Region

Nijo Castle: Seiryu-en Garden & North Area #2 Northwest Earthen Storehouse (Rice Storehouse) & Kōuntei

A fireproof Edo-period storehouse and a sukiya teahouse moved from the Sumino-kura Ryōi residence — the two quietest stops in Seiryu-en Garden.

Ieyasu Travel Guide DetailedKansaiKyoto

Nijo Castle: Seiryu-en Garden & North Area #1 Naruko Gate, North Middle Partition Gate & the Northwest Corner Turret Site

The Naruko Gate paired with the Momoyama Gate, the buried-style North Middle Partition Gate, and the turret site lost in the 1788 Great Tenmei Fire.

Ieyasu Travel Guide DetailedKansaiKyoto

Nijo Castle: West & South Areas Former Nijo Castle Walls, the Plum Grove & Sakura Garden

Stone walls relocated from Oda Nobunaga's Nijo Castle, a plum grove and cherry garden, and two defensive gates — five quiet spots most visitors walk past.

Ieyasu Travel Guide DetailedKansaiKyoto

Nijo Castle: Honmaru Area 2 Tenshukaku Ruins, the Honmaru West Koguchi & West Bridge

Climb the keep base Emperor Go-Mizunoo ascended in 1626, then the masugata West Koguchi and West Bridge. 2026 marks the visit's 400th anniversary.

Ieyasu Travel Guide DetailedKansaiKyoto

Nijo Castle: Ninomaru Palace AreaKaramon Gate, the National Treasure Palace & Special Scenic Garden

The National Treasure palace where the shogunate ended in 1867, the gilded Karamon Gate and the Special Scenic garden. Allow 1–2 hours; photos and maps.

Ieyasu Travel Guide DetailedKansaiKyoto

Nijo Castle: Perimeter & Entrance AreaHigashi-Otemon, Bansho & the Southeast Corner Turret

Five early-Edo structures at Nijo Castle's entrance: the Higashi-Otemon gate, Bansho guardhouse, Southeast Corner Turret, Tsukiji walls and South Gate.

Ieyasu Travel Guide DetailedKansaiKyoto

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

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

Join our 2025 travel diary at Nikko Toshogu Shrine—featuring the Shogun’s Chamber prayer, Yomeimon Gate, the Sleeping Cat, and hidden paths rarely seen.

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