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6 March, 2024

Hit new TV series ‘Shōgun’ inspires historical journeys from InsideJapan

In line with the launch of FX’s new TV series Shōgun, InsideJapan has launched its new Shogun campaign for travellers looking to discover the world of the military dictators.

InsideJapan anticipates the show will inspire an increase in desire to travel to Japan to experience its culture and some of the places depicted in this stunning production.

InsideJapan’s tour spokesperson, Elise Hodgson, said the campaign will be perfect for Japan-lovers looking to immerse themselves in the Land of the Rising Sun.

“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,” 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.”

Check out a snapshot of the offerings below!

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.

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.

Narai town, Nakasendo

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.

Visit a Sword Master

There’s not much more samurai than a katana or Japanese sword.

Sword making in Arao Kumamoto

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.

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