History Omakase

Sources

How to follow the evidence and identify the images behind a reading.

Start with the reading's notes

Source notes belong with the passages they support. Look for the notes and references within a reading for the relevant works, authors, page references or collection records.

A source may be a surviving document, a later chronicle, an archaeological report or a modern historian's interpretation. These offer different kinds of evidence. A later account can tell us about a story's reception without establishing every detail of the original event.

Read the limits as well as the claim

Notes may identify a disputed interpretation, uncertain dating or reliance on an accessible summary rather than a complete original work. Those limits matter when deciding what a passage can establish.

In Relationships, evidence grades help distinguish the support behind a connection. Read the evidence description alongside the grade.

Images, objects and illustrations

Look beside an image, in its caption or in the reading's image information for its creator, collection, source and rights information where supplied. An object's date and the period discussed in the reading may be different.

Interpretive illustrations help explain a setting or relationship. They should be read alongside the text and captions, rather than treated as surviving eyewitness images.

Big Questions image credits

Topic images include contextual historical objects and scenes. They do not necessarily depict the specific transaction or incident described in an article. Existing Japan Essentials image credits remain below.

Weather chart, 1 March 1883 — Arai Ikunosuke / Japan Meteorological Agency. Source · Public domain. Original image; responsive display cropping.
Andon, Utagawa Kunisada, 1830 — Utagawa Kunisada / Library of Congress. Source · Public domain. Original image; responsive display cropping.
Former Nara Prison — Otraff. Source · CC BY-SA 3.0. Original image; responsive display cropping.
Jewel of the Seashore, Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Source · Public domain. Original image; responsive display cropping.

Photo credits

Source images, photographers and available license information for city and place photography are collected below.

View photo credits (246)

