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Let’s Travel Historical Japan with Toukiden Kiwami (Part 3) – Japan’s Warring States Period

The post Let’s Travel Historical Japan with Toukiden Kiwami (Part 3) – Japan’s Warring States Period appeared first on The Scribbling Geek.

Japan’s Warring States Period

Japan’s Warring States period, or Sengoku period, began towards the end of the preceding Ashikaga Shogunate. In 1467, the Ōnin War broke out over who should succeed the ruling shogun. Though succession was settled in 1477, the shogun lost control over the many daimyōs, or feudal lords, controlling Japan. Endless bickering and power grabbing soon saw Japan descend into full-fledged civil war.

Today, many foreigners have some knowledge of Japan’s Warring States period, although in most case, it’s likely a case of familiarity with names. It was during this era that famous three warlords rose to power. Oda Nobunaga. Toyotomi Hideyoshi. And Tokugawa Ieyasu. Lesser warlords that are famous internationally include Date Masamune, Takeda Shingen, and Uesugi Kenshin, and in both cases, it’s thanks to the popularity of Japanese games and manga. For tourists, Japanese castles are the most prominent examples of Warring State period architecture. After the Ōnin War, every other warlord worth his banner built a castle. These castles both served as defensive strongholds and ostentatious expressions of power.

PS: The Azuchi-Momoyama period refers to the tail end of Japan’s Warring States period. The name came from Nobunaga establishing his seat of power in Azuchi. And Hideyoshi doing so in Momoyama.

Toukiden Kiwami Travel Itinerary 2: The Age of War

Within Toukiden Kiwami, access to the Age of War symbolises an intensification in combat. Correspondingly, the battleground is swathed in blood-like red. Ruined villages and rivers of flowing lava are everywhere.

There are still sights to enjoy! Despite these scenes of dramatic ruin dominating the battleground. In the background looms one of Japan’s most legendary castles in history. Various locations also offer a peep at how Japan would be, should one of its many huge volcanoes erupt. Naturally, none of us wish for anything near the latter to happen.

A Note from Our Guide

Be careful of flowing lava during our tour! It doesn’t burn. But it does leave a terrible stain!

References

What we most often associate with Japanese castles nowadays is actually just the keep. Known in Japanese as Tenshukaku.
Reconstruction of the tearoom inside Fushimi Castle, originally built by Hideoyoshi.
Reconstruction of Oda Nobunaga’s Azuchi Castle at Ise Azuchi-Momoyama Bunka Mura Theme Park. The actual castle was destroyed in 1582. Source: 名古屋太郎

Toukiden Kiwami: The Age of War

We have atmospherically adjusted environmental ambience to give you that sensation of incessant battle.
In the distance lies our showpiece. A full reconstruction of mighty Azuchi Castle!
In keeping with our theme of Japan’s Warring States period, we regret to inform that there wouldn’t be souvenir shops in this battleground.
Our fiery Mount Fuji photo spot. Please be assured the lava and steam are illusions. It’s not at all warm here. Your lenses wouldn’t fog up.
Azuchi is not the only castle we have here. There are a couple of other smaller ones. All of which could be reserved for special functions!
Visitors with impish children can join our daily scavenger hunts!
The Warring States period saw Japan’s first major use of firearms in warfare. Try your hand with different historical muskets in our shooting fields. Targets provided.
Enjoy dinner inside our glorious reconstruction of Azuchi Castle.
After dinner, be entertained by our nightly cultural show. Up to 4 lucky visitors can participate in the performance each night!

More References

Most of Japan’s most famous castles were built during the Warring States period. This is Matsumoto Castle, completed in 1600.
Japan during the Azuchi Momoyama Period. | Source

In my next post, we’d visit a relatively more peaceful era of historical Japan. The Tokugawa Shogunate!

If you’re thinking of visiting Japanese castles, this site is easily the best guide.

Or read my previous travel the world posts to experience more places of the world.

Quick Links

The Age of Grace

The Age of Honor

The Age of War

The post Let’s Travel Historical Japan with Toukiden Kiwami (Part 3) – Japan’s Warring States Period appeared first on The Scribbling Geek.



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