following the shogun - Following The Shogun

Former Hirosaki Toshogu and Kuroishi Shrine: Two Places, One Story

A field guide to the surviving Hirosaki Toshogu Main Hall and the Toshogu worship now continued at Kuroishi Shrine, with history, access, maps, visit time, and goshuin notes.

AomoriIeyasu Travel GuideTohokuTokugawa Ieyasu

Hirosaki Castle: A Complete 2026 Visit Guide

Visiting Hirosaki Castle in 2026? See current access, ¥320 admission, opening hours, and what's still open during the keep renovation — checked on site in May 2026.

AomoriTohoku

Hirosaki Castle History｜Tsugaru Clan, the Lost Tower & the 1810 Keep

Learn the history of Hirosaki Castle, from the Tsugaru clan’s rise and the 1627 lightning fire to the 1810 surviving keep, 9 original buildings, and the modern hikiya preservation project.

AomoriTohoku

Hirosaki Castle Grounds Guide｜Bridges, Moats, Stone Walls & Honmaru Ruins

Explore Hirosaki Castle’s grounds, including Gejo-bashi Bridge, 8 historic bridges, triple moats, stone walls, Honmaru ruins, Information Center, and famous cherry trees, with maps and 360° panoramas.

AomoriTohoku

Hirosaki Castle Buildings Guide｜Keep, 3 Corner Turrets & 5 Gates

Explore Hirosaki Castle’s original Edo-period buildings: the surviving keep, 3 corner turrets, 5 gates, and Yoriki Guardhouse, with maps, photos, panoramas, and renovation notes.

AomoriTohoku

Morioka Castle Ruins & Morioka Hachimangu Guide

Morioka Castle has no surviving keep — what remains are layered granite stone walls, the former tower base, a surviving storehouse, and a sacred boulder. This guide also covers the 20-minute walk to Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, the museum, and how to get there. 360° panoramas included.

IwateTohoku

Honno-ji Temple, Former Honnoji Site & Nanbanji: Nobunaga Kyoto Guide

The current Honno-ji Temple was rebuilt in 1592, a decade after Nobunaga's death. This guide covers all 3 Kyoto sites, with hours, fees, and access.

KansaiKyotoNobunaga Travel GuideOda Nobunaga

Nobunaga’s Hidden Rock — A Small Legendary Site on the Kutsuki Retreat Route

Visit Nobunaga's Hidden Rock in Kutsuki, Shiga: what remains today, how to get there, how long it takes, and why it is not the same as Kanegasaki Castle.

KansaiNobunaga Travel GuideOda NobunagaShiga

Toyokuni Byo — The Mausoleum of Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Toyokuni Byo is Hideyoshi's mausoleum on Mt. Amidagamine, Kyoto: the stone stairway, 200 yen admission, access, and how it differs from Toyokuni Shrine.

Hideyoshi Travel GuideKansaiKyotoToyotomi Hideyoshi

Toyotomi Great Return Station & Kohoku Library | A 30-Minute Guide to the Battle of Shizugatake in Kinomoto

Visit Toyotomi Great Return Station inside JR Kinomoto Station, just beyond the ticket gates, and the special exhibition at Kohoku Library, a five-minute walk from the station. In 30 to 40 minutes, free of charge, you can explore a diorama of the Battle of Shizugatake, old battlefield maps, and the mystery of the Seven Spears. Step into the setting of the 2026 taiga drama “Toyotomi Brothers!

Hidenaga Travel GuideHideyoshi Travel GuideKansaiShigaToyotomi HidenagaToyotomi Hideyoshi