Toyama Prefecture is most famous for the [Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route](/link/place/chubu/toyama-prefecture/tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route), a beautiful route that runs across the mountains connecting [Toyama](/link/place/chubu/toyama-prefecture/toyama) and [Matsumoto](/link/place/chubu/nagano-prefecture/matsumoto). In Spring, this route features the [Yuki no Otani](/link/place/chubu/toyama-prefecture/tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route/yuki-no-otani), an iconic sight of 20 meter tall ice walls lining the road on both sides as a bus passes through it. The route also houses [Kurobe Dam](/link/place/chubu/toyama-prefecture/tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route/kurobe-dam), Japan’s tallest dam, as well as Japan’s highest onsen, the [Mikurigaike Onsen](/link/place/chubu/toyama-prefecture/tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route/mikurigaike-onsen). 

Kurobe Dam along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Toyama Prefecture

Kurobe Dam.webp

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a beautiful mountain sightseeing route that connects [Toyama](/link/place/chubu/toyama-prefecture/toyama) and [Matsumoto](/link/place/chubu/nagano-prefecture/nagano) while passing through one of Japan's [Three Sacred Mountains](/term/place/three-sacred-mountains), Mount Tateyama, and also the Kurobe Dam, Japan's highest dam. The route is popular for its stunning scenery that changes with the seasons, including the 20m high snow wall in late April, and the beautiful [koyo](/term/general/koyo) in autumn. The route only operates from mid-April to late-November, and consists of a variety of different modes of transportation including buses, cable cars, and trams in order to get across. The route is generally considered by locals to be one of the most scenic routes in Japan, and a popular site for hiking and skiing. 

A single ticket is available for a one-way trip from either Toyama to Matsumoto, or a round-trip typically from either end to Murodo, the center point of the route, and back. Including sightseeing time, a single one-way trip across typically takes around 8 to 9 hours. From the Toyama side, a round-trip to Murodo and back takes around 5 to 7 hours, and a round-trip to Kurobe Dam and back takes around 8 to 9 hours. From the Matsumoto side, a round-trip to Murodo and back takes around 5 to 7 hours. The entire route is 37km long, with an elevation difference of 1.975m, and took over 20 years to build. 

Our Essential Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route Itinerary showcases the best way to spend a day on this majestic mountain route. The attractions available on the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route change drastically each season, due to the effects of snowfall, and so be sure to customise the itinerary to fit the time period where you are heading to. 

The itinerary will cover the best things to see including the [Murodo](/link/place/chubu/toyama-prefecture/tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route/murodo) area, the [Midagahara Wetlands](/link/place/chubu/toyama-prefecture/tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route/midagahara-wetlands), and the [Kurobe Dam](/link/place/chubu/toyama-prefecture/tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route/kurobe-dam). 

Do note that the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route is only open from mid-April to late-November, and you should check the [official website](https://www.alpen-route.com/en/) for the actual dates. The [Yuki no Otani](/link/place/chubu/toyama-prefecture/tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route/yuki-no-otani) is at its peak in mid-April to May when the route just opens, and progressively gets lower over time as the snow melts. 

We will only be covering one-way itineraries for this guide. If you would like to do a round-trip, from the [Toyama](/link/place/chubu/toyama-prefecture/toyama) side, you can consider turning back at either Murodo or Kurobe Dam (depending on the amount of time you have). From the [Nagano](/link/place/chubu/nagano-prefecture/nagano) side, you can consider turning back at either Murodo or the Midagahara Wetlands. 

Discover the Natural Wonders of the Japanese Alps

Essential Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route Itinerary

Ishikawa Prefecture is located on the northern side of Japan, and is famous for its seafood. The capital city of [Kanazawa](/link/place/chubu/ishikawa-prefecture/kanazawa) is popular for its traditional [Higashi Chaya District](/link/place/chubu/ishikawa-prefecture/kanazawa/higashi-chaya-district) and the fresh seafood of [Omicho Market](/link/place/chubu/ishikawa-prefecture/kanazawa/omicho-market). 

On the north side of the prefecture, you can find the [Noto Peninsula](/link/place/chubu/ishikawa-prefecture/noto-peninsula), a great place to explore on a road trip. On the southern side of the prefecture, you can find [Kaga Onsen](/link/place/chubu/ishikawa-prefecture/kaga-onsen), home to beautiful traditional [onsen](/term/general/onsen).

Traditional streets of Higashi Chaya District at night in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture

Higashi Chaya District.webp

Gifu Prefecture is located in the [Japanese Alps](/term/place/japanese-alps) and is famous for its panoramic mountain views, as well as traditional Japanese townscapes. On the northern side of the prefecture, you can find [Takayama](/link/place/chubu/gifu-prefecture/takayama), a city located deep in the mountains with rows of [machiya](/term/general/machiya) and markets that serve up plenty of [Hida Beef](/term/food/hida-beef) and [Nihonshu](/term/food/nihonshu). The traditional [gassho-zukuri](/term/general/gassho-zukuri) thatched roof villages can also be found in the [UNESCO World Heritage Site](/term/place/unesco-world-heritage-site) of [Shirakawa-go](/link/place/chubu/gifu-prefecture/shirakawa-go).

