History

Japan is renowned for its ties with ancient cultural roots and history. Founded thousands of years ago in 660 BC, although its archipelago goes back as far as 100,000 years, the history of Japan is chronologically divided into periods according to the new powers of battling clans. Japan’s most reminiscent period is arguably the Edo Period (1603 – 1867), where geisha and samurai predominantly make up the face of this era, along with Japan’s most famous artistic trends.

The historical roots of the Edo Period, and even the Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1573 – 1603), are still prevalent in present day Japan. In fact, many modern- day artworks in Japan are inspired from these periods. For this reason, many travelers come to Japan in search for the traditional culture that the country is renowned for. Visitors often seek out fascinating museums, historic architecture, and long-time cultural practices for enlightenment on the once popular lifestyle of Japan.

From visiting ancient shrines to watching theatre performances, there are a variety of opportunities for travelers to learn the history of Japan in-depth. Traditional events, such as the tea ceremony, is a formal way to experience Japan’s deep cultural roots. Calligraphy lessons provide a further understanding of the abstract beauty of Japanese characters and artwork. Festival celebrations found all over Japan are another excellent way to indulge in Japanese history, with many dating back to thousands of years.