Where Samurai Ambitions and Imperial Elegance Meet
Kyoto and Osaka—these two cities lie at the very heart of Japan’s history and culture.
Kyoto, home to the Imperial Court for over a thousand years, is both the cradle of Japan’s traditional aesthetics and the backdrop to pivotal political events such as the Ōnin War and the Honnō-ji Incident.
Among them, Oda Nobunaga’s influence over the capital while ruling from Azuchi is often seen as a symbol of the beginning of early modern Japan.
Osaka, on the other hand, rose to prominence in the final years of the Sengoku period, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi established Osaka Castle as his base in the quest for national unification. During the Edo period, it flourished as a thriving commercial hub known as “the nation’s kitchen,” sustaining the economy and logistics of all Japan. It was also here that popular culture blossomed dramatically.
In this region, where layers of history and daily life intertwine, temples and shrines, ancient roads, castles, and old townscapes all work together to offer a visceral sense of how the nation of Japan was shaped and transformed over time.
The Illusive Castle of Nobunaga's Dream Once on the brink of unifying the nation, Oda Nobunaga built Azuchi Castle as a symbol of authority and innovation. Its magnificent main keep and lavish decorations defied the conventions of the time. Even ...
Visit Gracia’s Memorial in Central Osaka Were you moved by Lady Mariko’s unwavering spirit in Shogun? Journey to the true place where her story ended—Etchū Well in Osaka. Here, the real-life Hosokawa Gracia defied capture and chose a martyr’s fate ...
From “Shogun” to Sōzen-ji: The Real Lady Mariko If you were moved by Lady Mariko in Shogun, discover the true story of her inspiration—Hosokawa Gracia. At Sōzen-ji Temple in Osaka, you can visit her actual grave and walk through centuries ...
The Historic Stage of Lady Gracia’s Newlywed Life 🚉 How to Get Here: Nagaokakyo station From Kansai International Airport (KIX)Approx. travel time: 90 minutesFare: 3,210 yen From Shin‑Osaka StationApprox. travel time: 26 minutesFare: 490 yen Shōryūji Castle Park 🏛 OverviewShōryūji Castle (勝竜寺城, Shōryūji-jō) is ...
Himeji Castle – Discover Japan’s Finest Surviving Feudal Fortress Step into a living masterpiece of feudal architecture and discover the pristine legacy of Japan’s samurai age in the heart of Hyogo Prefecture. Himeji Castle, crowned by its elegant white Main ...
Osaka Castle – Explore the Castle Grounds in the Heart of Osaka Step into the historic seat of samurai ambition and discover a dynamic retreat at the heart of Osaka. Osaka Castle Park surrounds the iconic reconstructed Main Tower of ...