On the southern side of the prefecture, you can find [Kiso Valley](/link/place/chubu/aichi-prefecture/kiso-valley), which is home to the [Nakasendo](/link/place/chubu/aichi-prefecture/kiso-valley/nakasendo) hiking route that used to connect [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto) and [Tokyo](/link/place/kanto/tokyo-metropolis/tokyo). Today, you can find many preserved old buildings along the [shukubas](/term/general/shukuba) that used to serve travellers, and today serves as pitstops for hikers. Kiso Valley is located just to the north of [Nagoya](/link/place/chubu/aichi-prefecture/nagoya) in [Aichi Prefecture](/link/place/chubu/aichi-prefecture).

Walking down the old streets in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture

Takayama Old District.webp

Nagano Prefecture is located along the [Japanese Alps](/term/place/japanese-alps), famous for its snowy mountains and ski resorts of Hakuba. On the eastern side, you can find [Matsumoto](/link/place/chubu/nagano-prefecture/matsumoto), home to [Matsumoto Castle](/link/place/chubu/nagano-prefecture/matsumoto/matsumoto-castle), one of [Japan's Three Great Castles](/term/place/japans-three-great-castles). Deep into the mountains, you can also find [Kamikochi](/link/place/chubu/nagano-prefecture/kamikochi), a beautiful nature reserves with stunning hiking routes in the Japanese Alps. 

The capital city of [Nagano](/link/place/chubu/nagano-prefecture/nagano) is home to [Zenko-ji Temple](/link/place/chubu/nagano-prefecture/nagano/zenko-ji-temple), and you can also find the town of [Obuse](/link/place/chubu/nagano-prefecture/obuse) nearby, which hosts the [Hokusai Museum](/link/place/chubu/nagano-prefecture/obuse/hokusai-museum) dedicated to works of the famous [ukiyo-e](/term/general/ukiyo-e) artist, [Katsushika Hokusai](/term/person/katsushika-hokusai). Further east, you can also find [Yudanaka Onsen](/link/place/chubu/nagano-prefecture/yudanaka-onsen) where the [onsen](/term/general/onsen)-bathing [nihon-zaru](/term/general/nihon-zaru) of [Jigokudani Yaen Koen](/link/place/chubu/nagano-prefecture/yudanaka-onsen/jigokudani-yaen-koen) are located.

Matsumoto Castle at night overlooking a pond in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture

Matsumoto Castle.webp

Tunnel of Light in Niigata, Niigata Prefecture

Tunnel of Light.webp

Large pond in Oshino Hakkai with Mt Fuji in the background in Kawaguchiko, Shizuoka Prefecture

Oshino Hakkai.webp

Shizuoka Prefecture is famous for being the home of Mount Fuji, as well as Suruga Bay, Japan’s deepest underwater bay. Numazu is one of the cities located beside the bay, and is famous for its fresh seafood catch as well as being the home of Japan’s only deep-sea aquarium. 

Boat sailing atop Suruga Bay in Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture

Suruga Bay.webp

Aichi Prefecture is home to [Nagoya](/link/place/chubu/aichi-prefecture/nagoya), Japan’s fourth largest city with many spots for industrial and engineering tourism including the [SCMaglev Railway Park](/link/place/chubu/aichi-prefecture/nagoya/scmaglev-railway-park) and factory tours at Toyota’s headquarters.

The Mirai Tower in downtown Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

Mirai Tower.webp

Interior of the Fukui Dinosaur Museum in Fukui, Fukui Prefecture

Fukui Dinosaur Museum.webp

Osaka

Osaka Prefecture

Kobe

Himeji

Kinosaki Onsen

Hyogo Prefecture

Kyoto

Kyoto Prefecture

Shirahama

Wakayama Prefecture

Kansai

Shodoshima

Takamatsu

Kagawa Prefecture

Shikoku

Kurashiki

Okayama Prefecture

Chugoku

Enoshima

Kamakura

Yokohama

Miura

Kanagawa Prefecture

Tokyo

Tokyo Metropolis

Kawagoe

Chichibu

Saitama Prefecture

Kanto

Kanazawa

Ishikawa Prefecture

Takayama

Shirakawa-go

Gifu Prefecture

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Toyama Prefecture

Chubu

Main temple building at Kiyomizudera at night in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Kiyomizudera.webp

Gassho-zukuri houses in Ogimachi, Gifu Prefecture

Ogimachi 2.webp

Unsplash License

Kanto.jpg

Zuwaigani.webp

Kurobe Dam Autumn.webp

Miuragaike Onsen.webp

Midagahara.webp

Murodo.webp

Yuki no Otani.webp

The Meiji Restoration in 1868 brought an end to the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo) and ushered in the [Meiji Era](/term/era/meiji). It arose from the collapse of the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate) at the end of the [bakumatsu](/term/era/bakumatsu), and the return of power back to the Imperial Family.

The Edo Period lasted from 1603 to 1867 when the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate) ruled Japan from the city of [Edo](/term/general/edo), modern day Tokyo. The [shogun](/term/general/shogun) was the de-facto leader of Japan, and the [daimyō](/term/general/daimyo) under him would rule over the various regions. 

The Meiji Era marked the start of Japan's rapid modernization, moving away from a feudal society and adopting industrialization and other Western influences. The Emperor who reigned at the time was posthumously known as Emperor Meiji.

