【OUTLINE】

Miyamoto Musashi, Japan’s most renowned swordsman who was never defeated in battle, spent his later years in Kumamoto under the patronage of the Hosokawa clan, lords of the Kumamoto Domain. During his time there, he founded the Niten Ichi-ryu (Two Heavens as One School) and authored his famous treatise, The Book of Five Rings, greatly influencing the samurai code of bushido.

Even today in Kumamoto, the spirit of the samurai cultivated by Musashi and the Hosokawa family lives on, passed down through generations along with the profound teachings of The Book of Five Rings.

This program offers a 2-day, 1-night immersive experience to learn the essence of Musashi's philosophy. Guided by the 18th headmaster of Niten Ichi-ryu—descendant of nearly 380 years of unbroken tradition—and other modern-day samurai, participants will explore key sites linked to Musashi: Suizenji Jojuen Garden, the Musashikan Dojo, and Reigando Cave. Activities include a stroll through Suizenji Jojuen, iaido (sword-drawing) practice, a demonstration of Niten Ichi-ryu swordsmanship, and a meditation session.

Through these experiences, participants will gain deep insight into the timeless spirit of The Book of Five Rings.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Through this immersive stay, you will gain a deep understanding of the spirit and philosophy of The Book of Five Rings.
• While strolling through Suizenji Jojuen Garden, you will learn about the samurai culture of Kumamoto, where the power of art once helped stop warfare. Discover the origins of Kumamoto’s samurai and Musashi’s "Way."
• Experience the true spirit of the Kumamoto samurai by watching a demonstration of Niten Ichi-ryu performed by the 17th and 18th headmasters of the school, which has been passed down for over 380 years, and by participating in an iaido (sword-drawing) practice guided by the 18th headmaster.
• At Reigando Cave, the place where Musashi wrote The Book of Five Rings, engage in a Zen meditation session led by the vice head priest. This will allow you to reflect on yourself and experience the spiritual depth of the samurai way.
• One of the highlights of this program is the opportunity to meet present-day Kumamoto samurai. Your instructors will include the 18th headmaster of Niten Ichi-ryu, who carries on Musashi’s legacy, and the vice head priest of Unganzenji Temple, the temple overseeing Reigando Cave. Enjoy these rare encounters with samurai who live by these teachings today.

【SCHEDULE】

◆Day 1

[13:00] Meet at the designated location

[13:00–14:30] "The Earth Scroll" — Learning the Foundations of the Kumamoto Samurai Spirit
・Visit Izumi Shrine
・Learn about Miyamoto Musashi and The Book of Five Rings
・Stroll through the garden and reflect on its history
・Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in the Kokon Denju-no-Ma (Room of Ancient Teachings)

[14:30–15:00] Transfer from Suizenji Jojuen Garden to Musashikan Dojo

[15:00–17:00] "The Water and Fire Scrolls" — Experiencing Musashi’s Spirit through Iaido Practice: Basics
・Introduction to the practice
・Change into traditional training attire
・Sword salute
・Meet the headmaster; demonstration of Niten Ichi-ryu
・Learn the fundamental movements: drawing and sheathing the sword, sliding footwork
・Sword salute
・Change back to regular clothing

◆Day 2

[10:30] Meet at the designated location

[10:30–11:55] "The Fire and Wind Scrolls" — Iaido Practice & Niten Ichi-ryu Demonstration
・Continue practicing Iaido
・Explanation of Niten Ichi-ryu and viewing of a live swordsmanship demonstration
・Photo session and change of attire

[11:55–13:35] Free time for lunch

[13:35–15:10] "The Void Scroll" — Preparatory Learning for Zen Meditation
・Learn about Reigando Cave and its connection to Musashi
・Understand the teachings
・Practice introductory Zen meditation techniques

[15:10–15:40] Transfer from Musashikan Dojo to Reigando Cave

[15:40–16:40] "The Void Scroll" — Zen Meditation at Reigando Cave
・Explore Reigando Cave, where Musashi wrote The Book of Five Rings
・Engage in Zen meditation in this historic setting

