following the shogun

Takeda Castle Ruins: A Complete Guide to Japan’s “Castle in the Sky”

A firsthand early-morning climb through Takeda Castle Ruins' stone walls and keep foundation — plus access from Takeda Station and how it differs from Mt. Ritsuunkyo.

Hidenaga Travel GuideHyogoKansaiToyotomi Hidenaga

NHK Taiga Drama Special Exhibition “Toyotomi Brothers!” Osaka Complete Guide

A first-hand report from the Osaka Museum of History's NHK Taiga Drama Special Exhibition "Toyotomi Brothers!" (BROTHERS IN ARMS), visited July 17, 2026 — exhibits, the one photo-friendly area, tickets, and access.

Hidenaga Travel GuideHideyoshi Travel GuideIeyasu Travel GuideKansaiOsakaTokugawa IeyasuToyotomi HidenagaToyotomi Hideyoshi

Mount Tennōzan & the Yamazaki Battlefield: Castle Ruins, Monument, and Kofun Guide

Field-checked in April 2026: see how Mount Tennōzan, Yamazaki Castle Ruins, the monument and flat battlefield differ, with three routes and access from Kyoto or Osaka.

KansaiKyotoNobunaga Travel GuideOda Nobunaga

Okaguchi Gate and the Matsu-no-maru Walls: Walking Wakayama Castle’s Outer Bailey

Walk Wakayama Castle's outer bailey in order: 11 spots led by Okaguchi Gate, a surviving 1621 gate, and the high Matsu-no-maru wall. Allow 60 to 90 minutes.

Hideyoshi Travel Guide DetailedIeyasu Travel Guide DetailedKansaiWakayama

Wakayama Castle Visitor Guide: All 3 Areas and 21 Spots, with Access and Admission

Wakayama Castle in 3 areas and 21 spots: ¥410 keep entry, main sights in 2–3 hours, 60 min from Osaka. Parking, cherry blossoms and the Hidenaga story.

Hidenaga Travel GuideIeyasu Travel GuideKansaiWakayama

Wakayama Castle’s Keep and Honmaru: Reading the Linked-Keep Complex on Foot

Wakayama Castle's keep is counted among Japan's three great linked-keep complexes. Six honmaru spots, seven 360° panoramas, ¥410 adult entry, open 9:00–17:30.

Hidenaga Travel Guide DetailedIeyasu Travel Guide DetailedKansaiWakayama

Momijidani Garden and the Onbashi Corridor Bridge: The Complete Guide to Wakayama Castle’s Nishinomaru

Momijidani Garden is free and nationally designated; the Onbashi Corridor Bridge is walked with shoes off. Four spots, 45–60 minutes; maples peak late November.

Hidenaga Travel Guide DetailedIeyasu Travel Guide DetailedKansaiWakayama

NHK Taiga Drama Exhibition “Toyotomi Brothers!”　Nagoya Venue — A First-Hand Report

The Nagoya run has ended, but this first-hand Tokugawa Art Museum report helps Osaka and Tokyo visitors see what was shown, what may change, and what to check before visiting.

AichiChubu/Central JapanHidenaga Travel GuideHideyoshi Travel Guide

Choshoji Temple Zenringai

Explore Choshoji Temple and Zenringai in Hirosaki: the Tsugaru clan family temple, 33 Zen temples, Sanmon gate, castle-town defenses, access, and guided tour notes.

AomoriTohoku

Saishoin Temple & Hirosaki Yasaka Shrine

Visit Saishoin Temple in Hirosaki: an original Edo-period pagoda, adjacent Yasaka Shrine, access from Hirosaki Castle, what remains, and goshuin notes.