Japan’s Feudal Era consisted of the [Kamakura Period](/term/era/kamakura), [Muromachi Period](/term/era/muromachi), the [Azuchi–Momoyama Period](/term/era/azuchi-momoyama), and the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo). The Feudal Era was marked mainly by Japan’s de-facto rule under a [shogun](/term/general/shogun), despite the presence of an [Emperor](/term/general/emperor) who mainly served as a figurehead. While the official capital always remained in [Heian-kyo](/term/place/heian-kyo_), modern day [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto), the shoguns of the Kamakura Period ruled from [Kamakura](/link/place/kanto/kanagawa/kamakura), and the shoguns of the Edo Period ruled from [Edo](/term/place/edo).

This era is often the one depicted in pop culture representations of Japanese history, particularly the  [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku)  (the period of civil war between the Muromachi Period and Edo Period), with [shoguns](/term/general/shogun), [daimyos](/term/general/daimyo), [samurai](/term/general/samurai), and [ninjas](/term/general/ninja) being the most active in this era of Japanese history. 

The Sengoku Period was a period of near-constant civil war that began after the collapse of the [Ashikaga Shogunate](/term/general/ashikaga-shogunate) in 1467 due to a civil war, the [Ōnin War](/term/general/onin-war), over succession. The collapse led to a power vacuum with various regional [daimyos](/term/general/daimyo) vying for control of Japan.

In 1573, [Oda Nobunaga](/term/person/oda-nobunaga) launched a unification war that he led till his death in 1582. His success, [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](/term/person/toyotomi-hideyoshi) continued the campaign, completing the unification in 1591 before his death in 1598. His son, [Toyotomi Hideyori](/term/person/toyotomi-hideyori) was then defeated by [Tokugawa Ieyasu](/term/person/tokugawa-ieyasu) during the [Battle of Sekigahara](/term/general/battle-of-sekigahara) in 1600. Tokugawa Ieyasu went on to establish the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate) in 1603, bringing an end to the Sengoku Period and starting the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo).

The Muromachi Period is marked by the governance of Japan under the [Ashikaga Shogunate](/term/general/ashikaga-shogunate). 

The period overlaps with that of the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku) that begins with the [Ōnin War](/term/general/onin-war) from 1467 to 1477 over succession of the Ashikaga Shogunate. While the Sengoku Period was ongoing, the Ashikaga Shogunate continued until its dissolution in 1573 by [Oda Nobunaga](/term/person/oda-nobunaga).

The Kamakura Period was the start of Japan's [Feudal Era](/term/era/feudal) and was marked by the rule of the first [shogunate](/term/general/shogunate), the [Kamakura Shogunate](/term/general/kamakura-shogunate). 

The shogunate was founded by [Minamoto no Yoritomo](/term/person/minamoto-no-yoritomo), the first [shogun](/term/general/shogun), who governed Japan from the city of [Kamakura](/link/place/kanto/kanagawa/kamakura), while the [Imperial Court](/term/general/imperial-court) in the official capital of [Heian-kyō](/term/place/heian-kyo) were figureheads.

The shogunate was overthrown in the [Kenmu Restoration](/term/event/kenmu-restoration) by [Emperor Go-Daigo](/term/person/emperor-go-daigo) in 1333, that restored Imperial rule for 3 years before it was overthrown by the [Ashikaga Shogunate](/term/general/ashikaga-shogunate) in 1336. Ending the Kamakura Period, and starting the [Muromachi Period](/term/era/muromachi).

The Azuchi-Momoyama Period is the tail-end of the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku) after the dissolution of the [Muromachi Period's](/term /era/muromachi) [Ashikaga Shogunate](/term/general/ashikaga-shogunate) and before the establishment of the [Edo Period's](/term/era/edo) [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate). It was the climax of the Sengoku Period, a period of civil war strife, with [Oda Nobunaga](/term/person/oda-nobunaga) starting the unification war to unite Japan in 1573, and [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](/term/person/toyotomi-hideyoshi) completing it in 1591 after Oda Nobunaga's death and 1582.

After Toyotomi Hideyoshi's death in 1598, his son [Toyotomi Hideyori](/term/person/toyotomi-hideyori), who was five years old at the time, was too young to take up leadership. The regents then split into two groups, the Western army of Toyotomi loyalists led by [Ishida Mitsunari](/term/person/ishida-mitsunari) and the Eastern army that opposed them, led by [Tokugawa Ieyasu](/term/person/tokugawa-ieyasu). The two sides battled in the [Battle of Sekigahara](/term/event/battle-of-sekigahara) in 1600, ending in a Tokugawa victory making him the de-facto ruler of Japan. The official establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603 ended the Azuchi-Momoyama Period, and started the Edo Period.

The period was named after Oda Nobunaga's and Toyotomi Hideyoshi's castles, the Azuchi Castle in Shiga Prefecture and the Momoyama Castle in Kyoto respectively. Neither of the original castles stand today.

The period at the end of the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo) that led to the fall of the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate), and culminated in the [Meiji Restoration](/term/general/meiji-restoration).

During this period, a fleet of American ships led by Matthew Perry forced the bakufu to lift its [Sakoku](/term/general/sakoku) policy, resulting in unrest across Japan over the next few years. This culminated in a rebellion against the bakufu called the Boshin War and eventually the Meiji Restoration in 1868. 

