Temples of Shogunate 1

The Shogunate in Kyoto

Kyoto city is famous as an ex-capital of Japan, but it has another historical aspect. Once it was a center of a samurai government. Only few Japanese come to their mind that there was a center of a Shogunate in Kyoto.

Where was a center of "Bakufu" or a shogunate in Kyoto city? And what name the Shogunate was called? We think this topic is a little heavy for Japanese history beginners. However, we dare to investigate it.

The word "Bakufu" means a military government. And "Bakufu" was organized by "Shogun" who was designated by the emperor. The bottom line is that the emperor is the superior if you ask which is.

However, if "Bakufu" was established once, it became to work out policies, and the power of "Bakufu" tend to be stronger practically. If there're different opinions between an emperor and "Bakufu", they endorsed by the people who steer the nation, most often that was "Bakufu". In Japan's long history, "Bakufu" fought against emperors sometimes.

Tenryu-ji temple

"Bakufu" or the Shogunates were established only 3 times. We think the Edo Shogunate is a little famous. It existed until the Meiji Restoration (approximately 150 years ago). And the center of the Edo Bakufu was in the Edo castle (Edo is now called Tokyo).

Then, what was the Shogunate at Kyoto? It was called "Muromachi Shogunate". "Muromachi" town is still existing in present-day Kyoto. It's near the Doushisya university's campus in northen area of Kyoto. However, there aren't any remains now.

In this blog, we have been writing some articles about the Sengoku era. We think it's not necessary to explain the context (in another word, the Chronology). However, this time, we take up a comparatively not-famous era. So, we believe that is important to review previous articles a little.

The Muromachi Shogunate was established approximately 700 years ago. The Muromachi era was the previous of the Sengoku era. Himeji castle, Hikone castle and Matsumoto castle were the military facilities which were built during the period after the Shogunate's downfall. These castles were made in a period of a switchover of political power. In a sense, the high tension in the atmosphere of this era was the mother of beautiful early modern castles. Hence, they are affected by the collapse of the Shogunate.

And in the next theme named "Arquebus", we explained arquebuses had been imported during the Sengoku era. This era was a time of confusion. So, this new weapon was craved among many Sengoku warriors. If there wasn't the collapse, this weapon was not used in such large quantities.

Arquebus

Then, where is the destination of our exploration searching "Muromachi Shogunate" or the Shogunate at Kyoto? Were there castles in this era? The appearance of "Yamajiro" or mountain fortresses, forerunners of the early modern castles was a little later the Sengoku era continued. Then there weren't castles in the Muromachi era. Accordingly we can't use the keyword "castle" in this article.

Entrance gate of Tenryu-ji

The period when "Muromachi Shogunate" established, many new temples were made simultaneously. Then we can chose the word "temple" especially Zen-temples as the keyword of this article. And many political facilities of the shogunate were also made in this period. We mean old Kyoto was destroyed and the new Kyoto was constructed at the precise moment.

As a matter of fact, Kyoto of these days was reconstructed by the government on a large scale. Many of buildings according to this redevelopment still exist and are famous among tourists. 

We will visit "Tenryu-ji" in Saga-arashiyama area, "Myoushin-ji" in Hanazono area, and "Kinkaku-ji" in Kitayama area. These are very famous among the Zen-temples which were established in this era. 

Bakufu
Edo Shogunate
Muromachi Shogunate
Tenryu-ji (Saga-arashiyama)
Myoushin-ji (Hanazono)
Kinkaku-ji (Kitayama)


Go to Saga-arashiyama

We are going to visit Saga-arashiyama first, because it's the nearest of our selections. Now, "Tenryu-ji" is famous for its beautiful autumn leaves. And also it is famous for the connection with the Muromachi Shogunate. Before starting this story, we will check the way of getting around.

There are several transportation systems from Osaka to Kyoto. If you think "Time is money," you should choose JR railway. But in our opinion, Kyoto is wide enough and each destination has each suitable way to visit. Accordingly, when you visit Saga (the west side of Kyoto), Hankyu private train is the most appropriate system we think. Conversely, if you want to visit Gion (the east side of Kyoto), Keihan private train is more convenient than other railways.   
 

