Nagoya, Japan's third largest city, is the true center of the Tokugawa family's heritage. It was here, in the Aichi region, that the Tokugawa family lands were located, and Ieyasu himself, the founder of the dynasty, was born nearby, at Okazaki Castle. Today, Nagoya offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history and culture of this powerful family through two key sites: Tokugawa Park and the Tokugawa Art Museum.

Tokugawa Park (Tokugawa-en) is a place of stunning beauty and tranquility, and is an excellent example of a traditional Japanese garden. Located in the eastern part of Nagoya, it covers an impressive area of about 44 hectares. Its history dates back to the 17th century, when the area belonged to the Owari residence, one of the three main branches of the Tokugawa family. The garden was designed according to the principles of traditional Japanese horticultural art, where each element has its own meaning and purpose.

Strolling through the park's alleys, one can admire the carefully planned landscape with a central pond around which picturesque bridges, tea pavilions and traditional stone lanterns have been arranged. Particularly charming are the flowering cherry trees (sakura) in spring and the maple trees that take on intense red colors in autumn. The park changes its face with the seasons, offering a different, equally fascinating experience each time.

One of the garden's most distinctive features is the Ryusenko-tei pavilion, located on the banks of a pond that once served as a tea ceremony venue for members of the Tokugawa family. Today, visitors can relax here and sip traditional Japanese tea while enjoying the tranquil water surface and surrounding greenery. The park also offers numerous walking paths that lead through bamboo groves, past waterfalls and over scenic hills, providing opportunities for contemplation and tranquility.

It is worth noting that Tokugawa Park was destroyed during World War II, and its current shape is the result of careful reconstruction carried out in the 1970s. Nevertheless, it has managed to preserve the authentic character of the place, which faithfully captures the spirit of the Edo period. The price of admission to the park is affordable, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. The park is open year-round, although opening hours may vary depending on the season.

Just steps away from Tokugawa Park is the Tokugawa Art Museum, which is a true treasure trove of the family's cultural heritage. The museum was founded in 1935 and is housed in a building that combines elements of traditional Japanese architecture with modern features. The museum's collection includes more than 10,000 artifacts, much of which are family treasures of the Tokugawa family, passed down from generation to generation.

Among the most valuable holdings is an original copy of the 'Tale of Prince Genji' (Genji Monogatari) from the 12th century, believed to be the oldest surviving illustrated version of this classic Japanese novel. The museum also has an impressive collection of samurai weapons and armor, including personal items belonging to Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder of the dynasty. Here you can admire swords of the highest quality, elaborately decorated armor and everyday objects of the family members.

A separate part of the collection consists of works of art related to the tea ceremony, including precious ceramic vessels, laka objects and calligraphy. The museum also displays an extensive collection of kimonos, paintings, scrolls and other art objects that provide insight into the aesthetics and daily life of the aristocracy during the Edo period.

The Tokugawa Art Museum regularly holds thematic exhibitions that provide a deeper insight into various aspects of Japanese culture and history under Tokugawa rule. The price of tickets is slightly higher than that of the park, but fully justified by the value of the collections on display. For those interested in the history and art of Japan, a visit to this museum is an absolute must.

When traveling in the footsteps of the Tokugawa family, it is impossible to miss the places directly related to its founder - Ieyasu Tokugawa, one of the most important figures in Japanese history. His life and activities have left an indelible mark on the country's cultural landscape, and the places associated with him are fascinating sites for history buffs today.

One such site is the 'Site of Tokugawa Ieyasu's Final Encampment' located in Sekigahara, Gifu Prefecture. It was here, on October 21, 1600, that the decisive battle that opened the way for Ieyasu to rule all of Japan took place. The Battle of Sekigahara is considered one of the most important turning points in the country's history - a clash that ended a period of civil wars and ushered in more than 250 years of peace under the Tokugawa family.

Today the site is a historical park, where you can see the remains of the encampment from which Ieyasu commanded his troops. The area is well marked, with information boards describing the battle and the strategy employed by Tokugawa. Particularly interesting is the vantage point from which one can cover the entire battlefield with one's eyes and better understand the course of the battle. The park also has a small museum displaying artifacts related to the battle, including weapons, armor and documents from the era.

The atmosphere of the place is unique - walking through the now peaceful grounds, it's hard to imagine that more than 400 years ago one of the bloodiest battles in Japanese history took place here, involving some 160,000 warriors. For lovers of military history and samurai culture, a visit to Sekigahara is an absolute must. The site, although not as spectacular as castles or temples, has great symbolic significance and allows you to better understand the historical context of the rise of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

It is worth noting that Sekigahara is relatively far away from the main tourist routes, which makes it not crowded and allows for a quiet visit. Ticket prices are affordable, and the town itself also offers other attractions related to the battle, including annual historical reenactments held around the anniversary of the clash.

Another fascinating site associated with the Tokugawa family is Tokugawa Village (Tokugawa Village) in Tokyo. Unlike Sekigahara, which focuses on the military aspects of the Tokugawa legacy, this village allows you to immerse yourself in the daily life of the Edo era. Located in the Toshima district, it is a reconstruction of a traditional Japanese village from the Tokugawa shogunate period.

Tokugawa Village is a complex of historic buildings that have been carefully recreated or relocated from other parts of Japan. Here you can see the traditional dwellings of different social classes - from humble farmers' huts to elegant samurai mansions. Each building is furnished with authentic or faithfully reproduced furniture and everyday objects, giving you a better understanding of what life was like in Japan before modernization.

