The Refined Kamigata Culture of Kansai

Hikone Castle is one of just five National Treasure castle keeps in Japan. In the castle grounds, you’ll find Genkyuen Garden, a scenic daimyo garden built for relaxation and entertaining guests, where you can still enjoy a cup of tea today. The surrounding castle town of Hikone still has an air of Edo charm, with some old residences still standing.

Standing proudly on the edge of Kyoto’s Gion district, Minamiza is a storied kabuki theater that traces its origins back four centuries. The very origins of kabuki odori, or “kabuki dance,” began not far from where the theatre stands in the early 17th century. If you’re going to see a performance of this Edo period entertainment, there’s no more fitting place than this historic venue. The lavish costumes and dramatic gestures all hearken back to Edo’s cultural prosperity. Performances are not held year-round, so be sure to check with the official website before your visit.

Start your day exploring the grandeur of Kyoto’s Edo period landmarks in the central Kyoto, which forms the historical heart of the city and was once the base of imperial power for the Emperor and nobility. Nijo-jo Castle, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, was the Kyoto residence of the shoguns and a symbol of their authority in Kyoto. Alternatively, you can visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Sento Imperial Palace, both surrounded by tranquil gardens that recall the refined court culture of the era. To this day, the surrounding Nakagyo district is alive with enduring craftsmanship, and worth exploring, too.

Next, you’ll head to Osaka Castle, the proud symbol of Japan’s merchant metropolis. The castle is known for its reconstructed keep and grand stone walls, located within a large park. Beyond the castle grounds, you can find a glimpse of the rhythms of everyday life in Kamigata via recreated Edo era streets at Osaka’s unique cultural museums such as the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.

Wakayama Castle was the seat of the powerful Kishu branch of the Tokugawa clan, one of the three great Tokugawa families. Within the grounds and around the city lie sites tied to the clan’s legacy, including the ornate Kishu Toshogu Shrine and the elegant Yosuien Garden.