Asuka–FujiwaraWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Beppu CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
BiratoriWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Aizuwakamatsu CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Fujisawa CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
ChihayaakasakaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Dazaifu CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Fukuoka CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
HakoneWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
CITY-JP-GIFUWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Hagi CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Hakodate CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Hikone CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Himeji CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
CITY-JP-HIROSAKIWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
HiraizumiWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Ise CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
IkarugaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Hiroshima CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Izunokuni CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kagoshima CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kanazawa CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kamakura CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Karatsu CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kawagoe CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kochi CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kobe CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kii Sacred SitesWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-KOMAKI-NAGAKUTE`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-KUNI-SHIGARAKI-NANIWA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kumamoto CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
KoshuWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Makinohara CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kyoto CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Matsue CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Matsumoto CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
MiyajimaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
MinamishimabaraWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
MinobuWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Matsuyama CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Nagasaki CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
MukoWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-NAGANO`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
CITY-JP-NAHAWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-NIKKO`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-NAGAHAMA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Nagoya CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-NARA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-ODAWARA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-OKAYAMA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-OKEHAZAMA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-OBUSE`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-OKI-AMA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Osaka CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-OMIHACHIMAN`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-OSHU-HIRAIZUMI`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Otaru CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-RITTO`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-OTSU`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-OYAMAZAKI`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-SAGA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-SADO`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Sapporo CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-SAKAI`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-SAWARA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-SENDAI`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-SHIMONOSEKI`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-SEKIGAHARA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-SHIRAOI`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-SHIRAKAWA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-TAKAMATSU`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-SHINSHIRO`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-TOMIOKA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-TOBA-SHIMA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-TAKAYAMA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-TSUMAGOI`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-TSUKUBA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Tokyo CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-UJI`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-TSURUGA-FUKUI`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-WAKAYAMA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-USA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
City ID: `CITY-JP-YAEYAMA`Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
CITY-JP-YAKUSHIMAWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
CITY-JP-YAMAGATAWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
CITY-JP-YOKOSUKAWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
CITY-JP-YOSHINOWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Yokohama CityWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Beppu Onsen and the Hot-Spring City / 別府温泉都市史Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Asuka and Fujiwara: Ancient Capitals / 飛鳥・藤原の宮都Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Mount Iimori–Byakkotai SitesWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Chihaya-Akasaka and Chihaya Castle RuinsWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Tsuruga Castle / 鶴ヶ城Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Nibutani Ainu Cultural Landscape / アイヌの伝統と近代開拓による沙流川流域の文化的景観Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Dazaifu Tenmangū / 太宰府天満宮Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Dazaifu Government Office Ruins / 大宰府政庁跡Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Hakata Bay Genkō Bōrui / 博多湾元寇防塁Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Ryūkō-ji and the Tatsunokuchi Persecution Site / 龍口寺・龍ノ口法難Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Gifu Castle and Mount KinkaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Hagi: Shokasonjuku and the Castle TownWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Hikone Castle and Umoregi-no-yaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Hakodate Motomachi Churches and HekketsuhiWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Goryōkaku / 五稜郭Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Hakone Sekisho / 箱根関所Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Hirosaki Castle / 弘前城Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Hiroshima Castle–Imperial General Headquarters SiteWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Himeji Castle / 姫路城Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Chūson-ji / 中尊寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Hōryū-ji / 法隆寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Ise Jingū: Naikū / 皇大神宮（内宮）Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Sengan-en / 仙巌園Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Great Buddha of KamakuraWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Hōjō Clan Tokiwa Residence RuinsWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Inamuragasaki and the 1333 Kamakura Attack RouteWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangū / 鶴岡八幡宮Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kenchō-jiWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kamakura Hokkedō–Hōjō Political Sites AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Hizen Nagoya Castle Ruins / 肥前名護屋城跡Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kōyasan to Kumano: Sacred Sites of the Kii MountainsWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kawagoe / 川越Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kanazawa Castle / 金沢城Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kobe Naval Training Center SiteWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Minatogawa Shrine–Minatogawa Battlefield / 湊川神社・湊川古戦場Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Ichi-no-Tani BattlefieldWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Owada-no-tomari and Kobe Port / 大輪田泊から神戸港へWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kōchi Freedom and People's Rights Memorial / Itagaki AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kōchi Castle / 高知城Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Komaki–Nagakute Battlefield / 小牧・長久手古戦場Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kuni-kyō–Shigaraki Palace–Naniwa Palace Relocation JourneyWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Takeda Clan Residence–Kōshū Conquest SitesWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Daitoku-ji–Jukō-inWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kumamoto Castle / 熊本城Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Daikaku-ji / 大覚寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Fushimi-Momoyama Castle Historic AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Honno-ji: Original Site and Present Temple / 本能寺旧址・現本能寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Ginkaku-ji and the Higashiyama Villa / 銀閣寺・東山山荘Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Fushimi TeradayaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kitano Tenmangū / 