[English Guide Included] The Samurai Spirit: Iaido Training & Zen Meditation in the Footsteps of Musashi

【STORY】

Centered around Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s Three Great Castles and a designated Special Historic Site, the city of Kumamoto still preserves the charming atmosphere of its old castle town. It is known as the “Land of the Samurai”, where samurai culture remains deeply rooted.

Kumamoto is also where Miyamoto Musashi, Japan’s most renowned and undefeated swordsman (with over 60 victories), spent his final years as a guest of Lord Hosokawa Tadatoshi, the feudal lord of Kumamoto Castle. It was here that he wrote his famous work, “The Book of Five Rings.”

This tour offers a rare opportunity to experience the “Spirit of the Samurai” that Musashi pursued throughout his life, through Iaido sword training and Zen meditation.

First, under the direct guidance of Master Matsunaga, the 18th headmaster of Niten Ichi-ryu, the swordsmanship school founded by Musashi, you will train in Iaido and feel the spirit of Bushido through movement and discipline.

Next, you will visit Unganzenji Temple and Reigando Cave, where Musashi wrote “The Book of Five Rings.” Guided by the deputy head priest, you will stroll through the temple grounds and experience zazen (seated meditation) inside the tranquil cave — a sacred moment to breathe deeply, reflect inwardly, and feel the essence of the samurai spirit with all five senses.

Discover the heart of the samurai, handed down from Musashi to the present day by the samurai of Kumamoto. Experience an unforgettable moment of connection and reflection.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Encounter the Kumamoto samurai who carry on the “Spirit of the Samurai” inherited from Miyamoto Musashi.
• Practice Iaido under the direct instruction of the 18th headmaster of Niten Ichi-ryu, Musashi’s original swordsmanship school with over 380 years of tradition.
• Experience zazen meditation inside Reigando Cave, where Musashi wrote The Book of Five Rings, guided by the deputy head priest of Unganzenji Temple.

【PRICES】

【SCHEDULE】

[13:30]　Meet at the entrance on the 1st floor of the Musashi Building

[13:40]　Enjoy matcha (green tea) in the Japanese-style room while learning about the spiritual aspects of Iaido

[13:50]　Special Iaido demonstration by the Master

[13:55]　Hands-on Iaido experience

[14:45]　Presentation of completion certificate and group photo

[14:55]　Change clothes in the Japanese-style room

[15:10]　Program ends / preparation for departure

[15:15–16:00]　Self-transfer from Musashikan Dojo to Reigando Cave

[16:00–17:15]　Arrive at Unganzenji Temple, stroll around the temple grounds, and participate in Zen meditation at Reigando Cave

[17:15]　End of program

【OPTION】

<About the Optional Taxi Transfer>
The drive from the Musashikan Dojo to Reigando Cave takes approximately 40 minutes.
Please note that there are limited direct public transportation options available.
If needed, we can arrange a taxi for your transfer—please select this option when making your booking.

○ Taxi Transfer Itinerary
After the Iaido experience, travel by taxi from “Musashikan Dojo → Reigando Cave.”
After the Zen meditation, you will be transferred by taxi from Reigando Cave to SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto.
Arrival at SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto is expected around 6:00 p.m.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：4 hours
• Minimum number of participants：1 person (up to 4 people)
  
• Meeting point：1st Floor, Musashi Building (right in front of the building entrance)
  ※An interpreter guide is waiting for you.
  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
• Tour conductor for 24 hours：No
• English-speaking tour guide：Yes
• Language support：Japanese, English
  
• Meals (included in a tour fee)：No
  
• Included：
  ・Iaido training fee
  ・Certificate of completion
  ・Tenugui (Japanese hand towel)
  ・Zazen meditation experience at Reigando Cave
  ・Admission fee to Unganzenji Temple
  ・English interpreter
  ※Transportation between facilities is not included. If needed, optional taxi transfers can be arranged upon request.
• Excluded：
  ・Transportation fee
  
• 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.
  ・The temple grounds at Unganzenji can be slippery; please wear comfortable, non-slip shoes suitable for walking.
• Participation requirements：
  ・Height 150cm or more
  ・Not recommended for travelers with back problems.
  ・Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
  ・Not recommended for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
  
• Other things to note：
  ・In case of rain, zazen meditation will be held inside the main hall of Unganzenji Temple instead of Reigando Cave. Thank you for your understanding.
  ・This experience uses replica (practice) swords. For your safety, please strictly follow the instructor’s guidance and handle all equipment with care.
  ・Matcha and Japanese sweets will be served. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please check the ingredients beforehand.
  ・This plan includes an English interpreter.
  ・Please note that the tour fee is fixed, and no discounts or refunds will be provided should you choose not to use the interpretation service.

【TOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS】

Before booking the tour, please confirm the Tour Terms & Conditions and save the document.
Check [TOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS]（Japanese）

【TOUR PLANNER AND CONDUCTOR】

Regional Branding Institute Co., Ltd.
Aqua Terrace UⅡ Bldg. 8F, 2-20-3 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0034
Travel Agency registered with a Tokyo Governor 2-7547
A regular member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

10 to 8 days before the departure date of the tour　20%
7 to 2 days before the departure date of the tour　30%
The day before the departure date of the tour　40%
On the day of the departure date of the tour　50%
After the tour departed, No show　100%