Matsumoto Castle (松本城, Matsumoto-jō) is one of the best-known of Japan’s historic castles, alongside Himeji Castle in Hyogo prefecture and Kumamoto Castle in Kyushu.   The castle is…

Did you know that there are several castles in Japan known as “castles in the sky”? When the weather conditions are just right, a sea…

After being commissioned in 1603 as the official Kyoto residence of the first Tokugawa Shōgun, Ieyasu, Nijo Castle continues to symbolise the power and status…

Tsugaru region and Hirosaki City are located in Aomori Prefecture, in northern Honshu. The area is surrounded by nature, oceans and mountains. Rich in history…

Standing proudly in the centre of perhaps one of the most internationally famed cities of Japan is Hiroshima Castle. Destroyed by the atomic bomb of…

The last full moon of December is known as the Cold Moon, but this past week’s holds a special value in Japan as being the…

Japan’s Self-Defence Forces usually occupy themselves with training to protect their country, but they’re not shy about pitching in to help their local community. The…

Taking a day trip out of Tokyo can be a great chance to experience a more peaceful and historic side to Japanese life. Odawara Castle…

History proves that cats have always done whatever they damn well please, whenever they want. Just look at the archaeological evidence discovered at the ruins…

Record-breaking cold spell had hit the western part of Japan on January 26, 2016. Due to subzero temperature, Kyushu region (where snowfall is extremely rare)…