Let's take a peek at the real spirit of Japan!｜THE REAL SPIRIT OF JAPAN "KUWANA"

“Rokkaen”: Completed in 1913, Rokkaen was built by Englishman Josiah Conder, the architect of the diplomatic hub known as Rokumeikan in Tokyo. The main structure is a two story wooden European style building, attached to a four story tower. The European section of the house leads elegantly into the Japanese portion, displaying a harmonious mix of East and West. Rokkaen is surrounded by a renowned pleasure garden. It is a designated important cultural property.

“Tado Taisha Shrine”: Built in the latter half of the 5th century, Tado Taisha Shrine houses the gods of the Tado Mountain who are said to watch over the rains and harvests. From ancient times, the “Ageuma Shinji” (horse climbing) festival has been held in which the performance of the horse and rider foreshadows the year’s fortunes.

“Kuwana Sousha Shrine” (Kasuga Jinjya Shrine): Kasuga san has long been a patron Shinto deity of Kuwana who both ensures Kuwana’s prosperity and wards off evil. In the Muromachi and Sengoku periods, the Muramasa blades were dedicated to the shrine, and in 1667 one of the foremost bronze Torii gates in Japan was constructed here.

“Kuwana City Museum”: Opened on October 1st 1985, this was the first city museum in the prefecture. It houses a vast range of artifacts including items relating to Matsudaira Sadonobu, the Feudal domain system, letters, pottery, imperial records, tea ceremony, archaeological records, paintings, Ukiyo-e prints, and much more.

“Shichiri no Watashi Old Port”: Kuwana was a once connected to Atsuta by a thronging water route. The distance between both cities was about 27.5km (or shichi - seven - ri) hence its name. The large Torii gate is transferred from Ise Jingu every 20 years.

“Yoshinomaru Community Park”: The entrance to this grassy park in the ruins of Kuwana castle is guarded by a statue of Honda Tadakatsu, one of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s four lieutenants who was installed as lord of Kuwana castle in 1601. He carried out a large scale remodeling of the town known as Keicho no Machiwari.

“Hamaguri Plaza”: Here you can learn about the history of fishing in Kuwana. Visit the exhibition rooms and viewing deck overlooking the Ibi and Nagara rivers. At the Hamakaze restaurant you can enjoy fresh seafood (clam) caught by fisherman nearby (and at a reasonable price!)

“Moroto Garden”: During the Edo Period (1603-1876), Hikozaemon Yamada, a wealthy merchant, built himself a home for his retirement. In the Meiji Period, business man Seiroku Moroto bought it and turned it into a garden, building his family home there. The garden is full of colors: Japanese irises in Spring or maples in Autumn. Moroto Garden contains many preserved buildings and has been designated as an important cultural property.