Learn the true spirit of the samurai by delving into the 380-year-old Niten Ichiryu swordsmanship perfected by the legendary Miyamoto Musashi. In Kumamoto, you can train with the 18th-generation master, Matsunaga sensei, and experience the rich samurai culture firsthand. This isn't just about swordplay; it's a journey to find your inner strength.
Options
The Highlight
- Experience Bushido in a dogi, taught by Mr. Matsunaga, the 18th head of Niten Ichiryu, passed down from Japan’s strongest samurai, Miyamoto Musashi.
- Enjoy matcha and sweets while learning Iaido’s spirit - swordsmanship not just for battle, but for protection.
- Receive a samurai training certificate and a tenugui towel with your name on it.
- Located next to Kumamoto Castle, you can visit before or after your training.
The Experience
【STORY】
Miyamoto Musashi, the legendary samurai known as the strongest in Japan, fought over 60 duels without a single defeat. In his later years, he settled in Kumamoto, where he wrote the iconic Book of Five Rings in a cave called Reigando. This philosophical work reveals strategies for victory by overcoming doubt and mastering one’s inner self. It was also here that Musashi perfected his unique style of swordsmanship: Niten Ichiryu.
In this experience, you’ll learn the true spirit and techniques of the samurai from Matsunaga-sensei, the 18th-generation heir of Niten Ichiryu. With nearly 380 years of tradition, he has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the art of Iaido. Whether you're a first-timer or a samurai culture enthusiast, you’ll gain deeper insight into Musashi’s philosophy, which goes far beyond simply wielding a sword. It’s about facing yourself, setting your intention, and opening your heart.
You’ll also experience two core principles that defined Musashi's legacy:
1. Art and Swordsmanship as One Musashi believed that refining one’s artistic sense was essential to mastering the sword. He expressed this belief through ink paintings and hand-crafted tsuba (sword guards), many of which are preserved at the Shimada Museum of Art in Kumamoto.
2. Swordsmanship for Protection, Not Just Victory As Japan transitioned from the Warring States period to the peaceful Edo era, Musashi embraced the idea that swordsmanship was not just for battle, but to protect what matters. This philosophy became the foundation of Iaido - the way of inner calm and readiness.
Come and experience the world of Miyamoto Musashi in the land where he left his greatest legacy - Kumamoto.
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
- Japanese
Itinerary
- After arriving at the venue, change into the Japanese dogi (Approx. 10 minute)
- Learn about the spirituality of Iaido while drinking matcha tea in a Japanese-style room (Approx. 10 minute)
- Sensei's performance at the dojo (Approx. 5 minute)
- Iaido experience (Approx. 50 minute)
- Completion certificate/photograph (Approx. 10 minute)
- After changing back to your clothes, the activity will end.
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
- Duration：100 minutes
- Meeting point： 1st Floor, Musashi Building (right in front of the building entrance)
- Adress: 1-6-4 Shimotori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto, 860-0807
- Access：
- 15 minutes' walk from Kumamoto Castle
- Take the Kumamoto City Tram (Line A, heading towards Kengunmachi) from JR Kumamoto Station. Get off at Torichosuji station, and it's a 5-minute walk from there.
- Language support: Japanese, English
- Free wi-fi： Yes
- Toilet： Yes (Western-style)
Important Booking Information
- In this activity, we will use imitation swords, but we kindly ask that you follow the instructor's safety guidelines and participate carefully.
- While we provide tea and sweets during the experience, if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance and consume the provided items accordingly.
- If the activity is cancelled due to weather or other circumstances, we will notify you by phone by 4:00 p.m. the day before the tour.
Clothes:
- When changing into martial arts attire, please remove thick jackets and similar outerwear. However, you can keep wearing T-shirts or sweatshirts, as we will arrange the dressing process accordingly. Therefore, we kindly request that you wear clothing that is easy to be dressed in. You can keep your pants on, but please refrain from wearing skirts or dresses, as they may restrict movement.
Participation requirements:
- Height 150cm or more
- We do not accept observers-only reservations. If you wish to accompany a participant as an observer, please make a prior reservation. The fee for observers is 3,350 yen per person (includes the observation fee, tea, sweets set, and hand towel).
- Strollers are accessible.
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
- Not recommended for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 4 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 0 ~ 3 day(s) of departure, Non-refundable (0% refund)