Sword Martial Art Experience in Kakunodate

In Kakunodate, where samurai culture is deeply rooted, dojos still face the samurai residence street, and the area is home to many martial artists. Many people make martial arts a part of their lives, learning and living in the spirit of the samurai. Iaido is one of the most popular of these and uses the sword, which is said to be the spirit of the samurai. In this two-hour experience, participants will put on a dogi (a special outfit for martial art), master one of the kata of iaido, and learn about etiquette and manners. At the end of the experience, there is a test cutting with a cardboard doll, which is the most exciting part for the participants.

Kakunodate, a castle town that flourished in the Edo period, is called "Michinoku's Little Kyoto." In a compact area with a radius of about 2 km, many samurai residences and other old buildings still exist, making it a popular tourist spot visited by many Japanese and foreign tourists alike, who come to enjoy the elegant townscape. The main street of the samurai residences has been designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings and is protected as a cultural asset. In this tour travelers will experience what we call Iaido (martial arts of using a sword) experience, participants will not only train their spirit but also learn about the history of the Kakunodate’s Samurai and the Samurai spirit that has been passed down from generation to generation.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.