Nara Prefecture is most famous for the wild [shika](/term/general/shika) that roam the ancient capital city of [Nara](/link/place/kansai/nara-prefecture/nara). It is also home to [Todai-ji Temple](/link/place/kansai/nara-prefecture/nara/todai-ji-temple), a thousand-year-old [temple](/term/general/temple) that houses Japan's largest [daibutsu](/term/place/daibutsu). 

During spring, [Yoshino](/link/place/kansai/nara-prefecture/yoshino) is also famous for the [sakura](/term/general/sakura) trees that cover [Mount Yoshino](/link/place/kansai/nara-prefecture/yoshino/mount-yoshino) and is one of Japan's most popular [hanami](/term/general/hanami) spots.

Deer walking around in Nara, Nara Prefecture

Nara Deer Park.webp

Exterior of the Ise Outer Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture

Ise Outer Shrine.webp

Osaka Prefecture is home to [Osaka](/link/place/kansai/osaka-prefecture/osaka), Japan's third-largest city, and home to the bustling nightlife district of [Dotonbori](/link/place/kansai/osaka-prefecture/osaka/dotonbori). [Kansai International Airport](/link/place/kansai/osaka-prefecture/osaka/kansai-international-airport) is the third-busiest airport in Japan, and is the nearest to the [Keihanshin](/term/place/keihanshin) metropolitan area.

Canal boardwalks in Dotonbori in Osaka, Osaka Prefecture

Dotonbori.webp

Hyogo Prefecture is located just to the east of [Osaka Prefecture](/link/place/kansai/osaka-prefecture) and [Kyoto Prefecture](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture). On the southern side, you can find [Kobe](/link/place/kansai/hyogo-prefecture/kobe), part of the [Keihanshin](/term/place/keihanshin) metropolitan area, and famous for its [Kobe Beef](/term/food/kobe-beef). You can also find [Himeji](/link/place/kansai/hyogo-prefecture/himeji), home to [Himeji Castle](/link/place/kansai/hyogo-prefecture/himeji/himeji-castle), one of [Japan's Three Great Castles](/term/place/japans-three-great-castles) and a [UNESCO World Heritage Site](/term/place/unesco-world-heritage-site). 

On the northern side of the prefecture, you can find [Kinosaki Onsen](/link/place/kansai/hyogo-prefecture/kinosaki-onsen), one of the best [onsen](/term/general/onsen) towns in Japan with its willow-lined canals. 

Alley in front of Himeji Castle in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture

Himeji Castle.webp

Kyoto Prefecture is most famous for Japan's former capital, [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto), where you can find the [torii](/term/general/torii) gates of the [Fushimi Inari Taisha](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto/fushimi-inari-taisha), the [machiya](/term/general/machiya)-lined streets of [Higashiyama](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto/higashiyama), and the [Arashiyama Bamboo Grove](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto/arashiyama-bamboo-grove).

Just to the south of Kyoto, you can find [Uji](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/uji), which is nicknamed as Japan's [Matcha](/term/food/matcha) Capital with plenty of matcha desserts and snacks, as well as the [Byodoin Temple](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/uji/byodoin-temple), a temple located in the center of a pond. 

On the northern side of the prefecture, you can find [Amanohashidate](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/amanohashidate), home to the [Amanohashidate Sandbar](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/amanohashidate/amanohashidate-sandbar), one of [Japan's Three Great Views](/term/place/japans-three-great-views) and the [funaya](/term/general/funaya) of [Ine](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/amanohashidate/ine) that stand on stilts above the sea.

Rows of torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Fushimi Inari.webp

Wakayama Prefecture is one of the most sacred and spiritual locations in the [Kansai](/link/place/kansai) region, playing host to [Mount Koya](/link/place/kansai/wakayama-prefecture/mount-koya), famous for its [temple](/term/general/temple) stays, and the [Kumano Kodo](/link/place/kansai/wakayama-prefecture/kumano-kodo), one of two UNESCO World Heritage Pilgrimage Routes in the world. Wakayama Prefecture is located on the southern side of the Kansai region, on the west coast of the [Kii Peninsula](/term/place/kii-peninsula), and is the least populated prefecture in Kansai. Apart from its majestic temples and lush forests, the region is also popular for its coastal views of the [Kii Channel](/term/place/kii-channel), and as a day-trip destination from popular tourist cities like [Osaka](/link/place/kansai/osaka-prefecture/osaka). 

