British Museum's Samurai Exhibition Sparks Journey into Japan's Warrior Past
The British Museum's highly anticipated Samurai exhibition is now open, captivating visitors with an immersive display of Japan's legendary warriors. While popular culture often romanticizes these figures, the exhibition separates myth from reality through an extraordinary collection of authentic artifacts. From meticulously crafted swords and armor to intricate paintings, clothing, and porcelain, each item tells a story of the samurai's complex world.
Nagoya Castle: Gateway to Samurai History
For those inspired to explore further, Japan itself offers unparalleled access to samurai heritage. Nagoya Castle stands as a monumental example, once the childhood home of Oda Nobunaga, a key figure featured in the exhibition. Nobunaga's 16th-century campaign to unify Japan inspired the long-running video game series Nobunaga's Ambition. Today, visitors can walk the castle grounds, encountering armor-clad actors and admiring reconstructed palace interiors with original wall paintings.
Nearby, the Tokugawa Art Museum houses artifacts from Tokugawa Ieyasu, another of Japan's "Three Unifiers," while the adjacent Tokugawaen Garden provides serene walking paths around koi ponds. Nagoya's culinary scene complements the historical experience with local specialties like hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice) and miso katsu (pork cutlet with dark miso sauce).
Matsumoto Castle and Cultural Treasures
Another essential destination is Matsumoto Castle, captured by legendary warlord Takeda Shingen in 1550. The castle's five-tiered main keep, built in the late 16th century, represents one of Japan's oldest and grandest surviving structures. Climbing its original wooden staircases leads to breathtaking views, while the Matsumoto City Museum of Art showcases works by local-born sculptor Yayoi Kusama.
Nearby Nakamachi Street features traditional storehouses selling handicrafts and soba noodles, with opportunities for noodle-making workshops. A short walk reveals Nawate Street, nicknamed "Frog Street" for its historical frog population, now celebrated with samurai-themed frog sculptures and souvenirs.
Walking the Nakasendo Trail
For a truly immersive experience, the Nakasendo Trail offers a chance to follow in samurai footsteps. This historic highway connected Kyoto and Edo during the Edo period (1603–1868), used by feudal lords on ceremonial processions to Edo (modern Tokyo) as part of shogunate control measures. The best-preserved section runs through the picturesque Kiso Valley in Nagano Prefecture.
Travelers can stay in traditional minshuku bed-and-breakfasts or luxurious ryokan inns, sampling regional specialties like oyaki dumplings. The area is renowned for wood carving and Kiso Lacquerware, with workshops available for hands-on experiences.
Samurai Districts and Sword Training
To connect directly with samurai daily life, Nagamachi Samurai District in Kanazawa City preserves the homes of the powerful Maeda clan, including the Edo-period Nomura House. Similarly, Sengan-en near Kagoshima City offers gardens and historic buildings from the Shimazu clan with views of Mount Sakurajima.
For active engagement, The Samurai Way of the Sword workshop in Aizu provides training under master swordsman Tetsuro Shimaguchi. Participants learn sword techniques and choreographed fight scenes under expert supervision, offering a unique physical connection to samurai traditions.
Competition and Planning
The Japan National Tourism Organization has partnered with the British Museum and tour operator InsideJapan to offer a special "Samurai Footsteps" trip competition. The 13-day cultural adventure includes visits to Nagoya, Tokoname, Kiso Fukushima, and other destinations highlighted in this article, providing an in-depth exploration of samurai legacy across Japan.
The British Museum's Samurai exhibition runs until May 4, serving as both an educational resource and inspiration for deeper cultural journeys. Whether through museum artifacts or travel to historic sites, the samurai's enduring influence continues to captivate and educate audiences worldwide.
