5 samurai sites in Japan that inspired the story behind ‘Shogun’

The story begins with English navigator John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) in poor condition as his ship and crew are marooned on the coast of a small Japanese fishing village. Blackthorne’s character is based on the story of William Adams, a navigator who was the first Englishman to reach Japan.

In the new series adaptation of ‘Shogun’, and in James Clavell’s original novel, the village that Blackthorne washes up to is a place called Ajiro in Izu province. Adams, aka the real Miura Anjin (as he's known in Japan), however, made landfall in Usuki, Oita prefecture, an area that was known as Bungo at the time.

The small fishing village of Ajiro made an ideal setting for Clavell’s story as it was perfectly situated halfway between Edo-Tokyo and Osaka. However, if you want the real samurai locale depicted in the opening episode of the series, you should plan a trip to Oita prefecture instead.

Records indicate that Adams originally landed on Kuroshima, a tiny island off Usuki’s coast. The town celebrates the anniversary of the arrival of his ship, the Liefde, every year and exhibits a model of the vessel at Usuki City Hall.

Usuki Castle, built in 1562 and pivotal in the town's history, endured numerous power struggles and wars over the ensuing years. Despite changing hands among various clans and warlords, some remnants of the castle still stand today. As referenced in Clavell's novel and the 'Shogun' series adaptation, the complex had a strong Christian influence for a time, with records by Portuguese missionary Luis Frois relating that there were many Christian facilities built near the castle and even a chapel within the castle itself. 

Near the castle’s western moat lies the Nioza Historical Road, where beautifully preserved buildings that housed samurai over 400 years ago can still be visited.

Shortly after his arrival in Japan, Adams was sent to Osaka on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu (Ieyasu was the model for Toranaga, Hiroyuki Sanada's character in 'Shogun'). Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most famous landmarks, has a rich history tied closely to the tumultuous period of the country’s unification in the late 16th century. Construction of the fortress began in 1583 under Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan's great unifiers. By 1599, the year following Hideyoshi's death, Osaka Castle was not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of Toyotomi power, featuring immense stone walls and a five-storey main keep.

The period from 1599 to 1602 was crucial for Osaka Castle, as the stronghold transitioned from the hands of the Toyotomi clan to becoming a focal point in the power struggle that ensued after Hideyoshi's demise. Hideyoshi's heir, Toyotomi Hideyori, was still a child, and regents were appointed to govern in his stead, leading to political instability. This era was marked by intrigue and plotting among Japan’s powerful daimyos, notably Tokugawa Ieyasu, who would eventually establish his shogunate after defeating the Toyotomi forces.

Azuchi Castle, once the seat of power in Japan, was an impressive fortress built during the Warring States period by the warlord Oda Nobunaga, who was the first samurai to unite Japan and is the model for the Kuroda character in ‘Shogun’. In the story, it later becomes the residence of Akechi Jinsai and his family after they pledge their loyalty to Kuroda. The castle is portrayed as not just a military stronghold but also a lavish home where Kuroda and Akechi's daughters, Ruri and Mariko, grow up. They spend their days engaging in educational activities and training in martial arts within the castle’s opulent gardens.

Both in ‘Shogun’ and in real life, Azuchi Castle was strategically located atop a mountain overlooking a lake, accessible only by samurai on horseback, symbolising its builder’s immense power. The structure itself was a spectacle, with a striking tower adorned with black lacquer and colourful embellishments, gold paintings, and gilded pillars. This architectural marvel stood as a testament to power and to the aesthetic sensibilities of its era, making it a significant cultural and political landmark in Japan’s history.

Very little of the original castle remains at its site, high on a hill overlooking Lake Biwa in Shiga prefecture, but a reproduction of the keep can be taken in at Ise Sengoku Village, a samurai theme park near Ise.

In ‘Shogun’s’ fictional portrayal, Osaka serves as a major trading hub with the presence of the iconic Portuguese Black Ship – a deviation from actual history as European trade with Japan at the time was centred on Nagasaki, not Osaka.

Historically, the Portuguese Black Ship sailed annually from Macao to Nagasaki, chosen for its protected bay and proximity to China – significantly closer than Osaka. In reality, the city of Osaka was located inland along the Yodo River, necessitating large sea-bound vessels to anchor at Denpo, near the river’s mouth. Cargo was then transferred to smaller ships that travelled upstream to the city. This setup reflected the logistical challenges of the time, as Japan did not have modern ports with wharves. Instead, small boats were used to move goods and passengers to the land from large ships anchored offshore.

Edo, initially a small fishing town, transformed dramatically under the governance of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was given the area during his rivalry with the Taiko amidst Japan's power struggles. Tasked with establishing a new stronghold after failing to defeat the Taiko, Ieyasu converted Edo from a swampy region into a burgeoning city (which later became present-day Tokyo).

Within a decade, its potential as a major urban and trading hub became evident. The city expanded rapidly, with active construction, growing farmlands, and a thriving merchant area. Unlike the opulent castles of Azuchi or Osaka, Edo Castle was stark and functional, reflecting Ieyasu’s focus on strategic growth rather than lavish decoration. This utilitarian approach extended to the city's infrastructure, prioritizing economic and defensive capabilities.

The former site of Edo Castle is now occupied by the Tokyo Imperial Palace, where the Japanese royal family resides. Most of the grounds are off limits to visitors, but you can join a guided tour of a few inner structures if you apply in advance.