Samurai experience: art and soul of the sword
Description
This experience is not about playing around with the samurai gear, but sensing and understanding the values prized by samurai. Here is the testimony by one of our guests. "At the beginning of the experience, I was surprised. Rather than learning how to cut a rolled straw mat or fight with a wooden sword, the first thing I learned was the proper etiquette towards the sword and the fundamentals of bushido (the way of samurai). In addition, the master touched on the courtesy and discipline samurai valued. We tend to think samurai is an indomitable man taking down an enemy bravely. Yet, within the first ten minutes of my experience, I realized that my image was flawed. Drawing the sword or attacking an enemy was not a decision that a samurai made lightly. It was a last resort. A truly strong samurai was able to resolve issues diplomatically through discussion, and also happened to be so skilled with the sword that others did not want to pick a fight."
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(16)
Highly recommend this experience.
Amazing experience, very intense but fun at the same time
We had a lot of fun learning from the master on the different aspects of swordplay. It was a very fun and enlightening experience , and we are eager to learn more.
My wife and I had a fantastic time on the tour! Ms. Akiko was an exceptional guide - her fluent English, warm personality and accommodating nature made the experience very memorable and fun. The tour itself was both serene and educational, offering fascinating insights into the way of the samurai. I would highly recommend!
Akiko was very kind, patient, and knowledgeable with us. She recorded and took pictures of us throughout the interactive demonstrations. The Grand Master Samurai and his partner were very patient, funny, and answered all of our questions. There is an opportunity to purchase swords at the end- which we did. Akiko then took us to a sword museum and a sword shop to follow our dojo experience. Wonderful time because of her! Thank you, Akiko!
Very interactive and friendly staff. Fantastic experience!!!! Would recommend for anyone. Our guide Akiko was excellent. Friendly, helpful, very knowledgeable.
The Samurai experience was AMAZING! I would highly recommend. To learn the art of swordsmanship and customs of the samurai were very interesting and beautiful to see the traditions still honored today.
This was an amazing experience with the opportunity to learn about the culture of samurai while also having a chance for some hands on learning. We were honored to have a demonstration by the master. Highly recommend!
This tour was an amazing opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the samurai. The two people from the iaido school were welcoming, skilled in their craft and had a good sense of humour. Our guide Akimi Matsuki was fantastic as well, very friendly and organised.
Thank you to Grandmaster Hogyoku Takeda OSS for hosting us in his dojo for this life changing interaction. From the moment we entered the dojo, we felt welcomed and respected. Grandmaster’s apprentice dressed us in the traditional top and Hakama for our sword lesson. We listened to the meaningful discussion including the symbolic folds on the pants that represent the conduct of a samurai life. We received personalized instruction on drawing the sword and executing lethal strikes to a cardboard opponent. We observed masterful demonstrations of swordsmanship by the Grandmaster including traditional kata and highly technically difficult striking of the rolled tatami mat and an empty milk carton from the seiza seated position. We learned the last thing one resorts to, is drawing the sword, as it will be used to mame or kill. This respect for human life and the understanding that the root of anger and violence must never be taken lightly was felt throughout our lesson. The lesson concluded with a presentation of the Samurai Experience Certificate and time for photos. The Grandmaster and his apprentice then graciously answers questions we had about their life and training.We recommend this Viator Tour highly. It was truly an amazing experience that should not be missed!
