Kansai

Nijo Castle: Honmaru Area 1 Higashi-bashi, the Honmaru Yaguramon & the Castle Itself

The bridge an emperor crossed, the Yaguramon gate that survived the 1788 fire, and the Meiji-era Honmaru Garden — four spots with dates, maps and photos.

Ieyasu Travel Guide DetailedKansaiKyoto

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

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

Explore 17 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

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

Osaka Castle: A Visit to the Toyotomi Stone Wall Exhibition – A Historical Immersion Journal

A first-hand visit to Osaka Castle's Toyotomi Stone Wall Museum, opened April 2025 — the preserved underground stone walls of Toyotomi-era Osaka Castle, traces of Summer Siege fire damage, and firsthand hours, admission, and access details.

Hideyoshi Travel JournalKansaiOsaka

Etchū-no-I (Etchū Well): The Final Moments of Hosokawa Gracia

Etchu Well is where Hosokawa Gracia, the figure behind Lady Mariko, died in 1600. Visit all 3 nearby sites, 11 min walk from Morinomiya Station in Osaka.

Gracia Travel GuideKansai

Sōzen-ji Temple: The Resting Place of Hosokawa Gracia

A 10-min walk from Shin-Osaka Station, Sōzen-ji holds a grave of Hosokawa Gracia, inspiration for Lady Mariko in Shogun. Access tips and field photos included.

Gracia Travel GuideKansaiOsaka

The Historic Stage of Lady Gracia’s Newlywed Life

A first-hand guide to Shōryūji Castle, Hosokawa Gracia's newlywed home in Nagaokakyō, Kyoto. Free admission, 5 spots, and the North Gate stone walls.

Gracia Travel GuideKansaiKyoto

Himeji Castle Area 0: Complete Guide – Table of Contents

The full Himeji Castle guide, organized into 6 areas and 90 spots — from the Main Gate and Princess Sen's Nishi-no-Maru quarters to the National Treasure Main Keep and Kōkoen Garden. Jump straight to the area you want to explore.

Hideyoshi Travel Guide DetailedHyogoIeyasu Travel Guide DetailedKansai

Himeji Castle Area 3: Main Keep and Connecting Towers

Follow the labyrinth of gates — I-no-Mon to Mizunorokumon — up to Himeji Castle's National Treasure Main Keep, Osakabe Shrine, and the connected East and West Small Keeps. 23 spots.

Hideyoshi Travel Guide DetailedHyogoIeyasu Travel Guide DetailedKansai