Best Spots for History Buffs in Japan

Japan's recorded history spans 2,000+ years with distinct eras: ancient Yamato, samurai shogunates, Meiji modernization, wartime empire, and postwar rebuild. These 10 spots let history enthusiasts trace that arc — castles where samurai defended feudal lords, temples predating Europe's Middle Ages, atomic bomb sites, and museums contextualizing it all. Bring curiosity and patience for reading English placards (not always guaranteed).