In the 69th order of the Nakasendō, the pure Nakasendō 67-juku (from Itabashi to Moriyama), which surpasses Kusatsu and Otsu-juku shared with the Tokaido, Narai-juku is the 34th post town in the middle of the Nakasendō, counting from Itabashi-juku on the Edo side and Moriyama-juku on the Kyoto side. The post town that prospered with many travelers at the highest altitude of the 11 Kiso inns, ahead of the difficult Torii Pass, was called "Narai Senken". The townscape has been selected as a national important preservation district for groups of traditional buildings, and retains a strong trace of the past. Quote from Narai-juku Tourist Association Narai-juku

Ahhhh! I've got to see Soma Nomaoi. It looks cooler and cooler the more I hear about it. Sending signals with a conch is super cool. It sounds like something that you'd hear about in a myth or folklore, but the fact that this was actually used is really interesting. A bit of a tangent, but it's awesome seeing all of the different helmet styles used in Japan. It's not exactly something unique to Japan, but Japan definitely has some of the coolest looking styles. This one kind of reminds me of traditional Japanese lacquerware and I like how it's very sleek and practical. Hopefully I'll be able to check this out this year. I want to visit Fukushima anyways so it'd be great if I could get it all to line up!

God the snowscapes of Japan just get better and better. I keep hearing and reading about Ouchi-Juku all over the place and it's really got me itching to visit. I really love these old post stations and their historic feel. The buildings are really rustic and just looking at them makes me feel comfortable and relaxed. I really love the thatched roofs as well. I can imagine enjoying some delicious soup and tea next to an irori and just letting all life's troubles be whisked away. Top it if with some hot springs and I can't even imagine a better way to relax. Apparently there's the hot spring Yunokami onsen about 15 minutes from Ouchi-Juku but I guess there's also a footbath in Ouchi-Juku itself as well? Or maybe it's in the same area as Yonokami Onsen, I'm not 100% sure on that. Hopefully it's heated either way ?

Tsuruga Castle in Fukushima! I'd heard of its white walls before, but it looks like winter is doing its best to make it completely white! Apparently Tsuruga Castle was designed after Kurokawa Castle that was sieged some time during the 1,500's. I wonder if the color scheme is true to Kurokawa Castle. It'd be interesting to know if there was some sort of tactical reason for an all-white castle. In a snowy region I could see it acting as a sort of camouflage but who knows. You can also barely see what looks like a shachihoko on the roof if you zoom in which is pretty neat. Apparently the inside of the castle has some mannequins set up with guns showing how the arrow-slits, or in this case gun-slits, would have been used. There's also other mannequins that show them being used for rock dropping as well. Warfare has come a long way since then?

This is a photo of Ouchi-juku in Fukushima Prefecture. I was impressed by the beauty of the snow that piled up on the old-fashioned house.

I'd never heard about Nikko Edomura until I read this article. It's really cool that Japan has a theme park like this. I've studied a bit of Japanese history but it didn't cover courtesans very much, so the only knowledge I have about oiran basically comes from the t.v. show Jin (仁) lol. I never would have guessed that it would take at least three years to be able to even walk properly, that sounds harder than learning the footwork from when I was in a kendo club. Watching the video though, trying to walk in that pattern while wearing those giant clogs looks pretty difficult. I'm curious to know if the courtesan in the video was previously a courtesan or has trained for a long time to be able to perform the role. If anyone knows, be sure to tell me! The place looks really fun to go for a date though, so maybe I'll check it out if I get the chance to go to Tochigi. Probably next summer or spring because it's getting way too cold for me lol!

【Dream】 Dream big.

There are many arquebus guns in the Japan. However, the shape of the gun is different for each area, so it is interesting to see various museums and demonstration groups. Guns also have fine patterns and inlays, and some of them are beautiful works of art.

Soma Nomaoi held in July in the Soma region of Fukushima Prefecture. There is the courage of the mounted warrior and the quietness of the sacred ritual.

Soma Nomaoi held in July in the Soma region of Fukushima Prefecture. There is the courage of the mounted warrior and the quietness of the sacred ritual.

The arquebus is filled with gunpowder in two places. Gunpowder for firing balls. A mouth powder that ignites firing gunpowder. This photo shows the moment when the arquebus fire ignited the mouthpiece of the fire dish.

Practicing arquebuses. Overseas, samurai used to shoot with caliber guns called cannons in their hands.

A performance of archery in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture. Unlike the sports kyudo, it is characterized by a practical old shooting method.

Shitaragahara Decisive Battlefield Festival held in Shinshiro City, Aichi Prefecture. We, who are active in Fukushima Prefecture, also gave a demonstration to the state.

Japan letter "Hiragana" ✨ Because there are many printed hiragana picture books, we made ☺️ a hiragana picture book with brush characters. Recommended ? for moms and fathers with children

Nara, Todaiji Temple. Fantastic illumination. A fusion of old and new!

Todaiji Temple. Sickness elimination. It is the day of the Great Buddha Autumn Festival (o^^o) Solemn and moderate. Photo by SONYα7Ⅱ

Gifu Prefecture, view of Tsumago-juku. The smoke from the hearth and the sunlight piercing through the windows shine in as light awns. Due to the position of the sun, the scenery can only be seen in winter.

Would you like to experience the world of Japan swords, a traditional craft of Japan? Please take a look at the masterpieces handed down from ancient times and the gems that contain the soul of craftsmen living today. Yasen

Cherry blossoms in Fushimi, Kyoto. The morning sun shone into the cherry blossoms that bloomed like wearing a parked ten-stone boat.

Mount Yoshino is said to have been loved by Hideyoshi Ōko. Mt. Yoshino is famous for its cherry blossoms, but the snowy scenery is also exceptional. This scenery can be seen several times a year. The snowy scenery dyed in white silver and the presence of Kinpusanji Temple are irresistible.

Autumn in Narai-juku

Cherry blossoms at Rokusonno Shrine, Kyoto City. There is a red bridge, torii gates, cherry blossoms, and Japan scenery. It is close to Kyoto Station and is good for sightseeing.

Bamboo forest in Arashiyama, Kyoto Thanks to waking up early, I was able to take good pictures. Canon eos 5d + ef24-70mm f2.8 Lightroom

Mysterious Yakusugi Forest Trekking for more than 10 hours in the rain was hard but it was a great experience. Canon eos 5d + ef24-70mm f2.8 Lightroom

Beautiful natural light of Tsumagojuku. Sony α7Rlll / 24-70 f2.8 GM / Lightroom classic

It is a beautiful natural light that can be seen only in winter in Tsumago-juku. The camera and software used are Sony a7Rlll / 24-70 f2.8 GM / Lightroom classic

Practice of arquebus demonstration. I don't just shoot, I calm my mind and value my manners.

Soma Nomaoi held in July in the Soma region of Fukushima Prefecture. Both people and horses are so upset that they are powerful.