The Heian Period which began when the capital was moved from [Nara](/link/place/kansai/nara-prefecture/nara) to [Heian-kyo](/term/place/heian-kyo), modern-day [Kyoto](/link/place/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto). It is considered the peak of the Japanese imperial court (before the control of Japan by various [shogunates](/term/general/shogunate) in subsequent eras), as well as a time where art, poetry and literature flourished. 

The Heian Period was succeeded by the [Kamakura Period](/term/era/kamakura) that saw Japan ruled by its first [shogun](/term/general/shogun) from [Kamakura](/link/place/kanto/kanagawa/kamakura) in 1185.

Hida Beef is the local brand of [wagyu](/term/food/wagyu) that is popular for its fatty melt-in-your-mouth texture. Produced in the [Hida Region](/term/place/hida-region), you can find various Hida Beef products across Takayama, including skewers, stews, and [yakiniku](/term/food/yakiniku).

Nihonshu is Japanese rice wine with an alcohol content of 18% to 20% undiluted, and diluted with water to around 15% when bottled. It is made through the fermentation of rice. Outside of Japan, Nihonshu is often referred to as [Sake](/term/food-category/sake).

Yakiniku, literally "grilled meat", is the name for Japanese barbecue. Typically, slices of meat and vegetables are carefully grilled atop either a gas, electric, or charcoal grill. 

Most yakiniku places are DIY (do it yourself), and the staff will serve up the meat raw and leave it up to you to cook to the doneness of your choosing. 

Yakiniku is typically eaten with an assortment of sauces, including Yakiniku Tare (焼肉タレ), a sweet-savory sauce usually made with sesame seeds and garlic, or even just salt, which helps to bring out the flavor of the meat.

In Japan, the term Wagyu typically refers to domestically-produced beef. Wagyu beef tends to have a higher fat percentage, resulting in nicer marbling and a melt-in-your-mouth effect. 

Brand-name Wagyu are typically renowned for their quality including Kobe Beef, Matsuzaka Beef, and Ōmi Beef.

The term usually used to refer to hot spring baths in Japan. They are typically naturally piped up from underground hot springs. Most baths are communal in the nude, and gender-separated.

Gassho-zukuri is an architectural style of [minka](/term/general/minka) where the thatched roof comes together in a 人 shape that resembles the hands of monks that come together during prayer. 

The Koyo season is one of the most popular seasons to visit Japan with its changing colors from green to red in [autumn](/term/general/autumn). The exact timing of Koyo varies across Japan, similar to the [Sakura](/term/general/sakura) season, typically lasting a few weeks between the early-October to late-November period.

Machiya refer to the traditional Japanese wooden townhouses that were commonly found during the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo). 

They are a type of [minka](/term/general/minka), and used to often house the house or shops of merchants and traders.

Today you can find many preserved machiyas in cities like [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto), [Kanazawa](/link/place/chubu/ishikawa/kanazawa), and [Kurashiki](/link/place/chugoku/okayama-prefecture/kurashiki).

The Nihon-zaru are a species of monkey that is native to Japan, with its grey fur coat and bright red face. It is most famous for the popular imagery in [Nagano Prefecture](/link/place/chubu/nagano-prefecture) where they would sit in the [onsen](/term/general/onsen).

Shukuba were towns that were built so that travelers could rest on their journeys. They were generally built during the [Edo period](/term/era/edo) along the [Edo Five Routes](/term/place/edo-five-routes), where people used to travel to-and-fro the capital via foot or horseback. The Shukuba gradually fell out of use as the usage of the Edo Five Routes declined with the advent of trains during the [Meiji era](/term/era/meiji).

Ukiyo-e is a form of woodblock print that was popular in the [Edo period](/term/era/edo), with one of the most popular being [Hokusai Katsushika’s](/term/person/hokusai-katsushika) [The Great Wave Off Kanagawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Wave_off_Kanagawa) from 1831. 

Ukiyo-e was not the work of a single artist, but the work of teams of people including the designer, who would provide the design image, the woodcarvers who would carve the print into wood, printers who would use the carved woodblock print to make impressions on the hand-made paper, and publishers who commission, promote, and distribute the ukiyo-e. 

Ukiyo-e was named after its early depictions of the [ukiyo](/term/general/ukiyo), and literally means Pictures of the Ukiyo. 

Sakura are cherry blossoms, and are considered the national flower of Japan. They tend to bloom only for a short few weeks at the start of Spring (around April).

The tenshu is usually the tallest tower in a [Japanese Castle](/term/general/japanese-castle), and located within the [Hon-maru](/term/general/hon-maru). Often times, when people think of castles, the building that comes to mind is actually the tenshu of the castle. Only 12 original tenshu still exist today.

Minka were residences that housed the farmer, merchant and artisan classes of the [Feudal Era](/term/era/feudal), especially during the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo). Kyoto's [Machiya](/term/general/machiya) and Shirakawa-go's [Gassho-zukuri](/term/general/gassho-zukuri) are considered to be types of minka.

Japan's autumn typically runs from September to November, with temperatures ranging between 15 to 30°C. It is popular for the [koyo](/term/general/koyo) season, and is one of the most beautiful times to visit Japan.

The Ukiyo, literally translated as the “floating world”, was the term used to describe the pleasure-seeking city lifestyle of the [Edo period](/term/era/edo), where people often watched [kabuki](/term/general/kabuki) shows, enjoyed performances by [geisha](/term/general/geisha), and visited brothels. [Ukiyo-e](/term/general/ukiyo-e) was a popular art form that originated from and was inspired by the scenes of the Ukiyo.

