Nakasendo Way
Reaching out to let you know about our new Shogun campaign that we’ve developed in line with the launch of FX’s new adaptation of James Clavell’s novel, Shōgun – now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. With reviewers anticipating the series to be the ‘next Game of Thrones’, we’re expecting to see an increase in desire to travel to Japan to experience its culture and some of the places depicted in this stunning production. As viewers of FX’s new reworking become enchanted once again with Japan’s mystique, InsideJapan’s Shogun site has been designed to capture some of that interest and help people create their own Shogun cultural adventure to discover Japan.
InsideJapan Tour’s Spokesperson Elise Hodgson said:
“We are excited to announce our new Shogun campaign designed to inspire travellers to discover samurai history and culture across Japan where the events of the new Hulu historic epic Shogun took place over 400 years ago,” Ms Hodgson said.
“Our team at InsideJapan Tours can design a fully tailored cultural adventure bringing together some of the places and experiences from the period – allowing travellers to embark on their own Shogun trail.
“More Shogun related content including places, experiences and reviews of the show will be added to InsideJapan’s Shogun site as the show builds momentum.”
See below for a snapshot of the different experiences available, but please let us know if you would like additional information to support. Looking forward to hearing if this is of interest.
Nakasendo
Embark on a Shogun-Inspired Historic Cultural Adventure
Samurai Culture of Kyushu
William Adams and his crew first arrived off the southern main island of Kyushu and Adams later returned to Nagasaki and the quiet island of Hirado. Today, Nagasaki city is arguably one of the country’s most attractive cities surrounded by a bay and mountains. This laid-back city has remnants of its historical past all over with the reconstructed manmade island of Dejima being the most obvious – the only Japanese territory that opened to westerners for over 220 years of isolation.
Sword making in Arao Kumamoto
Walk the Way of Samurai
The Nakasendo is a 332-mile route through central Japan dating back to the 17th century, traversed by Daimyo Lords and Samurai stretching from Kyoto to Edo, or Tokyo as it is known today. The route today covers cobbled tree-lined paths and traditional villages and mountain towns through central mainland Honshu.
Tea Ceremony_Kyoto
Channel Your Samurai with Kenbu
As depicted in the story of Shogun, samurai would hone their concentration and summon strength before a battle by engaging in a kenbu ritual, a dance with a katana sword and a fan. InsideJapan can arrange a two-hour kenbu class in Kyoto, where instructors will teach a range of basic swordplay techniques, fan dances and samurai etiquette, prior to a kenbu demonstration from experienced practitioners.
Tea Ceremony Kyoto 1
Visit a Sword Master
There’s not much more samurai than a katana or Japanese sword. Not far from ultra-modern Tokyo, there’s an opportunity to visit one of Japan’s few remaining traditional swordsmiths at their workshop to see them fold steel in the traditional way, as well as introducing you to some of their older blades – an incredible experience for any Shogun fan.
