Rising from the flatlands of western Japan, Hiroshima Castle was a powerful nerve centre built by Mōri Terumoto during an age of shifting allegiances and ruthless ambition. With its broad moat and imposing stone walls, the castle was less about isolation and more about control, a symbol of calculated authority in a time of near constant war.

Nestled at the base of the sacred Mount Misen on Miyajima Island, Daishoin Temple is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil yet spiritually profound experience for visitors exploring Japan’s rich cultural and religious tapestry. Founded in 806 AD by the revered Buddhist monk Kōbō Daishi, Daishoin is one of the oldest and most prestigious temples of the Shingon sect of Japanese esoteric Buddhism.