The Tokugawa Shogunate (also called the Edo Shogunate) was the military government of Japan during the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo), and was led by the [shogun](/term/general/shogun) from the [Tokugawa Clan](/term/general/tokugawa-clan).

Shoguns were the military leaders of Japan, nominally appointed by the Emperor. The position is typically hereditary, and the government of the Shogun is called the [Shogunate](/term/general/shogunate). 

There have been multiple Shogunates over the course of history, with the final Shogunate being the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate) that ended in 1867 with the return of power to the Emperor in the [Meiji Restoration](/term/general/meiji-restoration).

Edo is the former name for Tokyo, used up to 1868 when it was renamed to *Tōkyō* (東京, lit. Eastern Capital) by the government. It became the de-facto capital from 1603 during the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo) as the seat of the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate).

A geisha is a female Japanese performing artist who performs traditional Japanese arts like dancing, music, and singing. They typically wear long [kimonos](/term/general/kimono), with traditional hairstyles, and [oshiroi](/term/general/oshiroi) makeup.

Kabuki is a traditional Japanese dance-drama that has heavily-dramatized and stylized performances. The actors are usually male and perform with [oshiroi](/term/general/oshiroi) makeup. 

It is part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, and is thought to have originated from the early [Edo Period](/term/era/edo)

The *Hon-maru* (本丸, lit. the main circle) is the main complex of a [Japanese Castle](/term/general/japanese-castle) and is the innermost complex in the castle. It typically houses the [tenshu](/term/general/tenshu) and the residence of the [daimyo](/term/general/daimyo). 

The Hon-maru is surrounded by the [Ni-no-maru](/term/general/ni-no-maru), which is in turn surrounded by the [San-no-maru](/term/general/san-no-maru).

Japanese Castles are fortresses typically made of wood and stone, and were initially built at strategic locations for military use. By the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku), they became the home of [daimyos](/term/general/daimyo) who ruled their domain from the castle. They became obsolete in the [Meiji Period](/term/era/meiji) with Japan's modernization, ending the feudal era as well as the systems of [shoguns](/term/general/shogun) and [daimyos](/term/general/daimyo). 

The castle consists of a series of defensive rings with the outermost being the [San-no-maru](/term/general/san-no-maru), followed by the [Ni-no-maru](/term/general/ni-no-maru), with the [Hon-maru](/term/general/hon-maru) in the center.

The daimyō were generally regional lords that controlled military, police, and economic power in the area that they ruled. Most commonly, the term daimyō is used to refer to the regional lords during the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo) that would report to the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate). They were abolished in 1868 during the [Meiji Restoration](/term/event/meiji-restoration) that saw the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate and Japan’s feudal system.

The domains were the predecessor to the modern [prefecture](/term/general/prefecture) system used in Japan today. They were primarily used during the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo) and each domain would be ruled by a [daimyo](/term/general/daimyo). 

There were around 260 domains at one time, with around 540 domains existing in total during the course of the entire Edo Period. During the [Meiji Era](/term/era/meiji), the daimyo system was dissolved and the domains were reorganized into prefectures.

The Sankin-kotai system was used during the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo), where the regional [daimyo](/term/general/daimyo) would stay a year in the capital [Edo](/term/place/edo), and a year in their home [domain](/term/general/domain). When they returned to their home domain, their wives and heirs had to remain in Edo. 

The system was seen as a form of "hostage system", in order for the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate) to prevent any rebellion by the regional lords. This process of movement between Edo and their home domain tended to be a massive event, with hundreds of people taking up to a few weeks in the procession each year.

Kaido were major roads built during the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo) that were used to transport goods as well as for the [Sankin-kotai](/term/general/sankin-kotai), and had [shukuba](/term/general/shukuba) built along the route for travelers to rest. The most famous of which were the [Edo Five Routes](/term/place/edo-five-routes), within which the [Tokaido](/term/place/tokaido) was used as the namesake for today’s [Tokaido Shinkansen](/link/line/tokaido-shinkansen).

The Tokugawa Clan is a dynasty that ruled Japan as the [shoguns](/term/general/shogun) through the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo). 

The Shogunate, also called the Bakufu, is used to refer to a government led by the [shogun](/term/general/shogun).

The Emperor was formerly the ruler of Japan, but today serves more of a ceremonial symbolic role instead.

A ninja, also called *shinobi* (忍び), was a covert agent that conducted a variety of activities including espionage, and used the martial art of ninjutsu. Their covert methods of operation was deemed as below the honor of [samurai](/term/general/samurai). They were most active during the civil wars of the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku) and faded into obscurity during the unified Japan of the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo).

Oshiroi is a type of makeup used in [kabuki](/term/general/kabuki), and by [geishas](/term/general/geisha) and [maikos](/term/general/maiko) to cover their face almost entirely white. 

A traditional Japanese garment with a rectangular body and square sleeves, it is the national dress of Japan. It typically comes with an [obi](/term/general/obi), [zori](/term/general/zori), [tabi](/term/general/tabi), and can be complemented by a [kinchaku](/term/general/kinchaku)

The samurai were warriors that were most prominent in the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo), serving the regional [daimyo](/term/general/daimyo) as protectors of their land. They were considered to be military nobility, and the title was hereditary.  

