Iga — Uncover the Forbidden Scroll

Your journey begins in Kyoto, in front of the Seimon gate of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, a 7-meter high structure in shinmei-zukuri style, where Tokugawa shoguns made official visits for imperial ceremonies. This site, rebuilt in 1854 after a fire, was the heart of imperial power until 1868. As Tokugawa Ieyasu, you know that the past holds the key to the future, and the search for the artifact will lead you through the historical intricacies of Kyoto, an emblematic city in Kansai, rich in historical heritage. This starting point is essential for understanding the dynastic stakes that shaped Japan.

You will then cross the Shijō Bridge, a historic bridge rebuilt in 1872 after major floods, offering iconic views of the Gion district since the Meiji era. 220 meters long and with 4 lanes, this bridge witnessed many local theatrical scenes in the 19th century, associated with kabuki. Continuing your way, you will enter Pontocho Alley, a narrow 500-meter street, a geisha district since the 16th century, lined with 150 traditional wooden houses (machiya) from the Edo period. In summer, the lantern illuminations of the Yuka-muri festival, present since 1996, add to the atmosphere, and the ryotei banquets on stilts along the Kamo River, existing since the 1920s, reveal a more intimate facet of Kyoto.

The route then takes you to Nijō Castle, built in 1603 by yourself, Tokugawa Ieyasu, to serve as the shogunal residence in Kyoto. The Ninomaru halls, covering 3300 m², are decorated with 17th-century paintings by Kano Tanyu and house the famous 20-meter long 'nightingale floor' (uguisubari), designed to detect intruders by its sounds. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, this monument is a crucial step to decipher the intentions of your predecessors and find the scroll. It is here that secrets are best kept, and where Kyoto's history takes on a strategic dimension.

Your quest will also lead you to Rokkaku-dō, a Buddhist temple founded in 587 by Prince Shōtoku, the oldest in central Kyoto. Its unique hexagonal shape, 10 meters in diameter, with a roof covered with kura-zukuri tiles, makes it a singular site. Seat of the Jōdo-shū Buddhist school, it houses 12th-century relics and a zen garden with a 5-meter diameter pond. This place of serenity contrasts with the political intrigues of the castles, but it is a point of convergence for information. Finally, Higashi Hongan-ji, founded in 1602 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, awaits you. Its Goodeidō hall, 76m x 58m, can accommodate 3000 worshippers and was rebuilt in 1895. Its 46m high corner tower, visible from 5km away, attests to its grandeur, reinforced by Emperor Meiji's imperial donations in 1868 for its restoration.

Through this thematic circuit in Kansai, you will have explored Kyoto Historical Sites, from imperial splendor to spiritual retreats, discovering the influence of emperors and shoguns. Every monument, every alley, will have offered you a glimpse into the history of Kyoto, its traditions, and its secrets. This GPS treasure hunt will have allowed you to delve into the heart of Japanese culture, understand the links between power and faith, and grasp the richness of a city that has preserved its heritage. As a player, you leave with the satisfaction of having unraveled a historical intrigue, while having explored Kyoto with family or friends, an unforgettable interactive visit.