following the shogun - Following The Shogun

Gunshi Kanbee (2014 Taiga Drama) Review: Impressions and Historical Accuracy

A review of NHK's 2014 taiga drama Gunshi Kanbee after all 50 episodes: Junichi Okada as Kuroda Kanbee, a year in the Arioka dungeon, and what history confirms.

Taiga Drama

August 2025: Nikko Toshogu Shrine – Special Prayer Tour in the Shogun’s Seated Chamber | Travel Diary

Diary of the 10:00 Nikkō Tōshō-gū special prayer tour (about 1 h 45 min, 3,700 yen): the back path, Yōmeimon, the Sleeping Cat and the Shogun Audience Room.

Ieyasu Travel JournalKantoTochigi

Special Report: Exclusive Access to Himeji Castle’s Hishi-no-Mon Gate

A first-person report from the special autumn 2025 opening of Himeji Castle's Hishi-no-Mon Gate interior — the Aoi-crest lacquered chest, the view from inside, and what it revealed about the castle's defenses. The exhibit has since closed.

Hideyoshi Travel JournalHyogoIeyasu Travel JournalKansai

Attending Prof. Frédéric Cléans’ Special Lecture on the Historical Accuracy of Shōgun (Aug. 10, 2025)

On Aug 10, 2025, Prof. Frédéric Cléans gave a special lecture in Ito on the historical basis of Shōgun. Here’s a detailed onsite report.

Anjin Travel JournalChubu/Central JapanMiura Anjin(William Adams)Shizuoka

A Historical Journey Through Kaneiji Temple: Walking Among the Resting Places of the Tokugawa Shoguns

Visit journal of Kan'ei-ji's terakoya session and non-public mausoleum tour in Ueno: Tenkai's story, bronze vs stone tombs, and Atsuhime's grave.

Ieyasu Travel JournalKantoTokugawa IeyasuTokyo

A Midsummer Return to Hamamatsu: A Day Exploring Landmarks Linked to Tokugawa Ieyasu

Walk in Tokugawa Ieyasu’s footsteps in Hamamatsu. From Hamamatsu Castle to hidden shrines and graves, explore Sengoku history beyond typical sightseeing.

Chubu/Central JapanIeyasu Travel JournalKantoShizuokaTokugawa Ieyasu

18 Things to See Around Azuchi Castle | Museums, Ruins and a Cycling Route

Explore 18 sites around Azuchi Castle and Azuchi Station, from museums and castle-town ruins to the Seminario, with maps and a suggested cycling route.

KansaiNobunaga Travel GuideOda NobunagaShiga

William Adams in Yokosuka: A Self-Guided Walk to Anjinzuka, Kashima Shrine, and Jodoji Temple

Follow the footsteps of William Adams, the English samurai known as Miura Anjin, on a self-guided walk through Yokosuka. Visit Anjinzuka, a National Historic Site, Kashima Shrine, and Jodoji Temple with access tips, highlights, walking times, maps, and panoramic photos. Free admission.

Anjin Travel GuideKanagawaKantoMiura Anjin(William Adams)

Azuchi Castle Ruins Visitor Guide 2026 | Access, Routes and What to See

Plan your visit to Azuchi Castle Ruins with current admission, opening hours, access, maps, suggested routes, and area guides based on repeated on-site visits.

KansaiNobunaga Travel GuideShiga

Hizen Nagoya Castle (Saga) Travel Journal

Explore Hizen Nagoya Castle in Saga—once Hideyoshi’s grand headquarters. Discover ruins, museums, and samurai history in this unforgettable travel journal.

Hideyoshi Travel Journal