Of particular interest are the craft workshops, where you can observe traditional techniques for making washi paper, ceramics, textiles or tools. In some cases, there is an opportunity to participate in demonstrations or try these techniques yourself under the guidance of experienced craftsmen. The village also offers educational programs on traditional Japanese cuisine, tea ceremony or calligraphy.

Tokugawa Village regularly holds themed events related to traditional Japanese holidays and festivals, further enriching the visitor's experience. You can see demonstrations of traditional dances, kabuki theater performances or martial arts demonstrations. Ticket prices are moderate, and special programs and workshops are available for families with children.

It is worth noting that although Tokugawa Village is a reconstruction and not an original historical site, it has been created with great attention to detail and authenticity. For those interested in daily life during the Edo period, it is an excellent complement to the knowledge gained in museums or while visiting castles and temples. It is also a great option for families with children, who can learn about Japanese history and culture here in an interactive way.

The Tokugawa era is inextricably linked to Edo, the former name of Tokyo, which was the political center of Japan and the seat of the shoguns for more than 250 years. Today, despite the intensive modernization and development of the metropolis, traces of Tokugawa power can still be found in the heart of the Japanese capital.

The most important of these traces is undoubtedly the Edo Castle Ruins (Edo Castle Ruins), now known as the Imperial Palace. Edo Castle was the largest fortress of feudal Japan and a symbol of the power of the Tokugawa shogunate. Construction began in 1457, but it was under the Tokugawa regime, beginning with Ieyasu, that the castle reached its greatest size and splendor. In its heyday, the castle complex covered a huge area, was surrounded by massive walls and moats, and included dozens of watchtowers and gates.

Today, most of the original buildings no longer exist - the castle was partially destroyed by fires during the Edo period and later during bombing in World War II. However, impressive stone walls, moats and some gates have survived, giving an idea of the scale and power of the former fortress. Particularly impressive is the Nijubashi Gate, leading to the inner palace complex, and the massive stone walls of Otemon and Hirakawamon.

The grounds of the former Edo castle are now part of the East Garden of the Imperial Palace (Kokyo Higashi Gyoen), which is open to the public. Walking through the garden, visitors can admire the remains of the foundations of former castle buildings, including the shogun's residence. The grounds also feature information boards with plans and reconstructions to help you imagine what the castle looked like during its heyday.

It is worth noting that admission to the East Garden is free, making it accessible to anyone interested in history. The garden is open most days of the year, with the exception of Mondays, Fridays and some public holidays. Due to its central location in Tokyo, it is easily accessible and is an excellent starting point for further exploration of the city.

In addition to the castle itself, Tokyo is home to many other sites associated with the Edo period and the Tokugawa family. The Asakusa district has preserved many elements of traditional architecture and urban layout from the shogunate era, and Sensoji Temple was an important place of worship during the Edo period as well. The Edo-Tokyo Museum displays a rich collection of artifacts related to daily life, culture and art of the Tokugawa era.

Leaving Tokyo and heading northeast, we arrive in Mito, a city that was the seat of one of the three most important branches of the Tokugawa family (along with Nagoya and Wakayama). It is here that the Tokugawa Museum (Tokugawa Museum) is located, displaying a fascinating collection related to the history of the local lineage.

The Tokugawa Museum in Mito was established in 1971 and is housed in a modern building that is harmoniously integrated into the surrounding park. The museum's collection includes personal items belonging to successive Mito rulers of the Tokugawa family, including documents, weapons, armor, artwork and everyday objects. Particularly valuable is the collection associated with Mitsukuni Tokugawa, the second Mito ruler, who became famous as a patron of the arts and initiator of the monumental historiographical work 'Dai Nihon Shi' (History of Great Japan).

One of the museum's most valuable artifacts is the 'Mito Komon', a seal used by Mitsukuni Tokugawa that became a symbol of his power and justice. The figure of Mito Komon (Mitsukuni's nickname) is very popular in Japan thanks to a TV series in which he is portrayed as a ruler traveling incognito, dispensing justice and helping simple people.

The museum also displays a rich collection of ceramics, calligraphy and paintings related to Mito intellectual culture during the Edo period. Of note are exhibits related to the Mitogaku school, an intellectual current that developed under the auspices of the Mito rulers and had a significant impact on the formation of Japanese nationalism in the 19th century.

In addition to its permanent exhibition, the museum regularly holds thematic exhibitions that delve deeper into various aspects of the region's history and culture. For those interested in Japan's intellectual history and the role of the Tokugawa family in shaping it, a visit to the Tokugawa Museum in Mito is extremely worthwhile. Ticket prices are affordable, and the museum also offers audio guides in several languages, making it easier to understand the historical context of the exhibits on display.

All in all, the heritage of the Tokugawa family is extremely rich and varied - from impressive castles and gardens, to museums full of priceless treasures, to sites of historic battles and reenactments of daily life. Each of the sites described offers a different perspective on the Edo era and gives you a better understanding of how much influence this dynasty had on the formation of modern Japan. Whether you are a lover of history, art, architecture or simply Japanese culture, a journey in the footsteps of the Tokugawa will provide an unforgettable experience and valuable knowledge about this fascinating period in the history of the Land of the Cherry Blossom.