北野天満宮Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Jakkō-in, ŌharaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Imakumano / Shin-Kumano Shrine / 新熊野神社Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Iwakura Tomomi's Secluded Residence / 岩倉具視幽棲旧宅Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kiyomizu-dera / 清水寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kinkaku-ji / 金閣寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Mibu–Ikedaya Bakumatsu Historic AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Murin-an / 無鄰菴Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Ōmiya SiteWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Nijō Castle / 二条城Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kyoto Imperial Palace / 京都御所Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Nishijin–Kamigoryō Ōnin War Historic AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Sanjūsangen-dō–Hōjūji-dono Historic Area / 三十三間堂・法住寺殿Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Rokuharamitsu-ji–Rokuhara Tandai Historic AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Rozan-ji and the Murasaki Shikibu Grave Area / 廬山寺・紫式部墓所Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Tenryū-ji / 天龍寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Shōkoku-ji / 相国寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Tō-ji / 東寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Ryōan-ji / 龍安寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Toba-Fushimi Battlefield / 鳥羽・伏見の戦跡Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Sagara Castle Ruins / 相良城跡Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Matsuyama Castle / 松山城Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Matsue Castle / 松江城Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Minobusan Kuon-ji / 身延山久遠寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Matsumoto Castle / 松本城Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Shiki-do and Matsuyama City Shiki Memorial Museum / 子規堂・松山市立子規記念博物館Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Hara Castle Ruins / 原城跡Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Itsukushima Shrine / 嚴島神社Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Shizugatake Battlefield / 賤ヶ岳古戦場Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Nagaoka-kyō Capital Site / 長岡京跡Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Matsushiro Sakuma Shōzan Historic AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Zenkō-ji / 善光寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Glover GardenWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Dejima / 出島Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Ōura Cathedral and Minamiyamate Foreign SettlementWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kameyama Shachū and Ryōma's NagasakiWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Takashima Coal Mine Hokkei Shaft / 高島炭坑北渓井坑跡Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Shuri Castle / 首里城Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Shikina-enWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Nagoya Castle / 名古屋城Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
TamaudunWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kōfuku-ji / 興福寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Hokke-ji / 法華寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Heijō Palace Site / 平城宮跡Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Yakushi-ji / 薬師寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Tōdai-ji_Kon-dō.jpg · Wiiii · CC BY-SA 3.0Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Tōshōdai-ji / 唐招提寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Saidai-ji / 西大寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Nikkō Tōshōgū / 日光東照宮Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Obuse: Hokusai Museum and Ganshō-inWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Ishibashiyama BattlefieldWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Ashio Copper Mine Historic Area / 足尾銅山歴史地区Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Oki: Go-Toba-in Museum and Related Exile SitesWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Okayama Kōrakuen Garden / 岡山後楽園Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Odawara Castle / 小田原城Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Dōtonbori Theater History AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Azuchi Castle Ruins / 安土城跡Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Okehazama Battlefield / 桶狭間古戦場Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Ishiyama Hongan-ji SiteWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Osaka Castle / 大阪城Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Hieizan Enryaku-ji / 比叡山延暦寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Shitennō-ji / 四天王寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Otaru Port–Rail–Warehouse Historic AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Mount Tennōzan–Yamazaki Battlefield / 天王山・山崎古戦場Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Magari-no-Jin Ruins / 鈎の陣跡Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Ōkuma Shigenobu Memorial Museum / Saga Castle Reform AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Sado: Zeami Exile and Noh Heritage AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Sapporo Clock TowerWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Sakai: Sen no Rikyū and Tea Culture Historic AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Sawara: Inō Tadataka Residence and Memorial Museum / 佐原・伊能忠敬旧宅／伊能忠敬記念館Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Sekigahara Battlefield / 関ケ原古戦場Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Zuihōden / 瑞鳳殿Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Former Hokkaidō Government Office–Kaitakushi Sapporo Heritage AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Dan-no-ura / 壇ノ浦Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Shirakawa Komine CastleWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Shimonoseki Chōshū War Historic AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Nagashino–Shitaragahara Battlefield / 長篠・設楽原古戦場Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Shunpūrō and the Sino-Japanese Peace Memorial HallWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park / ウポポイ（民族共生象徴空間）Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Takamatsu Castle (Tamamo Park) / 高松城跡（玉藻公園）Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Yashima BattlefieldWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Takayama Old Town / 高山古い町並Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Edo Castle and the Imperial Palace East Gardens / 江戸城・皇居東御苑Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Mikimoto Pearl Island and the Toba Pearl Cultivation LandscapeWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kan'ei-ji–Ueno Historic AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Fukagawa Bashō-an–Bashō Memorial Museum / 深川芭蕉庵跡・芭蕉記念館Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Keiō Gijuku Mita Historic AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kioizaka Site of Ōkubo Toshimichi's Assassination / 紀尾井坂大久保利通受難地Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Koishikawa Yōjōsho–Koishikawa Botanical GardenWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kozukappara Execution Ground–Ekō-in / 小塚原刑場跡・回向院Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Zōjō-ji / 増上寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Sumida Hokusai Historic AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Nihonbashi / 日本橋Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Waseda University Ōkuma Historic AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Yushima SeidōWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Mount Asama–Kanbara Kannon-dō Tenmei Eruption Area / 浅間山・鎌原観音堂（天明三年浅間やけ遺跡）Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Tomioka Silk Mill / 富岡製糸場Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Oda Castle Ruins / 小田城跡Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Usa Jingu / 宇佐神宮Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Kanegasaki Castle–Fujishima Shrine Historical Line / 金ヶ崎城跡・藤島神社Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Byōdō-in / 平等院Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Wakayama Castle / 和歌山城Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Yaeyama Historical Systems / 八重山歴史システムWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Yokohama Port-Opening Historic AreaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Risshaku-ji (Yamadera) / 宝珠山立石寺Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Yakushima Forest History / 屋久島森林史ジャーニーWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Yokosuka Naval Port–Battleship MikasaWebsite image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Yoshino and the Southern Court / 吉野・南朝Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.
Uraga and Kurihama / 浦賀・久里浜Website image: oriented and resized from the registry-approved source; responsive framing preserves the selected subject.

Japan Essentials

Historical sources and museum records accompany the relevant reading units in Japan Essentials.

Maps

Selected maps use GSHHG coastline data. Attribution, licenses and the corresponding drawing source are available below.

Using and correcting the material

Third-party images and source material retain their own credits and rights. Consult the individual source record or license for reuse terms.

If you notice an error or a missing credit, contact us with the page address, the passage or image concerned, and a supporting reference if available.

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