Hankyu-arashiyama station

It's better to choose Hankyu super-express train from Osaka to Saga-arashiyama. Because JR train might be more convenient than other private train systems, on the other side, private train systems are more reasonable.

In conclusion, we choose Hankyu Kyoto Line and Hankyu Arashiyama Line to the Hankyu Arashiyama station. And you can choose a express-train of no additional fare.

Model route is bellow.
 Umeda station (Hankyu station at Osaka) ⇒ (Hankyu Kyoto Line) ⇒ Katsura station⇒ (Hankyu Arashiyama Line) ⇒ Arashiyama station (50 minutes)

You need to transfer at Awaji station in some case, in this instance you spend more time. It depends on the timetable.

How is JR train for comparison?
 Osaka station ⇒ (JR Kyoto Line) ⇒ Kyoto station⇒ (JR Sanin-honsen Line) ⇒ Saga-arashiyama station (50 minutes)

You need to choose the rapid train. In this case, you need no additional fare. When you use the JR railway and choose the right train, you will get to Saga-arashiyama station less than an hour. However, the expense is overrated.


"Tenryu-ji"

Hankyu Arashiyama station is in the south of Katsura river. Then we go up to the north of it. In front of the station, there is a tall mountain and half way up to the mountain is Hourin-ji temple. From its appearance, it looks like a temple with a long and honorable history. But, we have another purpose this time, so, hurry on our way.



Togetsu-kyo bridge

The area to the north side of the river has been beautifully developed. We went across a bridge over a tributary of Katsura river. North side of it is a park. It's good for tourists. One of the reason is there are many lavatories. And another reason is the view of the Togetsu-kyo bridge is very beautiful. If you have a time, you should rest there.

Sign of the bridge

We across the Togetsu-kyo bridge by walking. From the north end of the bridge to "Tenryu-ji" is a famous area where many tourist shops are there. Early in the morning, some shop clerks are preparing shop to open.

There are not so many tourists. We suppose majority of the tourists will come in autumn, because this temple is famous for beautiful autumn leaves. Back to reality, tourists around us are all international. We are very surprised. From Hankyu Arashiyama station to "Tenryu-ji" is 15 minutes or so by walking.



The stone monument of  "Tenryu-ji"

The entrance of "Tenryu-ji" faces the west side of the north-south broadway we are walking. And there is a big stone monument, and on it, calligraphy of the name, "Tenryu-ji" engraved. 

We go along the entrance way to the main building, which is called "Houjo" that is in the deepest place of this temple.

Houjo of "Tenryu-ji"

There are over a dozen of small temples called "Tattyu" along the entrance way. These small temples belong to big temples. We don't know the reason, but we heard that they are residences of people concerned with "Tenryu-ji". 

The entrance gate is at "Kuri" building which is connected with "Houjo" or main building by corridors. "Kuri" building's surface is at a gable roof side. By contrast, facades of other temples are usually parallel to ridges. This style is typical only among "Zen-syu" temples we suppose.

Focusing on its detail, its wide wall is plastered pure white and a symmetrical pattern of pillars and beams makes impressive facade. This pattern is symbolic design of "Kuri". We are going to see a very similar "Kuri" at "Myoushin-ji" a few hours later.

Kuri of "Tenryu-ji"

Kuri of "Myoushin-ji"

To the best of our memory, "Zen-dera" is a temple where Zen sect members learn Buddhism. And very important difference between Zen-buddhisim and other is that they don't need statues of Buddha. For example, "To-ji"temple has many great size of, great many of statues of Buddaha and his surroundings. We don't see any of them in "Tenryu-ji".  

"Sanpai-ryo" or entrance fee (contribution offering); 500yen/1adult (Garden only) or 800yen/1adult (Garden + Houjyo)
Time to enter; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Summer time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
Closed; Random (depend on functions)

It is very important information that temples aren't sightseeing places. We can experience very similar impression, but it's not the same. You should appreciate opportunities to enter these temples. Temples say their opening time "time to enter." not "open" like shops or so.

