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 […]
Honnoji Temple
It is early morning on June 21, 1582. The air is warm and slightly humid from the rains. The sun […]
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 […]
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 […]
Ichiriki Chaya
In 1701, daimyo Asano Takumi-no-kami Naganori was appointed ambassador of envoys from the Imperial Court in Kyoto. His job was […]
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, […]
Gojo Ohashi Bridge
In the latter years of the Heian period, as the legend goes, an immense warrior monk named Benkei stood upon […]
Terada Inn
March 8, 1866 was a night of well-deserved rest for master swordsman Sakamoto Ryoma. A pro-loyalist, he had just helped […]
Sanjo Bridge
Sanjo Bridge was a place where the samurai displayed the chopped heads of their arch-rivals. There are also reports that […]
