【OUTLINE】

Kumamoto, known as the “Land of the Samurai,” is centered around Kumamoto Castle—one of Japan’s three most celebrated castles and a nationally designated Special Historic Site. The atmosphere of the old castle town still lingers vividly, offering visitors a deep sense of samurai heritage.

This city is also closely connected to Miyamoto Musashi, Japan’s most renowned swordsman. Invited as a guest by Lord Hosokawa Tadatoshi, the castle’s ruler, Musashi spent his later years in Kumamoto and wrote his legendary martial arts treatise, The Book of Five Rings.

This program offers a rare opportunity to experience Zen meditation inside Reigandō Cave, the very place where Musashi composed his work. Nestled behind Unganzen-ji Temple at the foot of Mt. Kinbo, the cave is reached after a guided stroll through the temple grounds with the deputy head priest, who will share stories about Musashi’s life and character.

Within the profound stillness of the cave, you will calm your breath, turn inward, and awaken your senses to the spiritual essence of the Samurai. It is a truly unique moment of reflection and connection—an experience possible only in Kumamoto.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• A tour of Reigandō Cave, where Miyamoto Musashi wrote The Book of Five Rings, guided by the deputy head priest
• You can experience Zen meditation in the mystical atmosphere of Reigandō Cave.
• See up-close a real 300-year-old samurai sword used by a pupil of Musashi not available for viewing by the general public.

【SCHEDULE】

● A stroll through the grounds of Unganzen-ji Temple(50 minutes)
● You can experience Zen meditation in the mystical atmosphere of Reigandō Cave.(10 minutes)

【DETAILS】

●About Miyamoto Musashi

Miyamoto Musashi, often hailed as Japan’s greatest swordsman, was undefeated in more than 60 duels. In his later years, he was invited as a guest by the Hosokawa clan and spent his final days in Kumamoto. Musashi founded the two-sword style of swordsmanship known as Niten Ichi-ryū, and while secluding himself in Reigandō Cave, he authored The Book of Five Rings. More than just a manual of martial techniques, this masterpiece explores philosophy, life, and strategy, and continues to be read and studied around the world today.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：1 hour
• Meeting point：Iwatonosan Unganzen-ji Temple
  589 Matsuo-machi Hirayama
  Nishi-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto, Japan 861-5282
  
• Access：About a 45-minute taxi ride from Kumamoto Station
• Language support：Japanese, English (optional)
• Excluded：English guide (optional)
  
• Clothes：Clothes that are easy to walk in
• Free Wi-Fi：×
• Toilet：〇(Western style)
• Other things to note：
  ・An optional English guide can be reserved up to 5 days before the experience date. Thank you for your understanding.
  ・In case of rain, Zen meditation cannot be held inside the cave and will instead take place in the main hall of Unganzen-ji Temple. Thank you for your understanding.

【CANCELLATION POLICY】