10 Samurai Heritage Sites to Visit in Japan

Japan is the place of both old traditions and the new innovation, and the history of samurai is one of the most interesting phenomena in the culture. To travelers intending to visit the island country of Japan, the first thing that they need to get is a Japan tourist visa that would allow them to enjoy the rich ancient history and the unique culture of this country. Between the legendary castles and the historical streets and samurai houses, Japan provides you with an insight into the world of the mythical warriors.

Here are 10 places of samurai heritage that should be added to your list of places to visit

1. The Samurai already district of Kanazawa- Nagamachi

Nomagachi area in Kanazawa is among the preserved samurai quarters in Japan. When you are walking along its small lanes which are made up of earthen walls, one can just imagine the samurai of the Edo period walking along its streets. Other houses of the former samurais are available to the visitors like the Nomura Samurai House which demonstrates the traditional architecture, gardens and weapons. This is the place where the visitor can experience a true sense of the feudal past of Japan, and the place would be a good destination.

2. Himeji Castle

The Himeji Castle also referred to as the White Heron Castle is one of the most popular and maintained castles in Japan. It is a historic fortress of samurai in the feudal period that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage. Tourists are able to wander around its intricate net of walls, gates and towers that were meant to keep out the invaders. Himeji Castle is the real symbol of samurai architecture and military skill and hence a very good place to visit by those interested on the heritage sites in Japan.

3. Edo-Tokyo Museum

Edo-Tokyo Museum in Tokyo offers a very close experience into the lives of the Edo period where samurai were on the center stage of the Japanese society. There are samurai armor displays, weapons and elaborate dioramas of Edo streets. Tourists are able to understand the life, culture, and politics of samurai families. This museum is a must visit place to history enthusiasts who need to know how samurai formed modern Tokyo.

4. Aizu-Wakamatsu – Samurai City

AizuWakamatsu commonly known as samurai city is a prefecture in Fukushima Prefecture and is famous by its samurai culture. Tsuruga Castle is a brilliant stone wall with wooden interiors that can give an idea of how the life of samurai was in the turbulent times. There are also samurai reenactments and cultural workshops in the city where the visitors can obtain a firsthand experience in swordsmanship and traditional crafts. It is a perfect place to visit when a person desires a historical interactive experience.

5. Samurai District of Kakunodate

Famous is the Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture with well-maintained samurai houses that most of them are of the Edo period. Passing by the streets of the district, which are surrounded with traditional wooden houses, you will be transferred to the epoch when samurai families lived and worked here. Family heirlooms, armor, and weapons are some of the items that are exhibited in some homes that offer a profound insight into the samurai culture. Even the cherry blossoms during spring make this historical background even more beautiful.

6. Matsumoto Castle

Another iconic samurai fortress is the Matsumoto Castle also referred to as the Crow Castle as a result of its black exterior. It was constructed in the late 16 th century and was very important in the defense of the region at the time of samurai. The visitors have an opportunity to see its wooden interiors, steep staircases, and defensive structures. The castle grounds are also very photogenic and hence a favorite among the history lovers and photography enthusiasts.

7. Samurai Museum, Tokyo

The Samurai Museum is a small but a complete package to people who are in a hurry in Tokyo. The museum displays genuine armor, swords and other samurai art. As it is an entertaining and educative visit, one can experience the life of the samurai by trying on his armor and learning how to use the swords. The museum offers a hassle-free means through which to tour the heritage destinations to visit in Japan without having to travel out of the city.

8. Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle is also a good place of visit among the samurai lovers. It was constructed by Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate as a fortification of defense against samurai. It is surrounded by beautiful ornaments of golden shachihoko (mythological fish with a tiger head), on the roof and a museum in the castle that exhibits samurai artifacts and historical evidence. Visiting Nagoya Castle will give one both a chance to understand the architecture of the samurai age and their military prowess.

9. Shuri Castle, Okinawa

Although Okinawa has its own history apart form main land of Japan, Shuri Castle was impacted by the culture of samurai due to commerce and diplomatic ties with the Japanese feudal lords. The red walls, gates and ceremony halls of the castle demonstrate a mixture of the Ryukyuan and samurai architecture. It provides an interesting view on the way the samurai culture intertwined with the local histories.

10. Iga-Ueno Ninja and Samurai Museum

The Iga-Ueno Ninja and Samurai Museum, which is located in Mie Prefecture, is a combination of the legendary talent of the ninja and the disciplined world of the samurai. The museum features armor, weapons and training equipment and provides live demonstrations. It is a distinctive place where people could visit heritage sites to see in Japan and at the same time understand the military and tactical skills of these historical personalities.

How to Plan Your Tour of Your Samurai Heritage

Touring these samurai heritage sites gives a profound insight into the feudal history, architecture and culture of Japan. You should plan in advance so as to make the most out of your trip. Go Kite Tours is a company that provides specialized tours to Japan, which also includes tours of castles, samurai districts, and museums. Through their experience, travelers are able to enjoy the comforts of the modern world and experience the real historical settings.

The first thing to do before traveling is to get the Japan tourist visa required to travel in the country without problems. The online application can be applied by most travelers and Go Kite Tours can help you to go through the visa process.

To sum up, visiting the history of samurai in Japan is a trip to the past that one will never forget. Castsles and museums, old streets and cultural performances are some of the places that show Japan the heritage of the mythical warriors. Regardless of whether you are a history buff, a photographer or a cultural enrichment seeker these 10 samurai heritage sites will be a necessary point in your list of places to visit. And do not forget, before going on such history trip, take care that your Japan visa is in place to be able to enjoy the beauty of this magnificent land to the maximum.