In Japan, Samurai were of the military elite during the medieval and early-modern period.
In Japanese, they are known as bushi or buke. By the 12th century, the word samurai
became synonymous with bushi. It was closely associated with the middle and upper
ranks of the warrior class.
Usually associated with a clan and their lord, the samurai also followed a set of rules that
later came to be known as the bushidō. Although the samurai numbered less than 10% of
Japan's former population, their teachings are still found today in both everyday life and
modern Japanese martial arts.
After hundreds of years of enjoyment of their status, powers, and ability to shape the
government of Japan, the samurai came to an end. The samurai class was abolished
during the Meiji reforms in the late 19th century, and a western-style national army was
established. The Imperial Japanese Armies were recruited, but many samurai volunteered
as soldiers and even advanced to be trained as officers. Many soldiers of the Imperial
Army class were of samurai origin, and were highly disciplined, motivated, and
exceptionally trained.
The samurai culture was influenced by the philosophies of Buddhism and Zen, and to a
lesser extent Confucianism and Shinto. Zen meditation became a principal teaching
because of the process to calm one's mind.
The Buddhist concept of reincarnation and rebirth swayed samurai to abandon torture
and needless killing. Some samurai even gave up violence altogether and became
Buddhist monks after realizing how idle their killings were. However, some were killed as
they came to terms with these realizations on the battlefield.
The most significant role that Confucianism played in samurai philosophy was to stress
the importance of the lord-retainer relationship. It is the concept of samurai requiring to
show loyalty to his lord.
Most samurai were bound by a code of honor and were expected to set an example for
those below their rank. A notable part of their code is seppuku, which allowed a disgraced
samurai to regain his honor by committing his own execution, as samurai were still
obligated to social rules.
Samurai warriors described themselves as followers of Bushido, or "The Way of the
Warrior". By the Japanese dictionary Shogakukan Kokugo Daijiten, Bushidō is defined as "a
unique philosophy that spread through the warrior class from the Muromachi period.
From the earliest times, the Samurai felt that the path of the warrior was one of honor,
emphasizing duty to one's master, and loyalty unto death".
Tohoku | Aomori | Hirosaki
Hirosaki Samurai District
The Hirosaki Samurai District consists of four samurai houses that served the Tsugaru Clan long ago during the Edo period.
Kyushu | Oita | Usuki
Usuki Samurai District
A well preserved samurai district with Edo period architecture close to the ruins of Usuki Castle located in Usuki, Oita Prefecture.
Chugoku | Shimane | Matsue
Matsue Samurai District
Historic buildings, former samurai residences, traditional Japanese style tea houses, and more can be found in the Matsue Samurai District.
Tohoku | Akita | Kakunodate
Kakunodate Samurai District
The Kakunodate Samurai District has been around since 1620 when Yoshikatsu Ashina became the lord of the area.
Tohoku | Fukushima | Aizu Wakamatsu
Aizu Bukeyashiki
Aizu Bukeyashiki was a samurai residence that once belonged to a powerful member of the Aizu Clan until it was burned down and eventually restored.
Kyushu | Oita | Kunisaki Peninsula
Kitsuki Samurai District
A unique and well preserved samurai district located in Oita Prefecture, Japan.
Chugoku | Yamaguchi | Hagi
Hagi Former Castle Town
A former castle town ruled by the Mori Clan and hometown to Hagiyaki Pottery located at Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
Chubu | Ishikawa | Kanazawa
Nagamachi Samurai District
Nagamachi Samurai District is located at the foot of Kanazawa Castle and preserves a traditional atmosphere.
Chugoku | Shimane | Tsuwano
Tsuwano Old Town
Tsuwano Old Town is distinguished for its historically prominent buildings and well-preserved samurai residences.
Kanto | Tochigi | Kinugawa Onsen
Nikko Edomura (Edo Wonderland)
Nikko Edomura is a Japanese cultural theme park that centers on the lifestyle from the golden age of the Edo Period.
Kansai | Kyoto | Kyoto City
Toei Uzumasa Eigamura
Toei Uzumasa Eigamura is a film set and theme park in one with many attractions available.
Hokkaido | Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura
A history theme park that is based on the Edo Period and showcases the lifestyle 400 years ago.
Kansai | Mie | Ise
Azuchi Momoyama Bunka Mura
Azuchi Momoyama Bunka Mura is a theme park centered on the Azuchi Momoyama Period (1573-1603).