[17:00–17:30] Transfer from Reigando Cave to the departure point

【DETAILS】

After arriving at Suizenji Jojuen Garden , we will visit Izumi Shrine. After that, our special guide, who is well versed in samurai culture, will give you a detailed explanation of the plan's theme, “Miyamoto Musashi” and “The Book of Five Rings”. Afterwards, you will visit the “Kokindenju no Ma” to experience the spirit of the samurai while enjoying traditional confections and green powdered tea loved by the samurai of Kumamoto, as well as the story behind the relocation and the traditional Japanese garden scenery. Next is a rare Samurai experience where you will learn authentic Samurai swordsmanship and spirituality from the 18th generation, who has inherited Miyamoto Musashi's “Niten Ichiryu” for about 380 years. Please learn and experience Kumamoto's unique Samurai culture, which is not only about “cutting” but also about facing oneself and improving oneself. Next, you will watch a demonstration of “Niten Ichiryu” by Akinori Matsunaga, the 18th headmaster, and Kazunori Matsunaga, the 17th headmaster. Niten Ichiryu has been handed down for about 380 years. Please enjoy the spirit and culture of Niten Ichiryu.Immerse yourself in the profound spirit and culture of the samurai.Afterward, you will transfer to Reigando Cave, located within Unganzenji Temple. Upon arrival, the vice head priest of Unganzenji will share little-known stories about Miyamoto Musashi’s character and personal life. You will then enjoy a guided walk through the temple grounds, including Reigando Cave, where Musashi spent his final years in contemplation.Finally, in Reigando Cave—the very place where Musashi wrote The Book of Five Rings—you will practice Zen meditation. Like Musashi, you will calm your mind, face yourself with honesty, and experience a moment of emptiness, finding stillness in the midst of quiet reflection.

◆About Suizenji Jojuen Garden
Suizenji Jojuen Garden was built about 400 years ago as a teahouse for the Hosokawa family, the feudal lord of the domain, and was completed as an ancient Japanese garden over a long period of time. Visitors will learn about the aesthetics of the samurai of Kumamoto with a guide as they stroll through the main hall of Izumi Shrine, which is dedicated to the Hosokawa feudal lord who loved the arts, and the Kokin-denju Room, where the history of art stopping war was born, which is unparalleled in the world. The Kokin-denju-no-Ma was built in Kyoto about 400 years ago and moved to Suizenji Seishuen in 1912. It celebrates the elegant charm of Hosokawa Yusai, lord of the Kumamoto domain, who taught waka poetry to the emperor's younger brother. The Noh theater on the grounds was also relocated and dedicated by the Matsui family, former lords of the Yatsushiro Castle.

◆About Musashikan Dojo
Musashi Kan Dojo is an iaido dojo run by the 17th and 18th Soke of Niten Ichiryu. We invite you to experience the world of Samurai in our dojo.

◆About of Reigando
The cave is located at the foot of Mt. Reigando-do Cave is located on the hill behind Ungan Zenji Temple, which is covered with dense trees and is known as a mysterious sacred place. It is known that the great swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, who spent the last five years of his life in Kumamoto, stayed in this cave and wrote his book “The Book of Five Rings” on the art of war.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：2 days
• Meeting point：Suizenji Jojuen Garden・Izumi Shrine　Infront of Otorii
  8-1 Suizenjikoen, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 862-0956 [MAP]
  
• Access：4-minute walk from "Suizenji Koen Station" on the Kumamoto City Tram
• Language support：
  ・Japanese（Guide / Menu instructions）
  ・English（Guide / Menu instructions）
  
• Included：
  ・Experience fee
  ・Admission fee
  ・Guide（Japanese / English）
• Excluded：
  ・Traveling expenses (from Suizenji Jojuen Garden to Musashikan Dojo)
  ・Food and drink
  
• Clothes：
  ・Please refrain from wearing skirts, dresses, and tight pants in order to dress up on the road during the Iaido experience.
  ・Please wear comfortable shoes for walking in the park.
  ・Please come in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that does not restrict your body, as you will be participating in a zazen (seated meditation) experience.
• Participation requirements：
  ・Height 150cm or more
  ・We do not accept participants who only wish to observe. Please contact us in advance if you will be accompanying another participant and wish to observe the activity only.
  ・Not recommended for travelers with back problems.
  ・Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
  ・Not recommended for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
• Special support：Luggage storage is available.
• Free Wi-Fi：No
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style)
• Other things to note：
  ・Please note that the content of the experience may change slightly due to weather and other conditions.
  ・In this tour, we will use imitation swords, but we kindly ask that you follow the instructor's safety guidelines and participate with care.
  ・If the tour is canceled due to weather or other circumstances, we will notify you by phone by 4:00 p.m. the day before the tour.
  

【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%