The Edo period, also known as the Tokugawa period, was a remarkable era of relative peace that emerged from the mayhem and bloodshed of the Sengoku period. The age of Edo lasted an impressive 264 years from 1603 to 1867,…
Ukiyo-e is a genre of Japanese art that flourished from the 17th through 19th centuries. The term “ukiyo-e” means “pictures of the floating world” in Japanese, and refers to a style of woodblock prints and paintings that depicted everyday life…
Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry that has been around for centuries. It is a concise form of poetry that uses just a few words to convey a message. The traditional haiku consists of three lines with a total…
The Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda is a unique attraction that celebrates the invention of instant noodles. Located in Ikeda, a 20-minute train ride from downtown Osaka, the museum showcases the history of instant noodles and the story behind the…
Kabuki is a traditional form of Japanese theater that has been around for over four centuries. It is known for its highly stylized performances, elaborate costumes, and dramatic storytelling. Kabuki is a unique art form that combines music, dance, and…
The Sengoku period, also known as the Warring States period, was a time of political upheaval and social turmoil in Japan that lasted from the late 15th century to the late 16th century. During this time, rival warlords or daimyo…
The Muromachi period, also known as the Ashikaga period, is an important era in Japanese history that lasted from approximately 1336 to 1573. This period marked the governance of the Muromachi or Ashikaga shogunate, which was officially established in 1338…
The Kamakura period is a significant era in Japanese history that lasted from 1185 to 1333. It marked the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate, which saw the governance of Japan by military leaders known as shoguns. During this period, the…
The Heian period was a significant time in Japanese history, lasting from 794 to 1185. It was named after the new imperial capital, Heian-kyō (modern-day Kyoto), where a flourishing culture of refinement and poetic subtlety developed. During this time, the…
The Osaka Science Museum is a fascinating destination for those interested in science and technology. Located on Nakanoshima Island in central Osaka, this interactive educational facility is a great choice if you are traveling with kids but also interesting for…
Osaka Expo ’70 Park was built on the site of the 1970 World Exposition, which was the first international exposition held in Asia. It spans over 260 hectares and is home to many attractions, including the iconic Tower of the…
Kuromon Market, also known as Kuromon Ichiba Market, is a popular destination for foodies in Osaka, Japan. This lively covered market stretches for 580 meters in Osaka’s hihonbashi, not far from dotonbori and is often referred to as “Osaka’s kitchen”…
The National Museum of Art, Osaka is a renowned art museum located in the Kita-ku district of Osaka, Japan. Opened in 1977, the museum is known for its impressive collection of contemporary Japanese art, as well as its diverse range…
The National Bunraku Theater is a world-renowned performing arts venue located in Osaka, Japan. It was established in 1984 to preserve and promote the traditional art of Bunraku puppet theatre, which is considered one of Japan’s three great theatrical traditions,…
Shitennoji Temple is one of Japan’s oldest and most significant temples, with a history that dates back over 1,400 years. Located in the heart of Osaka, the temple is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a glimpse…
The Osaka Museum of History is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the rich history and culture of Japan. Located in just a short walk from Osaka Casle, the museum opened its doors in 2001 and has since become…
Sumiyoshi Taisha is a Shinto shrine located in the Sumiyoshi ward of Osaka, Japan. It is one of the oldest and most important shrines in the country, with a history dating back to the 3rd century. The shrine is dedicated…
Himeji Castle, also known as White Heron Castle, is a magnificent fortress located in Himeji, Hyogo, Japan. It is widely considered one of the most spectacular castles in Japan, known for its imposing size, beauty, and well-preserved complex castle grounds.…
Matsuyama Castle is one of the most impressive and well-preserved castles in Japan, located on Mount Katsuyama in the city of Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture. The castle was originally built in the early 1600s by Kato Yoshiaki and later became…
Matsumoto Castle is a stunning historical landmark located in the Nagano Prefecture of Japan. It is one of the few remaining original castles in Japan and is considered a national treasure. The castle is also known as the “Crow Castle”…
Date Masamune (伊達 政宗) was a powerful daimyō of Japan’s Azuchi-Momoyama period through early Edo period. He was born on September 5, 1567, in Yonezawa Castle, Japan, and was the eldest son of Date Terumune, the lord of the Date…
Oda Nobunaga (織田 信長) was a powerful daimyō (feudal lord) of Japan during the late 16th century. He is known for his efforts to unify Japan during the late Sengoku period and successfully gained control over most of Honshu. Nobunaga…
Yasuke (弥助) was a man of African origin who served as a retainer and weapon-bearer to the Japanese daimyō Oda Nobunaga during Japan’s Sengoku period. He was a unique figure in Japanese history as the first foreign-born man to achieve…
Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川 家康) was a Japanese military commander who played a significant role in the history of Japan. He was born on January 31, 1543, in the Mikawa province of Japan. Ieyasu was a member of the powerful Matsudaira…
Toyotomi Hideyoshi was a Japanese samurai and daimyō who played a significant role in the late Sengoku period of Japan. He is regarded as the second “Great Unifier” of Japan, following in the footsteps of his predecessor Oda Nobunaga. Hideyoshi’s…
Saito Dosan, also known as The Viper of Mino, was a prominent Japanese samurai and daimyo (feudal lord) during the Sengoku period. He was born in 1494 and gained fame for his ruthless tactics in battle, which earned him his…