Kyoto Samurai History
Nijo Castle in Japanese History
Following his decisive victory over Mori Terumoto and the Western Army at Sekigahara, Tokugawa Ieyasu was eager to consolidate his… Read More
Honnoji Temple
It is early morning on June 21, 1582. The air is warm and slightly humid from the rains. The sun… Read More
Genko-an Temple in Japanese history
At summer’s end in 1600, a castle fell. With his reduced garrison of three hundred samurai, Torii Mototada knew he… Read More
Yogen-in Temple in Japanese History
At summer’s end in 1600, a castle fell. With his reduced garrison of three hundred samurai, Torii Mototada knew he… Read More
Ichiriki Chaya
In 1701, daimyo Asano Takumi-no-kami Naganori was appointed ambassador of envoys from the Imperial Court in Kyoto. His job was… Read More
Chion-In Temple
Located in Higashiyama-ku, Chion-in is a large temple complex dedicated to the Pure Land Buddhist sect. First established in 1234,… Read More
Gojo Ohashi Bridge
In the latter years of the Heian period, as the legend goes, an immense warrior monk named Benkei stood upon… Read More
Terada Inn
March 8, 1866 was a night of well-deserved rest for master swordsman Sakamoto Ryoma. A pro-loyalist, he had just helped… Read More
Sanjo Bridge
Sanjo Bridge was a place where the samurai displayed the chopped heads of their arch-rivals. There are also reports that… Read More
