Museums The Grand Ise Jingu Chris Glenn The Grand Shrine of Ise comprises two separate shrines, the Naiku and Geku. From ancient times, worshippers would visit the Geku..
Museums Iga Ueno Castle Chris Glenn Most foreign tourists head to the north western Mie Prefecture town to see the ninja, without even realizing the city of Iga Ueno..
Historical The Sacred Rocks of Meoto Iwa Chris Glenn South of Ise, just offshore from the village of Futamigaura, are the two symbolic and sacred rocks known as the Meoto Iwa, or "husband..
Museums Basho. Haiku or Ninja Master? Chris Glenn There’s a rumor that the famed haiku poet Matsuo Basho wasn’t just a master of poetry, but a master of the art of the Ninja!
Historical Samurai Gardens of Kitabatake Chris Glenn It’s hard to believe that the beautiful 14th Century Kitabatake Gardens, one of Japan’s three major samurai gardens, was the s..
Historical Welcome the New Year at Ise Jingu Dan Traylor After the countdown, make way for hatsumode — the first shrine visit of the new year — at the Ise Grand Shrine
Museums Matsusaka Castle Ruins Chris Glenn A trip to Matsusaka wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the impressive remains of the castle and it’s famed samurai barrac..