The Tokugawa clan, which produced successive shogun rulers throughout the Edo Period (1603-1867), will hold a ceremony Jan. 29 to formally anoint its first new head in more than half a century.

HIKONE, Shiga Prefecture—The city government here will offer guests a chance to experience the splendor of a samurai-style tea ceremony hosted by a feudal lord in a hidden corner of Hikone Castle.

Hama-rikyu stands out from other gardens in Tokyo in that it isn’t known for its weeping cherry blossom or maple foliage, but its bright pink plum trees that blossom in late winter. This ...