The contribution offering for a temple is called "Sanpai-ryo" and it's not same as "Nyujyo-ryo" or entrance fee. It's quite same as the entrance fee in reality, however, we hope you understand a little difference in these two words. When Japanese use the word "Sanpai," they respect the place they are going to enter. They behave more gentle and polite. Even though "entrance fee" is the most appropriate translation of "Sanpai-ryo", the Japanese word has a meaning of contribution offering.

We know some Japanese also behave disrespectfully in temples. However, please play gently you are. It's your heaven-sent time, so please have respect for them. You need not to do anything special. When you visit your hometown church, you will respect it. That's same.  

Katsura-gawa river
Arashiyama park
Togetsu-kyo Bridge
Houjyo
Tattyu
Kuri
      
History of "Tenryu-ji"

The Muromachi Shogunate constructed many temples and they were all Zen-dera or the temples of the Zen sect. Especially Tenryu-ji was the memorial one which it made as the first national project.

But there was another reason for the establishment of this temple. This Shogunate was fighting against the political power of Emperor Godaigo at that time. Having said that, Emperor Godaigo was a great hero, so Asikaga Takauji, the founder of the Shogunate decided to mourn by building the new temple for him, when the emperor died. However, this decision was decided by the respect to the great hero.

Wooden statue of Emperor Godaigo

It's very sudden but, please remember a French history. The timing of establishment of Tenryu-ji was a hundred years before the activities of "Joan of Arc". You might be aware that "Joan of Arc" was killed for the reason she was a witch. In old time people believed the existence of witches and witch-huntings even in Europe.

A similar tendency was seen in Japan at the Muromachi era. People believed that evil consequences would cause the world by dead people especially who had the strong political power in their lifetime. So, Ashikaga Takauji was afraid of the power of Emperor Godaigo strongly. That was the true reason he decided to build the temple. 

Garden of "Tenryu-ji"

One more historical placement was that a new ideology of Buddhism was imported from China a little before this era. Ashikaga Takauji and his successors promoted this new ideology, "Zen-syu" monks took some high class positions in the government. They especially assumed political advisers.


Musou Soseki was one of famous garden planner

Building of Tenryu-ji was decided by the strong influence of them. Musou Soseki was one of the political advisers and the most powerful. Then, his advice was played the most important role in the decision.

After being established, this temple has accumulated a history of hardship. Because it was destroyed by fire 8 time which was sometimes accidental reason and other time being caused by wars, for example, the Onin War. And every time it was reconstructed miraculously. So this temple is sometimes compared to a phoenix, an undying and reviving bird. 

Hatto of "Tenryu-ji"

Most of the fire had occurred during the Muromachi period.  And the most recent one was happened in the modern period, approximately 150 years ago. That was caused by a very important historical happening, the Kinmon incident which made almost Kyoto city a burnt-out area. This incident happened a little before the Meiji Restoration. 

We can visit "Houjo," "Kuri" and "Hatto" now. These buildings were completed 120 years ago, and "Syoin" was built only 100 years ago. These buildings are not mature enough, though we find something historically inherited from the Muromachi period. Although the design of them had been changed during of their long history. 

This temple didn't inherit original buildings, however, inherited one another thing. That is a big beautiful garden in the backyard of Houjo. This garden is an original which planned by Musou Soseki who was also a first superintendent of this temple. It has been praised from the very start the construction completed to nowadays.  

Emperor Godaigo
Ashikaga Takauji
Musou Soseki
Onin war
Meiji Resoration
Kinmon incident
Hatto

Matsumoto castle

Matsumoto castle is the most beautiful castle in Japan. There's no comparison among other Japanese castles. And for the visitors from the world, it is also obvious. 

However, this castle doesn't have minimum site for saying a castle area. If we say this, some people would be angry. In Matsumoto castle site, there is a beautiful main tower and a main compound only.