Kumano Ootorii over rice paddies in Kumano, Wakayama Prefecture

Kumano Ootorii.webp

Famous for being the home of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, the prefecture encloses the lake and is home to various feudal and castle towns such as Omi Hachiman and Hikone. 

Panoramic view of Lake Biwa in Shiga, Shiga Prefecture

Lake Biwa.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

Willow lined canal in Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo Prefecture

Kinosaki Onsen.webp

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

Kiyomizudera.webp

Unsplash License

Kobe.webp

Walkway through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, Kyoto Prefecture

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.webp

People flocking the streets of Higashiyama in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Higashiyama.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. 

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 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.

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.

Matcha is often considered the highest-quality [ryokucha](/term/food/ryokucha), and is the tea used in [sado](/term/general/sado). When served, the matcha powder is stirred into hot water, producing a thick and rich green tea. Matcha desserts have also become popular in recent years, with parfaits, pancakes, and other forms of matcha desserts.

Kobe Beef is often thought to be the highest-grade and most premium type of [wagyu](/term/food/wagyu), and is one of the [Three Great Wagyu](/term/general/three-great-wagyu). It is prized for its marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture. There are many Kobe Beef [teppanyaki](/term/food/teppanyaki) restaurants in the city of [Kobe](/link/place/kansai/hyogo/kobe), many of which command a significant price tag.

The general name for green tea in Japan, there are many types of green tea that are differentiated by their method of preparation including [matcha](/term/food/matcha), [gyokuro](/term/food/gyokuro), and [hojicha](/term/food/hojicha).

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.

Teppanyaki generally refers to any sort of dishes that are cooked on a hot plate. It can also refer to a particular style of restaurant where customers sit around a giant hot plate, with the chef cooking dishes tableside atop the hot plate. 

Gyokuro is a type of [ryokucha](/term/food/ryokucha) and its cultivation is similar to [sencha](/term/food/sencha), except that it is grown in the shade for at least 20 days, leading to a sweeter taste.

Hojicha is made by roasting the [ryokucha](/term/food/ryokucha) leaves, leading to a smokier aroma and a sweeter taste. It is commonly served in [matcha](/term/food/matcha) dessert shops as an alternative flavor for the desserts.

Kuroge Wagyu is one of the four types of [wagyu](/term/food/wagyu) and is made from the *Kuroge Washu* (黒毛和種) cow, a native breed to Japan. Many of the highest quality brand-name wagyu use Kuroge Wagyu, including [Kobe Beef](/term/food/kobe-beef).

Matsuzaka Beef is commonly thought to be one of Japan's [Three Great Wagyu](/term/general/three-great-wagyu), and often domestically in fierce competition with [Kobe Beef](/term/food/kobe-beef) to be crowned as the "best" [kuroge wagyu](/term/food/kuroge-wagyu). It is produced in [Matsuzaka](/link/place/chubu/mie-prefecture/matsuzaka), [Mie Prefecture](/link/place/chubu/mie-prefectire). 

Sencha is the most popular tea and [ryokucha](/term/food/ryokucha) in Japan. It is made by steeping the green tea leaves in water, producing a slightly cloudy and brightly-colored tea.

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.

Temples are places of worship for followers of [Buddhism](/term/general/buddhism).

Torii are gates typically found at [shrines](/term/general/shrine) and are said to mark the gateway between the everyday world and the sacred world.

Hanami refers to the Japanese custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers. Colloquially, hanami now refers to having a picnic or party while enjoying the view of [sakura](/term/general/sakura).

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).

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).

Funaya are wooden boat houses that are usually two-story high, with the first floor connecting to the sea as a dock for boats, and the second floor being the residential part. When viewed from the sea, they look like houses on stilts that float above the sea. They can be commonly found in [Ine](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/amanohashidate/ine) in [Kyoto Prefecture](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture).

The indigenous religion of Japan, the central belief is that [kami](/term/general/kami), supernatural beings, inhabit all things including nature. 

Buddhism is a religion that focuses on the teachings of the [Buddha](/term/general/buddha). The central tenet revolves around people letting go of their worldly desires.

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.

