With its real feudal-era castle registered as a National Treasure of Japan, discover the city and its castle’s history intrinsically linked to the Samurai history and experience for yourself this ancestral fighting art.  Samurai Spirit Everyone has heard of samurai, the loyal warriors of Japanese lore who wielded their sense of honor with as much skill as they did their swords. But few know of the Ogasawara clan, 12th Century progenitors of samurai technique and etiquette that won them the highest favor of both shogun and emperor. Sent by the shogun to rule Fukashi, the region now known as Matsumoto, the Ogasawara clan established a samurai spirit that still lingers in the air of … Continue reading History and Samurai