Matsumoto castle main tower

The Matsumoto castle is one of symbolic buildings in Japan. If people select the most symbolic building in Japan, many would recommend this castle. We agree their recommendation, so, we visit it this time.

Castles made in the Sengoku era had the fate to be attacked by the enemy. Then they had many devices, equipment, and buildings to prevent enemy's assaults. If there aren't complexes of defensive equipment, are they really to be "castle"? In the Himeji castle, many remains still exist. So, we agree with the fact that it was only Japanese castle chosen as one of the world heritage sites.

And also we visited the Hikone castle already. This castle lost most of buildings. But, almost site still exist even though peripherals were drained because of development. As for the Hikone castle, we can imagine its huge scale by looking at remains and castle-mountain.

From south side

When we think of the Matsumoto castle, almost all site of it was developed and destroyed. Because it had built in the flat area. There is a part of outer moat at the north-east side of the center compound. And there is a Nino-maru compound in the east of the central compound. However, these things don't help our understanding of the heyday. How large the Matsumoto castle site was?

These things aren't crucial for us. Once more we ask you, is there any castle more beautiful than the Matsumoto castle? 


Go to Matsumoto castle

Matsumoto castle is in Matsumoto city Nagano prefecture. It's 300 kilometers east of Osaka city. We remember Shinshiro city Aichi prefecture where Nagashino castle reside is 200 kilometers from Osaka city. So, we thought we had to prepare well considered itinerary.

If we choose train, the means of transportation becomes the JR train. From Shin-osaka to Nagoya, we can choose Shinkansen, and from Nagoya to Matsumoto a express train "Wide-view Shinano". That'll be the best route we can choose. And, it takes approximately 4 hours and half.

overnight bus

We thought it was the best itinerary we could choose. But, we needed to pay 115 US$ par 1 adult. We thought it would be a little heavy expenses for us.
Consequently, we tried to use an overnight bus. From Osaka JR station to Matsumoto JR station, the fare was 55 US$ par 1 adult. It would be a half of the JR train's fare.

This overnight bus starts Osaka station at 9:40PM, and arrives Matsumoto station at 6:20AM next morning. Then, we need to ride the bus almost 8 hours and 40 minutes. But, we supposed we could take sleep, so if the transit time would be double, it's not so important for us .

Booking of this plan is very easy. We can use the Internet for reservation and pay at convenience stores. If you need immediate response, you can use telephone for reservations. We came up with the conclusion to try the overnight bus.
 
We got on the overnight bus at Shin-osaka bus stop for our personal reason. The fare was same at each bus-stops around Osaka city. The bus stopped several bus-stops around Osaka city and Kyoto station. Then, it finally stopped at a rest area near Kyoto city at 12 p.m. for nature stop. 

After this, the bus was running all night long. At 5 a.m. the next morning, it stopped at a rest area near Matumoto city for another nature stop. After this, the bus stopped at several bus-stops around Matsumoto city. And finally, it stopped at the Matsumoto station at 6:20 a.m..
 

Bus stop of Shin-osaka station


If you are used to getting on overnight buses, it doesn't matter. But, a person in our group spent a very hard night. He explained the situation below. He noticed the distinctive smell of the bus. It was immediately he got on it. Then, he thought it would be a terrible night, and his anxiety came true.

While the bus turned many corners and stopped at intersections, he started to feel sick. Between midnight and early morning, he was troubled with the sounds from the engine and the air conditioner. He couldn't sleep all night. 
 
As a lesson from this incident, when you try a novelty, you should think long and hard. In some cases, your travel will be screwed up. By contrast, some of our friends like traveling on an overnight bus. For the honor of overnight buses, we add this explanation.


Go up to the main tower

In truth, we want to say let's attack Matsumoto castle, but there is only a beautiful main tower surrounded a inner moat. So, we cannot say attack Matsumoto castle this time. If some enemy tried to attack, it would be destroyed soon.

We think this castle wasn't a defensive castle also in its heydays. This castle was made by Hirajiro style. We suppose using this style was a little specific at that period. So, it was made to push itself to other people around its territory. That would be the true reason the load of Matsumoto castle's enormous main tower. 


