Experience Calligraphy and Kendo at the Oldest Temple in Miyajima (Includes Samurai Lunch)

【OUTLINE】

Come visit Daisho-in, the oldest temple in Miyajima in Aki Province and have an unforgettable time there!

A "shodo" (Japanese calligraphy) workshop will be held by a calligrapher, Sekidou Sakaguchi, who is also a Miyajima Tourism Ambassador.  For the "kendo"  (Japanese fencing) portion of this tour, learn about the "two-sword style” fencing, the style established by the famous samurai Musashi Miyamoto.

Shodo and Kendo are both behaviors to calm your mind and seek the truth of our existence. The spirits of practices, manners, and courtesy exist in these ancient, traditional art forms, so come feel Japanese culture all around you in this fun, engaging tour! 

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Gain valuable insight into the iconic atmosphere of Japanese culture at the oldest temple in Miyajima.
• Engage in two iconic Japanese cultural activities; calligraphy and kendo.
• Listen to a lecture on the breathtaking two-sword Nitoryu technique. 
• Be accompanied by a trustworthy, English-speaking guide.

【SCHEDULE】

2. Samurai lunch 
Deepen your cultural understanding with a "Samurai Lunch" made based on Japanese-style vegetarian cuisine.
3. Kendo experience
Try two-sword style fencing!
4. The end
That is all for today's experience.  We are looking forward to seeing you again.

【DETAILS】

＜Experience a Japanese Tradition "Shodo"＞
The Miyajima Tourism Ambassador will give you a lesson about Japanese calligraphy. When you finish practicing the basics of calligraphy, he will ask your name or your family member’s name, and he will write them on square paper board in kanji (Chinese characters). The paper board will be provided to every one of you as a memento.

＜Try "Two-Sword Style" Fencing＞
First, you will learn how to hold and swing a bamboo sword and practice the basics in the Japanese-style garden.  Then, you will learn the technique of "two-sword style" fencing using a bamboo sword and a wooden sword. A "two-sword style" fencing master, Sekidou Sakaguchi will give you a lesson in ful gear.  You will practice "men" (head), "kote" (hand), and "dou" (trunk) against him while getting all pumped up!

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Time：3 hours
• Meeting Point： 
  At the reception of Miyajima Misen Daihonzan Daisho-in　[MAP]
  210 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima-ken, 739-0592
• ACCESS：
  ・If you come by car, you can park in the precincts. (the parking space is limited)
  ・ If you come by train, take either ferry below to Miyajima Island.
     From Miyajimaguchi Station on JR Sanyo Honsen Line :　Walk for 6 minutes to Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal.   
     ①JR Miyajima Ferry at Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal on the right ahead
     ②Miyajima Matsudai Sightseeing Ferry at Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal on the left ahead
     Approx. 30 minutes walk from Miyajima Ferry Terminal
     A 15-minutes walk from Itsukushima Shrine. 
• Minimum number of participants：5 people
• Language support：English
  * An interpreter (English/Japanese) will attend.
• Included： Experience fee, material fee

【HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES】 

・Wheelchairs are accessible.
・Wheelchairs are accessible for all transportation.
・Strollers are accessible.
・Service animals are allowed.
・Not recommended for travelers with back problems.

【CANCELLATION POLICY】 

7 to 4 days before the tour date 40% of the tour price 
3 to 2 days before the tour date 60% of the tour price 
The day before the tour date, on the day of the tour 100% of the tour price 
※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation. 
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.