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Month: August 2020

Matsumoto Castle – Toda Family Version

Matsumoto Castle 松本城 Gujo (郡上市) August 13, 2020 About Matsumoto Castle Like Inuyama Castle and Himeji Castle, Matsumoto Castle is one of only 12 remaining original castles still standing today. Unlike many castles where I live in Gifu, it was built on a plain instead of up on a hill or mountain. It sits surrounded by a moat, which reflects the castle beautifully. There are a few gojoin designs here. This one is the Toda family design. My Visit My husband and I came to get out of the house and enjoy some semi-outdoor activities during the pandemic. I still…

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Kotoku-ji – Enmei Jizo Goshuin (Tsumago Juku)

Kotoku-ji – 光徳寺Tsumago（妻籠） – August 13, 2020 Many people come to Japan for Kyoto to experience the old buildings and history of Japan, but one place I recommend visiting is the old post town, Tsumago Juku, that was one of many stops along the Nakasendo that connected Kyoto and Tokyo. The old style of the town is carefully preserved, so it feels as if you’ve stepped back in time to the Edo period of Japan. Kotoku-ji is a temple located in Tsumago. Me being me, I had to stop my husband when I saw the temple to see if we…

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Naegi Castle Ruins

Naegi Castle Ruins 苗木城跡 Nakatsugawa (中津川市) August 13, 2020 About Naegi Castle Ruins Looming on the north side of the Kiso River in Nakatsugawa, Naegi Castle once demanded an impressive view from atop Mt. Takamori. Its layout and use of the mountain’s natural stone as is make it quite unique among Japanese mountaintop castles. Also, according to records it was made out of red clay instead of the usual white. Unfortunately, the castle was torn apart and the materials sold to pay off debt during the Meiji period. The main struts that we see now are a reconstruction and there’s…

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Kotoku-ji – Yakushinyorai (Tsumago Juku)

Kotoku-ji – 光徳寺Tsumago（妻籠） – August 23, 2020   Many people come to Japan for Kyoto to experience the old buildings and history of Japan, but one place I recommend visiting is the old post town, Tsumago Juku, that was one of many stops along the Nakasendo that connected Kyoto and Tokyo. The old style of the town is carefully preserved, so it feels as if you’ve stepped back in time to the Edo period of Japan. Kotoku-ji is a temple located in Tsumago. Me being me, I had to stop my husband when I saw the temple to see if…

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Kotoku-ji – Ebisu Goshuin (Tsumago Juku)

Kotoku-ji – 光徳寺Tsumago（妻籠） – August 23, 2020 Many people come to Japan for Kyoto to experience the old buildings and history of Japan, but one place I recommend visiting is the old post town, Tsumago Juku, that was one of many stops along the Nakasendo that connected Kyoto and Tokyo. The old style of the town is carefully preserved, so it feels as if you’ve stepped back in time to the Edo period of Japan. Kotoku-ji is a temple located in Tsumago. Me being me, I had to stop my husband when I saw the temple to see if we…

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Matsumoto Castle – Ogasawara Family Version

Matsumoto Castle 松本城 Gujo (郡上市) August 13, 2020 About Matsumoto Castle Like Inuyama Castle and Himeji Castle, Matsumoto Castle is one of only 12 remaining original castles still standing today. Unlike many castles where I live in Gifu, it was built on a plain instead of up on a hill or mountain. It sits surrounded by a moat, which reflects the castle beautifully. There are a few goshuin designs available. This one is the Ogasawara Family design. My Visit My husband and I came to get out of the house and enjoy some semi-outdoor activities during the pandemic. I still…

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