Map of Matsumoto castle (Matsumoto city HP)

The charm of Matsumoto castle is concentrated in the complex of the main tower. There are full elements, when you explain the beauty of Japanese castles. 

Black walls are represent the atmosphere of the Sengoku era. And the triangle of the three buildings is the biggest attraction of it. These are the main tower, the small tower of "Inui", and "Tatsumi" turret. 

By the way, we read a description of a guidebook why there are few windows on Matsumoto castle. It said this was good for the battle. But, we didn't think this description was true. Many of other castles at that time also have few windows.

Furthermore, Matsumoto castle doesn't have a balcony at the highest floor. That's not good for the battle, but for preventing coldness of this district.

inside is dark

The central compound is surrounded by an inner moat. The width of the southern part is approximately 60 meters. That was because the effective range of general arquebuses was the same. And we heard the depth had been 3 meters. However, we saw the bottom of it very closely. We supposed the depth was approximately half a meter. If it has 3 meters length actually, the rest must be a pile of sediment!

The city area of Matsumoto is in a basin and surrounded by tall mountains all around. Rain that falls in the mountains soaks into the ground. And it comes down to the center of the basin. Then we can see flowing wells in many places of Matsumoto city. And also, some flowing wells are under repair as appropriate sightseeing spots recently. We come to think of that the moats of Matsumoto castle don't depend on rivers but these flowing wells.

Kuro-mon

We entered the central compound from the gate named "Kuro-mon" or the black gate. Unfortunately, this gate isn't original. It was reconstructed in 1960. Kuro-mon gate, a small gate belonged and earthen walls surrounds the entrance area consist the defensive formation called "Masugata".

Masugata formation of the gate was adopted almost all castles at that era. And it was considered as the most defensive construction at the entrance device. We couldn't enter the inside of Kuro-mon. There was the residence (or palace) of the lord In the central compound when this castle was made.
But the fire destroyed it in 1727. And after 1727, they didn't reconstruct their residence there and they used this area as a garden. 

Nothing but the main tower

As soon as we entered the inner space, we saw the main tower in front of our sight firstly. Nothing but the main tower is there. We were overwhelmed by the great force. Famous aspect of the main tower is the south side over the inner moat, and we used to see it too many times. However, we didn't use to see this side of it. It was also splendid.

Going to the main tower along a passage of the north side, we walked to the center compound almost half around. The entrance is between the center tower and the small side tower named "Inui-syoutensyu" or north-west small tower.

We went up to "Inui-syoutensyu" first. And moved to the center tower, and went up to the top floor. After that, went down to another small tower named "Tatsumi-tsukeyagura" or south-east turret. From there on, beautiful kind of viewing platform called Tsukimi yagura or turret for viewing the moon is there. Under the viewing floor is a exit. All we could do is touring this main tower. So, we felt a lack a little. 

 

Periphery

There is another compound named "Ninomaru" at the east of the central compound. There is a vestige of another residence named "Ninomaru-goten" in it, formerly second residence of the lords. And also this residence was destroyed by another fire in the Meiji period. No wooden building is remained and only brick mark of the residential area on the ground. If you are good historian, you may understand how the residence is, but ….

Taiko-mon

East side of Ninomaru compound is faced to an outer moat, and there is another gate named "Taiko-mon" or drum gate. This gate was reconstructed in 1999. It is only building in this compound. What's more we also couldn't enter it.  So, we are unsatisfied a little more.

outer moat

By the brochure description, there had been some battle towers somewhere, but we couldn't find any signs. Furthermore, there had been threefold moats and many gates. We couldn't see too.


The south area of the main tower is a huge park. Tourists take a short rest and have a relaxing time before or after entering the main tower. Adding one more thing, it's a little wasteful because it's only for this purpose. We should use this space for aother purpose.

At the corner of the park, "Matsumoto city museum" is there. That's a very common museum, many this and that. We think it's a pity.

Finally, we want to say as a "Osiro-freak", it's a shame only one spot there, even though it's the most beautiful Japanese castle. We want to find more. We came to think of one suggestion about "Matsumoto city museum". While this huge building is there, we hope to be used for Matsumoto castle.