Sado is the traditional ceremonial preparation and presentation of [matcha](/term/food/matcha). There are often a long set of complicated steps that go into the preparation process, and there is also a certification process for sado practitioners.  [Wagashi](/term/food-category/wagashi) is often served along with the matcha.

Shrines are places of worship for the [Shinto](/term/general/shinto) religion, and usually enshrine one or more deities. They are different from [temples](/term/general/temple) which are places of worship for the [Buddhist](/term/general/buddhism) religion.

Kanji is one of the three main writing systems in Japanese, and uses Chinese characters. All kanji have two ways of reading it Onyomi (音読み) and Kunyomi (訓読み), and so you often see a single kanji being read multiple ways.

The Three Great Wagyu of Japan refers to three branded types of [kuroge wagyu](/term/food/kuroge-wagyu) that are commonly thought of as the "best" [wagyu](/term/food/wagyu). 

The three are [Kobe Beef](/term/food/kobe-beef), [Matsuzaka Beef](/term/food/matsuzaka-beef), and either Omi Beef or Yonezawa Beef.

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).

The kami are deities from the [Shinto](/term/general/shinto) religion and are said to inhabit all things, and are also said to have created all nature and human life.

The Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, was an Indian prince from South Asia who later gave up his title and founded the religion of [Buddhism](/term/general/buddhism) in the 6th or 5th century BCE. 

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.

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 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).

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).

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. 

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).

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.

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.

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).

Keihanshin refers to the metropolitan area of Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. The name comes from taking one [kanji](/term/general/kanji) from each of the city’s names Kei (京) from [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto) (京都), Han (阪) from [Osaka](/link/place/kansai/osaka-prefecture/osaka) (大阪) and Shin (神) from [Kobe](/link/place/kansai/hyogo/kobe) (神戸).

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).

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 Kii Peninsula is the largest peninsula in Japan, named after the former [Kii Province](/term/place/kii-province), and is part of [Wakayama Prefecture](/link/place/kansai/wakayama-prefecture) and [Mie Prefecture](/link/place/chubu/mie-prefecture). The Kii Peninsula is thought of as sacred in both the [Shinto](/term/general/shinto) religion and [Buddhism](/term/general/buddhism), with the holy sites of the [Kumano Kodo](/link/place/kansai/wakayama-prefecture/kumano-kodo) and the [Ise Jingu](/link/place/chubu/mie-prefecture/ise/ise-jingu) located there. 

The sacred sites and pilgrimage routes of the Kii Peninsula are designated as a [UNESCO World Heritage Site](/term/place/unesco-world-heritage-site).

Daibutsu statues can be found all across Japan, and are a representation of the Buddha. The most famous of which might be the [Kamakura Daibutsu](/link/place/kanto/kanagawa-prefecture/kamakura/kamakura-daibutsu), as well as the Daibutsu inside [Todai-ji Temple](/link/place/kansai/nara-prefecture/nara/todai-ji) in [Nara](/link/place/kansai/nara-prefecture/nara).

Japan's Three Great Views are said to be three of the most beautiful spots in Japan, a term used since the 1600s. The three are said to be represented by the snow, moon, and the flower. [Kyoto Prefecture's](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture) [Amanohashidate](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/amanohashidate) is the snow, [Miyagi Prefecture's](/link/place/tohoku/miyagi-prefecture) [Matsushima Bay](/link/place/tohoku/miyagi-prefecture/matsushima-bay) is the moon, and [Hiroshima Prefecture's](/link/place/chugoku/hiroshima-prefecture) [Miyajima](/link/place/chugoku/hiroshima-prefecture/miyajima) is the flower.

The Kii Channel is a strait that runs between [Tokushima Prefecture](/link/place/shikoku/tokushima-prefecture) on [Shikoku](/link/place/shikoku) and the [Kii Peninsula](/term/place/kii-peninsula) of [Wakayama Prefecture](/link/place/kansai/wakayama-prefecture) on [Honshu](/term/place/honshu).

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 Kii Province was a [province](/term/general/province) located in the [Kii Peninsula](/term/place/kii-peninsula) that occupies the location of today’s [Wakayama Prefecture](/link/place/kansai/wakayama-prefecture) and the southern part of  [Mie Prefecture](/link/place/chubu/mie-prefecture).

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).

Alleys in front of Yasaka Pagoda in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Discover Nara Prefecture