Samurai
Walk in the Footsteps of the Samurai
Samurai is a general term for warriors — mainly military soldiers — who existed from the 10th century through until the 19th century. These warriors served under commanders known as busho, and the Central Japan region is famous for having produced many notable military commanders.
Nagoya
Omotenashi
Bushotai®
Nagoya Castle [Aichi Prefecture/Nagoya City]
The Central Japan region gave birth to many military commanders who can be seen once again in modern times! Their masterful combat displays using swords and spears are a must-see. These warriors have the mission of omotenashi (hospitality). Every day, they welcome visitors to Nagoya Castle.
- Place ： Various locations around Nagoya Castle
A 5-minute walk from Exit 7 of Nagoya jo (Nagoya Castle) Station on the Meijo Subway Line - Performance times ： Please see the official website
Omotenashi Bushotai members also walk around the castle grounds outside performance times. Feel free to ask them to take a photo with you!
Oda Nobunaga
Oda Nobunaga was a military commander of the Warring States Period (1467–1567) who was feared for his innovative ideas and mighty military strength. Just as he was in reach of unifying Japan, he was betrayed by his own retainers and committed seppuku (ritual suicide).
Toyotomi Hideyoshi
He was a genius who reached the top of the known world despite his status as a commoner. He was an expert at capturing the hearts of people and a meticulous strategist with a firm grasp of any situation.
Tokugawa Ieyasu
Tokugawa Ieyasu led the victorious Eastern army in the Battle of Sekigahara (October 21, 1600), which divided Japan in two, and established the Tokugawa Shogunate. His descendants continued to rule Japan for some 260 years thereafter.
Powerful Combat Displays(held on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
The latest gourmet spots near Nagoya Castle Kinshachi Yokocho
Yoshinao Zone
Near the Main Gate of Nagoya Castle is an array of renowned traditional Nagoya Meshi (Nagoya cuisine) restaurants, as well as souvenir shops offering samurai goods and various other souvenirs.
Muneharu Zone
The streets near the castle’s East Gate are lined with exciting restaurants presenting new food culture. Here you can enjoy Western cuisine and sweets.
Swimming Crab Hamburger
Located in the Muneharu Zone of the Kinshachi Yokocho shopping street, “Saien” is a café that is very particular about serving fresh seafood bought from the market each morning and organic vegetables. Available for either eat-in or take-out, the café’s amazing original Swimming Crab Hamburger contains one whole crab!
Kinshachi Yokocho’s omotenashi cast
Tokugawa Yoshinao, Tokugawa Muneharu, and Ninja retainers
Lords of the Owari Domain, Tokugawa Yoshinao and Tokugawa Muneharu, have come to visit, accompanied by their Ninja retainers. Talk shows, dance performances, and omotenashi parades are held (irregular schedule).
Tokugawa Art Museum and Tokugawa Garden
View Samurai (samurai family) treasures
This art museum stores and displays numerous treasures passed down from the Owari-Tokugawa family. We also recommend taking a stroll in the adjacent feudal lord’s garden, the Tokugawa Garden.
Matsumoto Castle Omotenashitai
Matsumoto Castle, National Treasure of Japan [Nagano Prefecture/Matsumoto City]
Dressed in gorgeous period clothing, the Matsumoto Castle Omotenashitai welcomes visitors to Matsumoto Castle, which is designated as a National Treasure of Japan. This unique omotenashitai comprises military commanders, ninja, and princesses. Take photographs with the team!
- Place: Honmaru Gardens, Matsumoto Castle, National Treasure of Japan
An approx. 20-minute walk from Matsumoto Station on the JR Shinonoi Line - Appearance times: 8:30–16:00 daily
*Times may change due to weather conditions.
Great Ieyasuko Aoi Bushotai
Okazaki Castle［Aichi Prefecture/Okazaki City]
Operating at Okazaki Castle, the place where Tokugawa Ieyasu was born, the Aoi Bushotai comprises the “Four Guardians of the Tokugawa” (Ii Naomasa, Honda Tadakatsu, Sakakibara Yasumasa, and Sakai Tadatsugu) who fought on behalf of Tokugawa Ieyasu and their retainers. Their “Great Combat Show”, in which members wave enormous flags and dance, is very popular.
- Place: Okazaki Castle (Okazaki Park)
An approx. 15-minute walk from Meitetsu Higashi-Okazaki Station - Performance times: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
Two performances daily at 11:00 and 14:00 (cancelled in the event of rain)
Performances take place in the plaza in front of the Ieyasu and Mikawa Bushi Museum in Okazaki Park. On weekdays, the Aoi Bushotai can be found parading around the park.
Gifu Castle Moriagetai
Gifu Castle［Gifu Prefecture/Gifu City]
This band of samurai warriors is led by military commander Saito Dosan, whose base was Gifu Castle. Members are glad to provide visitors with explanations of Gifu Castle or give directions for getting around Mt. Kinka.
- Place: Gifu Castle (top of Mt. Kinka)
An approx. 15-minute bus ride from Meitetsu Gifu Station, then take the Mt. Kinka Ropeway to Gifu Castle - Appearance times: Generally the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every （Performances are held at Mt. Kinka Ropeway Sanroku Station on the 3rd Sunday of every month. Please refer to the official website for details.）
Seki Sword Tradition Museum
Swords are referred to as the soul of the Samurai. This museum displays various materials related to the sword production process and history.
- Opening hours: 9:00–16:30
(Closed on Tuesdays and days immediately following a public holiday) - Admission fees: Adults 300 yen / Elementary and Junior High School Students 100 yen
- Sword forging demonstration fees: Adults 300 yen / Elementary and Junior High School Students 100 yen
*Sword forging demonstrations are held on the 1st Sunday of every month except January and October
Shinshu Ueda
Omotenashi Bushotai
Ueda Castle［Nagano Prefecture/Ueda City]
Known as the most skillful military leader of the Warring States Period, Sanada Yukimura was feared even by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Together with his faithful retainers known as the “Sanada Ten Braves”, he has been resurrected in the present day in the Shinshu Ueda Omotenashi Bushotai. Performed once a month, the full-cast show “Shinshu-Ueda Castle Impassioned Performance Chapter II: Friends Boldly Pushing Forward” is a true masterpiece!
- Place: Ueda Castle Park
An approx. 12-minute walk from Hokuriku Shinkansen Ueda Station - Appearance times: Daily
Every day: 10:00–, 13:00–, 15:00– [Omotenashi]
Saturdays and Sundays 14:00– [Ueda Castle Outer Citadel Performance]
Once a month 13:00–[Shinshu-Ueda Castle Impassioned Performance]
Ueda Hokkoku Kaido Yanagi-machi
Approx. 8 minutes’ walk from Ueda Castle, this street is lined with houses dating from the days when it was part of the Old Hokkoku Kaido Highway. Today, the street is an Ueda Castle Town shopping district preserving the streetscape of the Edo Period, with the shops selling appealing Shinshu-Ueda specialty goods and brand products.