For example, making a one-fifth model in cross section of the main tower. It will be 6 meters high, because main tower has 29.4 meters hight. It'll bring surprise. Furthermore, we want to see the full compound area model under wide pellucid full-floor. Then we can walk around where we want and see every building from a perspective of "Drone" machine.

What's this monument?

400 meters south of Matsumoto castle, there is "Metoba river". This river was the southern end of castle wide-compound. Between this river and "Yohasira shrine" is "Nawate street".

Nawate street

There are many interesting shops. And many tourists visit there especially Sundays. We wonder this is a symbol of this street?

Arquebus 3

Nagashino battle standard festival

"Nagashino battle standard festival" started half-century and a few years ago. It might belong to the category of new ones just getting started.

We don't think this festival is famous around Japan. Neither not famous among international tourists. If someone already knows, he might be a big fan of Japanese festivals or he lives near "Nagashino" town now.



Nagashino battle standard festival

And, you need one more information. If you don't know the Battle of Nagashino in 1575, it's difficult to understand why Arquebuses are fired in this festival so many. Many fake Samurai warriors wearing armors gather in this festival site. They are who belong to several Arquebus-shooting groups and these groups play shooting-performances of Arquebuses all day long. Because this festival features the Battle of Nagashino, the battle Arquebuses played a very important role.

To say precisely, the incident drawn on "the folding screen of the Battle of Nagashino" wasn't happened here. Because this famous battle happened at the two main battle-fields. And the Nagashino castle was one of them which is the event site of this festival, however, the battle drawn on the folding screen happened at another battle-field.

Strands are everywhere

This battle separated to the former part and the later part. The former part was the siege of Nagashino castle, and the later part was the field-operations at Shitaragahara. In this field-operations, guns were used collectively never before. As a result, this tactics became very famous. However, that is another story.



Nagashino castle ruins

Now, we would like to look back over the history of Arquebuses quickly. The principle of matchlock guns was invented in China. But, practical invention was attained by some Europeans. By the description of an European historian, matchlock's anchor-hold and mobile-power weren't so superb than other traditional ordinary weapons first.

Nevertheless Europeans improved and refined their new weapon for many years. And, finally they made this new weapon assuring safe operation.
Why they put up with the inconvenience? That's because when this weapon was used, the user army troops needed less further extra practice to put into real battle field. When some army troops brought up their new arrow-soldiers, they needed a few years. By contrast, to bring up musket-soldiers, they only needed a few days!

Opening ceremony (shinshiro city HP)

On the contrary, Japanese didn't understand this most important point of using musket guns. Unexpectedly, they established new Budo named Hou-jyutsu. They chose the way of practicing new musket-soldiers in which they spent long and strict time until the completion of their study. If the battles continued, this decision was denied by the employers. However, battles were over so the decision was agreed.

Japanese couldn't improve musket's power in the technical aspect. Then they developed their weapons strangely. For example, they thickened the body to improve the power. The result showed that musket-soldiers had to bring very heavy muskets and they could not move quickly. So, some soldiers couldn't operate these weapons. As for the operations they had to practice their physical strength and used weapons with predefined actions.

Performance of Arquebuses

"Yonezawa-han Koshiki-jyu Hozonkai" is a group of the descendants of Yonezawa-han's Houjyutsu-ka, who attend this festival over half a century. Their special Arquebuses are over 20 kilograms. Furthermore, reaction force are awful as strong as the power to make shooter's shoulders broken when they don't behave correct performance.

Big size Arquebus (Shinshiro city HP)

We think these Arquebuses aren't useful for the action in the real battle field. However, their ancestors used these weapons in the very famous war named "the Siege of Osaka castle" in 1615.

Practicing of their physical performances and having great passion are behind the performance. It is very typical Japanese approach.


