The town of Uchiko, in Japan’s Ehime Prefecture, once enjoyed great prosperity from the production of sumac wax. Although the industry died out early in the last century, some of the grand houses and public buildings that were erected during that golden age still stand: beautiful reminders of a time when this quiet corner ofContinue reading “Field Report: Uchiko, Ehime Prefecture, Japan (22 November 2016)”
Category Archives: Japan 2016 (4th)
Field Report: Uwajima Castle, Ehime Prefecture, Japan (22 November 2016)
There are just twelve original castles remaining in Japan, four of which are on the island of Shikoku. I visited one of them (Matsuyama) several years ago, and I added two more to the tally (Kōchi and Marugame) earlier during this present trip. Today, let’s tick the last Shikoku item off our list – andContinue reading “Field Report: Uwajima Castle, Ehime Prefecture, Japan (22 November 2016)”
Field Report: Imabari Castle, Ehime Prefecture, Japan (21 November 2016)
I’ve logged thousands of miles of travel through the years in pursuit of the two Japanese things that interest me the most: trains and castles. Needless to say, I find a journey especially rewarding when I can satisfy my thirst for both in one fell swoop – and there are few places better endowed inContinue reading “Field Report: Imabari Castle, Ehime Prefecture, Japan (21 November 2016)”
Field Report: Okayama Castle and Kōraku-en, Japan (20 November 2016)
I’m no stranger to Okayama, or its castle, or its magnificent garden. And there’s certainly a lot that one can say about all three … but as I’m itching to write about the Shikoku stage of this Japan adventure, let’s just pore over a few snapshots and be done with it.
Field Report: Akō Castle, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan (20 November 2016)
I’m not an admirer of the Forty-seven Rōnin. I’ve done a fair bit of research on this famous 18th-century tale of revenge, and my position as it currently stands is 1) the deed itself was not as honourable as we’re told, and 2) their target was not as guilty as he’s been made out toContinue reading “Field Report: Akō Castle, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan (20 November 2016)”
Field Report: Marugame Castle, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan (19 November 2016)
In my previous post, we had a look at one of Japan’s twelve remaining original castles. On my way back to Okayama, I managed to squeeze in one more. I now regret making that brief stopover – not because the castle I saw was disappointing, but because it was so flipping awesome that I can’tContinue reading “Field Report: Marugame Castle, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan (19 November 2016)”
Field Report: Kōchi Castle, Japan (19 November 2016)
There are scores of castles scattered all across Japan, but only twelve of them still have their original tenshu (main tower); the rest have either modern-day replicas or empty, ruined foundations. Even rarer are those that have all of the structures in their honmaru (innermost enclosure) intact, tenshu and palace and defensive towers and all.Continue reading “Field Report: Kōchi Castle, Japan (19 November 2016)”
Field Report: Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan (18 November 2016)
A short hop on the San’yō Shinkansen brought me to Fukuyama, near the border between Hiroshima Prefecture and Okayama Prefecture. Although this place doesn’t figure very highly in Chūgoku itineraries – save perhaps for the lovely old port of Tomonoura in its southern reaches – history enthusiasts will no doubt share my interest in theContinue reading “Field Report: Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan (18 November 2016)”
Field Report: Walking to the summit of Mount Misen, Miyajima, Japan (17 November 2016)
For some, it’s the journey; for others, it’s the destination. And for those of us who choose to stand in the blissful middle, there’s the phenomenal satisfaction of enjoying the complete experience, from the roots of the mountain to its peak and back.
Field Report: An autumn stroll in Miyajima, Japan (17 November 2016)
Hiroshima is probably best known for the various landmarks associated with the 1945 atomic bombing, but an island not far from the city offers some of the most rewarding sightseeing one can possibly hope for in this part of Japan. Join me as we take a peek at some of the historic architectural treasures foundContinue reading “Field Report: An autumn stroll in Miyajima, Japan (17 November 2016)”
Within striking distance 