The *Ni-no-maru* (二の丸, lit. the second circle) is the second innermost complex of a [Japanese Castle](/term/general/japanese-castle), and usually hosts auxiliary residences, guest rooms, and military installations. Since the conversion of castles into national park, most Ni-no-marus in existing castles have all been demolished. 

The innermost complex is called the [Hon-maru](/term/general/hon-maru), while the outermost complex is called the [San-no-maru](/term/general/san-no-maru). 

The *San-no-maru* (三の丸, lit. the third circle) is usually the outermost complex in a [Japanese Castle](/term/general/japanese-castle), where the lowest ranking residences in a castle are located, as well as where many of the defensive military installations are located. 

The San-no-maru encloses the [Ni-no-maru](/term/general/ni-no-maru), which in turn encloses the innermost complex, the [Hon-maru](/term/general/hon-maru).

There are currently 47 prefectures in Japan: 1 metropolis (都, *tō*, lit. capital), 2 urban prefectures (府, *fu*), 1 territory (道, *dō*), and 43 prefectures (県, *ken*). The prefectures serve as the level of government below the national government.

The current set of 47 prefectures was established in 1888, whittled down from the over 300 prefectures when the prefectures were established in 1871 at the start of the [Meiji Era](/term/era/meiji). Before the prefecture system, Japan was divided into [domains](/term/general/domain), each ruled by a [daimyo](/term/general/daimyo), during the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo).

Tabi are traditionally pure white socks designed to be worn with a [zori](/term/general/zori), and usually used when wearing [kimonos](/term/general/kimono).

A maiko is an apprentice [geisha](/term/general/maiko) who usually performs songs, dances, or traditional instruments like the [shamisen](/term/general/shamisen) for entertainment.

A traditional Japanese drawstring bag used like a handbag for carrying around personal items. It is commonly used together with a [kimono](/term/general/kimono).  

An obi is a broad sash with a variety of designs on it that complement the design of the [kimono](/term/general/kimono) that it is worn with.

The Three Great Unifiers of Japan are the three people credited with bringing an end to the civil wars of the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku), unifying Japan and ushering in the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo). The three are [Oda Nobunaga](/term/person/oda-nobunaga), [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](/term/person/toyotomi-hideyoshi), and [Tokugawa Ieyasu](/term/person/tokugawa-ieyasu).

Zori are traditional Japanese slippers that can be made of straw or wood, and are similar in form to modern slippers. 

[Waraji](/term/general/waraji) are similar to zori, except that they had straps that needed to be tied together, similar in form to modern strap sandals.

The Ashikaga Shogunate was the ruling  [shogunate](/term/general/shogunate) during the [Muromachi Period](/term/era/muromachi) based out of Kyoto. The [shoguns](/term/general/shogun) were of the [Ashikaga Clan](/term/group/ashikaga-clan).

They were the second shogunate in Japan’s history after overthrowing the [Kamakura Shogunate](/term/general/kamakura-shogunate), and was dissolved after the weakening of the shogunate during the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku) before being succeeded by the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate).

Sakoku refers to the policy of national isolation from 1633 to 1853 during the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo) (also called the Sakoku Period) by the Tokugawa Shogunate that cut off almost all diplomatic and trade relations with other countries. 

No foreigners were allowed to enter, and no Japanese were allowed to leave. Certain exceptions were allowed, such as the trade with the Dutch and Chinese in Nagasaki. 

A traditional Japanese wooden instrument with three strings, and played with a pick called the [bachi](/term/general/bachi-stringed) in a manner similar to that of a guitar.

Seppuku was an act of ritual suicide by [samurai](/term/general/samurai) who would rather die voluntarily with honor, than be captured by the enemy. It could also be used as a form of capital punishment. Seppuku involves the act of harakiri, then beheaded by an assistant as an act of mercy.

Waraji were straw sandals that were tied onto the feet, similar to the modern strap sandals. They were the standard footwear for the commoners during Japan's [Feudal Era](/term/era/feudal). 

[Zori](/term/general/zori) were similar to waraji, but did not need to be tied onto the feet, just slid straight on like modern flip-flops.

The bachi is a pick used to play stringed instruments like the [shamisen](/term/general/shamisen). The wooden sticks for [taiko](/term/general/taiko) drums are also called [bachi](/term/general/bachi-taiko), but with a different kanji.

The bachi are wooden sticks used to play [taiko](/term/general/taiko) drums. The picks for stringed instruments like the [shamisen](/term/general/shamisen) are also called [bachi](/term/general/bachi-stringed), but with a different kanji.

In Japanese, it is used to refer to any type of drum. Colloquially, taiko is used to refer to traditional Japanese wooden drums.

Katsushika Hokusai, typically known as just Hokusai, is one of the most famous [ukiyo-e](/term/general/ukiyo-e) artists of the [Edo period](/term/era/edo). While ukiyo-e initially developed as largely portraits of the [ukiyo](/term/general/ukiyo), Hokusai helped to develop it to cover all sorts of art including scenery and landscapes. His most famous work is the ukiyo-e series called the [Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirty-six_Views_of_Mount_Fuji) (富嶽三十六景, *Fugaku Sanjūrokkei*), of which, the most famous piece is the [The Great Wave off Kanagawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Wave_off_Kanagawa)(神奈川沖浪裏, *Kanagawa-oki Nami Ura*). Towards the end of his life, he spent a number of years in [Obuse](/link/place/chubu/nagano-prefecture/obuse), where the [Hokusai Museum](/link/place/chubu/nagano-prefecture/obuse/hokusai-museum) exhibiting his works now stands.