The venue and the festival schedule

We're sorry to do a little top-heavy explanation. Let's go to the festival place.
The main event site is Nagasino castle ruins. It's in Shinshiro-city Aichi-prefecture, same as "Shitaragahara historical museum". The traffic route is also same, you should ride 2 more stations, and you can arrive the place named "Nagashino-jo".

Running in board

The distance from the station to the event site is approximately 10 minutes by walk. You attend the festival now, then you can follow other audiences of the festival. You may reach the event site easily.

Festival schedule is below.
It's almost same every year.

The date of the festival   May 5th
Relevant events are held on May 3rd and 4th, but performances of Arquebuses are only 5th.

"Kattsen-Gyoretsu" or the parade   9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Many attendees wear fake Samurai battle armors   

Only some votaries and local people go to see the parade, and other people wait the arrival of the parade at the event site. 

Performance of Arquebuses 1   9:30 a.m. to 10:00 am
This is the event for the people wait the starting ceremony.

We tried to visit there at the starting time of  this performance, but it's too difficult to make this timing. Because, you have to ride JR local train from Toyohashi-station to Nagashinojyo-station for approximately 1 hour. You may ride a train at Toyohashi-station around 8:30 a.m.. Accordingly, you have to leave Osaka-station very early in the morning.



Kassen-gyoretsu (Shinshiro city HP)

Ceremony   10:45 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.

Performance of Arquebuses 2   11:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Performance of Arquebuses 3   12:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Performance of Japanese Archery by wearing battle armors   12:30 a.m. to 01:00 p.m.

Performance of Arquebuses 4   01:20 p.m. to 01:50 p.m.

Performance of Arquebuses 5   01:50 p.m. to 02:20 p.m.

Performance of Arquebuses 6   02:30 p.m. to 03:00 p.m.  And, Finishing of the festival

Scenes of Ceremony

Performance of Arquebuses

This festival is featuring the battle famous for the big success of Arquebuses. Therefore, almost all performances are shootings. The performances are held 6 times by next 3 groups 2 times each.

"Nihon Zensoujyu-shageki Renmei"
or Japan muzzle-laders associations committee

"Yonezawa-han Koshiki-jyu Hozonkai"
or the traditional gun-performance association of the feudal domain of Yonezawa
 
"Nagashino Shitaragahara Teppou-tai"
or the musket troops of Nagashino and Shitaragahara region

 Today's event site isn't wide enough, so musket troopers separated small groups. Whole members unison-firing weresn't practiced.

On the other hand, we had seen about 10 troopers unison-firing at another festival of Okazaki-city. Compare with it, today's festival was held at closer range than Okazaki-city's. We felt strong live feeling by tremendous gun-sound! 

Performance of archers

Between 3rd performance of shooting and 4th, archer's performance was demonstrated. Archers released arrows practically. Besides, musket-gunmen didn't fire true bullets. Taking these things into consideration, we preferred to archer's performance instead.

Furthermore, musket-gunmen seemed to use kind of modern contraptions, that hadn't existed in the Sengoku era. Even that small difference made us spoiled the fun of Arquebuses.

2 to 3 minutes were necessary for musket-gunmen to prepare the next firing, even though they used such kind of modern contraptions.

They performe wearing armors

For archers, only bows and arrows were necessary in the battle field. But, for musket-gunmen, muskets and bullets were not only necessities, they needed other many little items, for example fire starters, gunpowder cases and so on.

items necessary for gun shooting

Each item was not so difficult to handle, but if you forgot to bring, dropped, or broke them, you couldn't fire your musket. Thus, musket-gunmen sharpened these items and came up with using the skills not to fail in the battle fields. However, the idle time after the first shot to the next wasn't shortened by their innovations.

We could meet performers by chance

By contrast, less than 30 seconds were needed for archers to switch places with the first group and the second one. And also there were no idle time between the first shot and the next in their unison-releasing. The targets were soon filled with arrows. However, the distance to the target was only 20 meters. So, we supposed the conditions were a little advantageous for archers.

We could see armored people closely

The event site was an empty space where was filled with the carpet of green grass and no buildings. There were only performers and audience. Gentle breezes and mild weather made us satisfied. It was a really beautiful festival day!