The Ohoku - Shogun's secret private space

The Edo period (1603–1868) marked the final era of the samurai in Japan. It was the most stable chapter of the samurai age, a time largely free of major wars. The political center shifted to Edo (modern-day Tokyo), where Japan’s largest fortress, Edo Castle, stood. At its heart were the shogun’s private quarters. Everyone knew of this hidden realm, and many were fascinated by it—the shogun’s secret inner chambers known as the Ōhoku. These halls were home to many refined and educated women. Why were they there? This time, let’s take a closer look at the shogun’s secluded world: the Ōhoku.