Tokugawa Ieyasu was the first [shogun](/term/general/shogun) of the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo),  and founded the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate) in 1603. During the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku) , he was a [daimyo](/term/general/daimyo) and is regarded as the third of the [Three Great Unifiers of Japan](/term/general/three-great-unifiers). After [Toyotomi Hideyoshi's](/term/person/toyotomi-hideyoshi)  death in 1598, Tokugawa took power in 1600 after the [Battle of Sekigahara](/term/event/battle-of-sekigahara) that saw him defeat forces loyal to Toyotomi Hideyoshi's son, Toyotomi Hideyori (豊臣 秀頼).

Oda Nobunaga was a [daimyo](/term/general/daimyo) during the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku) and is regarded as the first of the [Three Great Unifiers of Japan](/term/general/three-great-unifiers). In 1573, he launched a unifying war against the other daimyo, conquering most of [Honshu](/term/place/honshu) by 1580. In 1582, he was betrayed by his retainer, Akechi Mitsuhide (明智 光秀), and was forced to commit [seppuku](/term/general/seppuku) to avoid capture after being surrounded. [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](/term/person/toyotomi-hideyoshi) succeeded him and completed his unification war in 1591.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi was a [daimyo](/term/general/daimyo) during the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku) and is regarded as the second of the [Three Great Unifiers of Japan](/term/general/three-great-unifiers). He succeeded [Oda Nobunaga](/term/person/oda-nobunaga) in 1582 after the latter's death, and completed the latter's war to unify Japan in 1591. This made him the de-facto leader of Japan. He then launched an unsuccessful war against Korea in 1592, which ended after his death in 1598. It is said that he was delirious at his death, and the unsuccessful wars had weakened his clan, leading to [Tokugawa Ieyasu](/term/person-tokugawa-ieyasu) displacing his son and becoming the first [shogun](/term/place/shogun) of the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo) in 1603.

The son and successor to [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](/term/person/toyotomi-hideyoshi), after his father's death in 1598, he became the designated ruler of Japan at age 5. The loss of the [Battle of Sekigahara](/term/event/battle-of-sekigahara) in 1600 by the Toyotomi loyalists faction meant that the position of de-facto ruler of Japan fell to the winner, [Tokugawa Ieyasu](/term/person/tokugawa-ieyasu), who went on to found the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate) in 1603.

Most of Toyotomi Hideyori's land and holdings were confiscated after the loss, and he was demoted to becoming an ordinary [daimyo](/term/general/daimyo). 

By 1614, Toyotomi Hideyori grew up to be a young daimyo living in [Osaka Castle](/link/place/kansai/osaka-prefecture/osaka/osaka-castle) and was the rightful heir to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Those who opposed Tokugawa Ieyasu began to rally around Toyotomi Hideyori. This led to a conflict between the two that resulted in a siege of Osaka Castle in November 1614 by Tokugawa's forces. The attack was unsuccessful, but resulted in a truce signed in January 1615 that required Toyotomi Hideyori to dismantle the castle's defenses. 

In May 1615, skirmishes started breaking out again between the two factions near Osaka leading to a second siege of the castle in June 1615.  A siege that was successful this time, and ended with Toyotomi Hideyori committing [seppuku](/term/general/seppuku) with his mother.

Japan’s three great castles are often thought to be [Himeji Castle](/link/place/kansai/hyogo/himeji-castle), [Kumamoto Castle](/link/place/kyushu/kumamoto-prefecture/kumamoto/kumamoto-castle), and [Matsumoto Castle](/link/place/chubu/nagano-prefecture/matsumoto/matsumoto-castle). The list also once included [Osaka Castle](/link/place/kansai/osaka-prefecture/osaka/osaka-castle) and [Nagoya Castle](/link/place/chubu/aichi/nagoya/nagoya-castle), however the two castles no longer have their original [tenshu](/term/general/tenshu).

The Japanese Alps are a series of mountain ranges that run from north to south through [Honshu](/term/place/honshu). 

They consist of the:
* Northern Alps: Hida Mountains (飛騨山脈, *Hida-sanmyaku*)
* Central Alps: Kiso Mountains (木曽山脈, *Kiso-sanmyaku*)
* Southern Alps: Akaishi Mountains (赤石山脈, *Akaishi-sanmyaku*)

There are more than 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan, these include the ancient temples of [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto), [Himeji Castle](/link/place/kansai/hyogo-prefecture/himeji/himeji-castle), the villages of [Shirakawa-go](/link/place/chubu/gifu-prefecture/shirakawa-go), [Itsukushima Shrine](/link/place/chugoku/hiroshima-prefecture/miyajima/itsukushima-shrine), and the [Kumano Kodo](/link/place/kansai/wakayama-prefecture/kumano-kodo).

The Three Sacred Mountains are mountains that have been worshipped since ancient times in Japan. The three mountains are [Mount Fuji](/term/place/mount-fuji), [Mount Tateyama](/term/place/mount-tateyama) and [Mount Hakusan](/term/place/mount-hakusan).

Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan at 3,776m tall, and is an active volcano. It is located along the border of Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture. It is considered one of Japan's [Three Holy Mountains](/term/place/three-holy-mountains).

