【STORY】

Centering around Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s Three Great Castles and designated as a Special Historic Site, the city of Kumamoto still retains the elegant atmosphere of its old castle town. It is known as the “Land of the Samurai,” where the traditions of samurai culture remain strong.

Kumamoto is also the place where Miyamoto Musashi, Japan’s legendary swordsman who was undefeated in more than 60 duels, spent his later years as a guest of Lord Hosokawa Tadatoshi, the lord of Kumamoto Castle. Here, Musashi wrote his famous treatise “The Book of Five Rings.”

This program offers you the rare opportunity to experience Iaido, the martial art founded by Musashi’s school “Niten Ichi-ryu,” under the direct instruction of its 18th headmaster, Master Matsunaga.

Through this practice, you will learn not only the techniques of the sword for victory, but also the deeper philosophy of Iaido — the art of mastering the sword to protect rather than attack.

Discover and deepen your inner self as you experience the true spirit of samurai culture in Kumamoto.

【HIGHLIGHT】 

• Experience Bushid(the way of the warrior) while wearing a dogi and being taught directly by Mr. Matsunaga, the 18th head of the family who inherited the style of Niten Ichiryu from the strongest samurai in Japan, Miyamoto Musashi.
• Enjoy matcha green tea and Japanese sweets, while learning about the spirituality of Iaido, which is not only about winning a battle, but also mastering swordsmanship to protect.
• At the end, you will receive a samurai training completion certificate and an original tenugui hand towel with your name written on it.
• Because the experience is held right next to Kumamoto Castle, you can enjoy the castle before or after your experience.

【SCHEDULE】

Please select your start time in the box on the upper right.

[00:00]　After arriving at the venue, change into the Japanese dogi
[00:10]　Learn about the spirituality of Iaido while drinking matcha tea in a Japanese-style room
[00:20]　Special Demonstration by the Master
[00:25]　Iaido experience
[01:15]　Completion certificate/photograph
[01:25]　Change back to your clothing
[01:40]　End

【EXPERIENCE SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION】

・This plan includes an English interpreter.
・Please note that no refund will be provided even if you do not require interpretation.
・If you prefer a plan without an English guide, please make a reservation from the link below:

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：100 minutes
• Meeting point： 1st Floor, Musashi Building (right in front of the building entrance)
  1-6-4 Shimotori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto, 860-0807 [MAP]
  
• 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.
  ・About 1 hour 50 minutes by car from Fukuoka Airport
  ・About 30 minutes by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Hakata Station in Fukuoka
• Language support：Japanese, English
• Included：
  ・Matcha
  ・Japanese sweets
  ・Dogi rental
  ・Samurai training certificate
  ・Hand towel
  ・English Interpreter
• Clothes：
  During the Iaido session, please remove jackets or heavy outerwear before changing into the keikogi training attire. You may keep your T-shirt or light top on underneath while we assist you with the fitting.
  Please wear clothing that is easy to move in. Pants are fine, but skirts or dresses are not recommended.
  
• Participation requirements： 
  ・Height 150cm or more
  ・Please note that we do not accept requests for observation only. Observation is permitted only for those accompanying a trial participant. If you wish to observe, please be sure to apply in advance.
  ・Not recommended for travelers with back problems.
  ・Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
  ・Not recommended for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
  
• Free wi-fi： Yes  
• Toilet： Yes ( Western-style) 
• Other things to note：
  ・This experience uses replica (practice) swords.  For your safety, please strictly follow the instructor’s guidance and handle all equipment with care.
  ・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 tour is cancelled due to weather or other circumstances, we will notify you by phone by 4:00 p.m. the day before the tour.
  ・This plan includes an English interpreter.
  ・Please note that no refund will be provided even if you do not require interpretation.
  ・If you prefer a plan without an English guide, please make a reservation from the link below:
  　URL: https://attractive-j.com/experiences/PYAMQL?lang=JP

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Until 72 hours before the experience start time: 0%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100%