchard, where thousands of sakura trees bloom lush every spring. Hirosaki is the commercial …
Originally the lands of the Arima Christian family, the Shimabara Peninsula was given to the Matsukura clan in 1614. As a result of the religious affiliation of their former master, many of the peninsula’s inhabitants were also Christians. The first of the new lords, Matsukura Shigemasa, sought progress in the ranks of the Toguga …
Hikone Castle is a historic Japanese palace that impresses with its well-preserved architecture. Hikone is located near the city of Kyoto, in the city of the same name, located in the Japanese prefecture of Shiga (Shiga Prefecture). Hikone is a palace of the so-called Edo period and is revered as one of the most authentic …
You’ve probably seen them in hundreds of places – from aquariums, through tattoos to various amulets. The colorful Japanese carp, which are some of the most current pets: They are highly revered in the land of the rising sun and are a symbol of inspiration for success and progress. Colored carp are also associated …
The famous ghost castle is located in Hyogo Prefecture in the historic Japanese region of Harima. Since 2015, it has been open to the public after a lengthy restoration. Himeji-ji, or White Castle, is one of the oldest in Japan. And it is popular among the tourist boards of its centuries-old legends. The castle was …
One of the most remarkable sights of the city of Nagoya, located in the plain of Nobe, in the western part of Aichi Prefecture, is the ancient castle of Nagoya. There are many important moments in the history of Japan related to it. The building, built in the early 17th century, became a true embodiment …
Matsumoto Castle is one of the three most famous and beautiful castles in Japanese history. It is located in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, and was built in the late 16th century. Matsumoto Castle is of the “hirajiro” type, which means “castle in the plain”, and not like the typical for that time on a hill or …