With the recent release of Hulu’s acclaimed ancient and epic TV miniseries, Shogun, travelers are eager to explore the land of samurai, geishas, ancient villages, and urban centers across Japan that include the thrilling spirit of Shogun. Based on James Clavell’s 1970s novel, Shogun tells the story of William Adams, better known as Anjin-san, who was the chief advisor to the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in feudal Japan in the early 17th century.
Building on the momentum of the highly anticipated adaptation of the new series, InsideJapan Tours has unveiled its new Shogun campaign, designed to combine a combination of ancient sites and immersive reporting that echoes the culture and history depicted in the Clavell epic. Invited to follow your own path along the Shogun Trail. These 7 excursions can be added to any completely custom-designed cultural adventure or small-group excursion from InsideJapan Tours.
Crossing the Tohoku
Discover the northern component of mainland Honshu and the Tohoku region as you follow in the footsteps of William Adams and the Tokugawa shogun just before the Battle of Sekigahara, a pivotal moment in the Shogun’s heyday. Rural Tohoku is full of desirable feudal history and culture. The samurai afterlife lies in the city of Kakunodate, where much of the architecture remains unchanged from its structure in the early 17th century.
The 7-night Tohoku Rural Trail takes place in a restored Kura samurai warehouse in Kakunodate.
Samurai Culture of Kyushu
William Adams and his companions first landed near the southern coast of Kyushu, then Adams spent time in Nagasaki and on the serene island of Hirado. Today, Nagasaki stands out as one of Japan’s most picturesque cities, nestled between a picturesque bay and verdant mountains. The city exudes a tranquil atmosphere and is dotted with echoes of its history, as well as the restored synthetic island of Dejima, which is a prominent symbol of Japan’s era of isolation, being the only point of contact with Westerners for more than two centuries. .
This 13-night Kyushu cultural adventure explores the South Island and its culture.
Conquer a Samurai Castle
When William Adams first landed in Kyushu, the Shogun ordered that he and his team be arrested and then held captive at Osaka Castle. Today, a restored castle sits in a town famous for its cuisine and nicknamed “Kansai’s Kitchen. “Near Kyoto, locate the UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle, erected by the Tokugawa shogun in the early 17th century. It’s filled with secret rooms and cleverly designed defenses for the shogun’s guards.
The foodie adventure offers travelers the chance to revel in Osaka and Kyoto and explore one of Japan’s twelve original Edo-era castles in Matsumoto, along the historic samurai district of Nagamachi.
Channel your samurai with Kenbu
As described in The Shogun’s Story, samurai mastered their concentration and drew on their strength before a fight by engaging in a kenbu ritual, which is a dance with a katana sword and fan. Take part in a two-hour kenbu chic in Kyoto. , where qualified instructors will advise you on basic sword techniques, fan dances, and the intricacies of samurai etiquette. The consultation ends with a captivating kenbu demonstration.
A Kenbu experience can be added anywhere in Kyoto.
Dating back to the 17th century, the Nakasendo runs 332 miles through central Japan and was once a thoroughfare for Daimyo lords and their samurai between Kyoto and what is now Tokyo (formerly Edo).
Follow the trail of the samurai.
Dating back to the 17th century, the Nakasendo stretches for 332 miles through central Japan and was once a communication route for the Daimyo lords and their samurai between Kyoto and what is now Tokyo (formerly Edo). The direction takes you along tree-shaded paved trails, trendy old villages, and towns nestled in the mountains of central Honshu.
This 14-night self-guided Honshu cultural adventure includes two-day treks along some of the best-preserved Nakasendo routes between Matsumoto Castle City and Kyoto.
Visit a Sword Master
Few things are better for samurai than a katana or a Japanese sword. Outside of Tokyo, you can visit one of Japan’s last classic blacksmiths, tour their workshop, and see how they bend metal as it has been for centuries. lost to a Shogun fanatic.
InsideJapan can integrate a sword-forging experience into any cultural experience.
Founded in 1617, the remains of the first Tokugawa Ieyasu shogun are buried here.
The Spirit of the Shogun
Located in the Tochigi Mountains, just a few hours from Tokyo, is the city of Nikko, home to one of Japan’s most magnificent shrines dedicated to the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. The magnificently designed Toshogu Shrine is a magnificent monument to Japan’s first shogun, with intricate wood carvings adorned with gold leaf. This stunning sanctuary complex is nestled in the lush forests of Nikko National Park at the foot of Mount Nantai and is surrounded by pristine lakes and waterfalls.
A two-night stay in Nikko and a visit to Toshogu are included in the small-group tour A Northern Soul.