Honshu is the largest of Japan's main islands and stretches from Aomori Prefecture in the north, all the way to Yamaguchi Prefecture in the south.

The Hida Region is the northern part of [Gifu Prefecture](/link/place/chubu/gifu) and was named after the former [Hida Domain](/term/place/hida-domain) that was located there. Today it consists of the [Takayama](/link/place/chubu/gifu/takayama) and [Shirakawa-go](/link/place/chubu/gifu/shirakawa-go) areas.

The Edo Five Routes were five major [kaido](/term/general/kaido) that were run by the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate) to facilitate travel and the transport of goods to the capital of [Edo](/term/place/edo) (today’s [Tokyo](/link/place/kanto/tokyo-metropolis/tokyo)) during the [Edo period](/term/era/edo). They were especially important for the [Sankin-kōtai](/term/general/sankin-kotai) system where the [daimyos](/term/general/daimyo) from across the country had to alternate residence between their [domain](/term/general/domain) and Edo every year. 

The five routes were the [Tōkaidō](/term/place/tokaido), the [Nakasendō](/term/place/nakasendo), the [Koshū Kaidō](/term/place/koshu-kaido), the [Ōshū Kaidō](/term/place/oshu-kaido), and the [Nikkō Kaidō](/term/place/nikko-kaido). The Edo Five Routes gradually fell out of use with the advent of trains during the [Meiji era](/term/era/meiji).

Mount Tateyama is one of Japan's [Three Sacred Mountains](/term/place/three-sacred-mountains) (alongside [Mount Fuji](/term/place/mount-fuji) and [Mount Hakusan](/term/place/mount-hakusan)) located in [Toyama Prefecture](/link/place/chubu/toyama-prefecture) and is 3,015m tall. Mount Tateyama is located in the [Japanese Alps](/term/place/japanese-alps) and consists of three peaks: Onajiyama (大汝山, at 3,015 m high), Oyama (雄山, at 3,003 m high), and Fuji no Oritateyama (富士ノ折立, at 2,999m high). Mount Tateyama is also located along the [Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route](/link/place/chubu/toyama-prefecture/tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route).

Mount Hakusan is one of Japan's [Three Sacred Mountains](/term/place/three-sacred-mountains) (alongside [Mount Fuji](/term/place/mount-fuji) and [Mount Tateyama](/term/place/mount-tateyama)), and is 2,702m tall. It is a dormant volcano located in-between [Ishikawa Prefecture](/link/place/chubu/ishikawa-prefecture) and [Gifu Prefecture](/link/place/chubu/gifu-prefecture).

The Hida Domain was a [domain](/term/general/domain) during the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo) that was directly controlled by the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate) since 1692. It occupies today's [Hida Region](/term/place/hida-region) in the northern part of [Gifu Prefecture](/link/place/chubu/gifu), and the local government was based in [Takayama](/link/place/chubu/gifu/takayama).

The Tokaido was one of two [kaidos](/term/general/kaido) during the [Edo period](/term/era/edo) that connected [Edo](/term/place/edo) and [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto) alongside the [Nakasendo](/term/place/nakasendo) . It was part of the [Edo Five Routes](/term/place/edo-five-routes) and ran along the sea, leading to its name Tōkai (東海, “Eastern Sea”).

The Nakasendo was one of two [kaidos](/term/general/kaido) during the [Edo period](/term/era/edo) that connected [Edo](/term/place/edo) and [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto) alongside the [Tokaido](/term/place/tokaido) . It was part of the [Edo Five Routes](/term/place/edo-five-routes) and ran along an inland route along the mountains, leading to its name Nakasen (中山, “Central Mountains”).

The Kōshū Kaidō was a [kaido](/term/general/kaido) during the [Edo period](/term/era/edo) that started in [Edo](/term/place/edo) , ran through today’s [Yamanashi Prefecture](/link/place/chubu/yamanashi-prefecture) and connected with the [Nakasendo](/term/place/nakasendo) in today’s [Nagano Prefecture](/link/place/chubu/nagano-prefecture). It was part of the [Edo Five Routes](/term/place/edo-five-routes).

The Ōshū Kaidō was a [kaido](/term/general/kaido) during the [Edo period](/term/era/edo) that started in [Edo](/term/place/edo)  and ran northwards to today’s [Fukushima Prefecture](/link/place/tohoku/fukushima-prefecture). It was part of the [Edo Five Routes](/term/place/edo-five-routes).

The Nikkō Kaidō was a [kaido](/term/general/kaido) during the [Edo period](/term/era/edo) and was the shortest of the [Edo Five Routes](/term/place/edo-five-routes). It connected [Edo](/term/place/edo) with [Nikko](/link/place/kanto/tochigi-prefecture/nikko) allowing easier access for the [shogun](/term/general/shogun) to visit the [Toshogu Shrine](/link/place/kanto/tochigi-prefecture/nikko/toshogu-shrine) where the first shogun, [Tokugawa Ieyasu](/term/person/tokugawa-ieyasu) was buried.

The former name for [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto) when it was the capital, used from 794 during the [Heian Period](/term/era/heian) to 1869 during the start of the [Meiji Period](/term/era/meiji)  when the capital was shifted to [Tokyo](/link/place/kanto/tokyo-metropolis/tokyo).

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