Ieyasu's treasure tower at Tosho-gu Shrine

This treasure tower contains Ieyasu's ashes. "Ieyasu (1543-1616) was a wily strategist and master politician who founded the dynasty that would rule Japan for over 250 years. Born the son of a minor lord, he spent his life accumulating power, not becoming shogun until 1603, when he was 60. He built his capital at the swampy village of Edo (now Tokyo), and his rule saw the start of the flowering Edo culture."

From the chaos of Tokyo to the unspoiled natural beauty of Nikko

August 14th 2006
After two weeks of being absorbed in the busy city life of Tokyo I decided I was due for a trip outside of the city, so on August 14th (Statutory holiday for the Embassy) I boarded a train and headed north to Nikko in Tochigi prefecture. Nikko is considered part of Northern Honshu and is much more rural than Central and Western Honshu... it made for a great 1-day trip from Tokyo! A ... read more

Asia » Japan » Tochigi » Nikko

In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more

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