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Kuramae - Experience Iaido, a dominant art of swordsmanship practiced by samurai. If you can imagine a samurai swiftly and deftly slicing a roll of straw mat, that is Iaido. After arriving at the Iaido dojo, change into a samurai attire with a sword. Learn from a master what Iaido is about, flow of experience, and actually slash a cardboard with a sword; not a roll of straw mat for your safety.
You will have an option to buy a samurai attire and / or sword used in the experience.
Observe solo demonstration of the master up close to marvel at his skill, which is especially impressive after your own experience. You will receive a certificate of completion at the end. We can arrange purchase of a sword or samurai attire used in the experience for those interested. All necessary arrangements can be made on the spot.
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Kyu Yasuda Garden - We will visit a former residence of one of feudal lords, subordinates to the shogun. Each feudal lord was in charge of ruling various regions of Japan as top-notch samurai. They typically had three residences in Edo, current Tokyo; then, the obvious question you would have is why they had three residences in Edo despite the fact that they governed rural areas. Using the question as the starting point, the guide will start demystifying who samurai was. The very first point, which is closely related to their having had residences in Edo, is the shogunate regime of which they were part. You will learn from the guide what they valued, ethical constraints they had, their daily regimen, and their life style thereby making your understanding of samurai wholistic rather than being mere swordsmen.
The residence is a traditional Japanese garden; learn from the guide how the garden replicates the nature and its beauty just like others in Japan and what the top-notch samurai sought in them. -
The Japanese Sword Museum - A Japanese sword has been venerated since ancient times as far more than just a weapon. In this museum located adjacent to the garden we have just visited, swords are displayed including ones designated as national treasures by the government.
At the entrance of the museum, learn from the guide the traditional method to produce steel as a raw material for swords which has been used for over 1000 years. The technique is apparently “primitive and inefficient.” The guide will ask you why the swordsmiths have adhered to it adamantly. It is totally counter-intuitive that the steel made that way transforms into works of art appreciated for generations and now globally. The guide will unlock the mystery before you step into the museum and marvel at their beauty as works of art. See the works of each age and school as well as those by best contemporary swordsmiths. -
Kanda - We will take you to a sword shop. The shop carries authentic Japanese swords and daggers; they are not souvenirs but real ones made to the traditional standards. You may want to buy a real sword there to take back home. Otherwise, you can just look around in the shop. In either case, the guide will help you as an interpreter in the shop.
Note: In some rare cases, the sword shop attendants are not available due to travelling for purchase, etc. Then, we will do whatever is possible to make up for it including taking you to a substitute sword shop, setting up an appointment with the shop for your later visit, etc.
- Visit to a samurai-related landmark
- Explore a traditional sword shop
- Entrance to the sword museum included
- Swordsmanship lesson at a dojo
- City train fare for about JPY500
Why is gaining a deeper comprehension of samurai pivotal to your journey through Japan? There are several compelling arguments.
- For seven centuries, samurai governed Japan.
- The principles they held in high regard are now part of the psyche of contemporary Japanese society.
This tour zooms in on the importance of the sword as the spiritual core of the samurai, along with the essence of their values.
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The Sword
① Experience the discipline of the samurai through a firsthand look at their swordplay. Watch a solo performance by a master swordsman and marvel at his expertise.
② At the sword museum, delve into the alluring world of swords and appreciate them as masterpieces of art.
③ Venturing travelers frequently find themselves captivated by the allure of these blades to the point of purchasing one as a memento. At the sword shop, browse at your leisure; assistance in understanding will be provided by our guide as necessary. -
Samurai Values
Visit a site associated with the samurai to uncover the tenets they lived by, and the shogunate system they upheld. Gain insights into how these time-honored values continue to influence modern Japanese culture.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.