[English Guide Included] The Samurai Aesthetic: Master Musashi’s Art and Iaido Training

【STORY】

Centered around Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s Three Great Castles and designated as a Special Historic Site, the city of Kumamoto still retains the elegant atmosphere of its former castle town. Known as the “Land of the Samurai,” it offers visitors a chance to truly experience samurai culture.

Kumamoto is also where Miyamoto Musashi, Japan’s legendary swordsman who remained undefeated in more than 60 duels, spent his final years as an honored guest of Lord Hosokawa Tadatoshi, the lord of Kumamoto Castle. It was here that Musashi completed his life’s masterpiece, “The Book of Five Rings.”

This special tour, unique to Kumamoto — the final home of Musashi — traces both the martial and artistic legacies of this great master.

Your journey begins at the Shimada Museum of Arts, where you’ll view treasured artifacts and artworks connected to Musashi, gaining insight into his artistic spirit. Then, you’ll move to the Musashi Dojo, where under the direct guidance of Master Matsunaga, the 18th headmaster of Niten Ichi-ryu, Musashi’s own sword school, you’ll experience Iaido training and feel the essence of Bushido through body and mind.

Through both art and swordsmanship, you will come closer to understanding Musashi’s life philosophy and aesthetic ideals — a one-of-a-kind experience available only in Kumamoto, the land where Musashi’s journey came to an end.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Discover multiple aspects of Miyamoto Musashi’s life — from his art to his swordsmanship — in the place where he spent his final years.
• Appreciate authentic artifacts and artworks connected to Musashi, accompanied by expert commentary.
• Experience Iaido sword training under the direct instruction of Master Matsunaga, the 18th headmaster of Niten Ichi-ryu, the school founded by Musashi himself.

【PRICES】

【SCHEDULE】

[13:00] Meet in front of the Shimada Museum of Arts

[13:00–14:00] Viewing of Musashi artifacts at the Shimada Museum of Arts

[14:00] Finish museum tour

[14:00–14:20] Self-transfer from Shimada Museum to Musashikan Dojo

[14:20] Arrive at Musashi Dojo

[14:20] Enjoy matcha green tea while learning about the philosophy of Iaido

[14:30] Demonstration by the Master at the Dojo

[14:35] Iaido training experience

[15:30] Certificate presentation and commemorative photo

[15:40] Change clothes

[16:00] Tour ends

【OPTION】

<About Taxi Transportation Option>
The drive from the Shimada Museum of Arts to the Musashikan Dojo takes approximately 20 minutes.
Please note that there are limited direct public transportation options available between these locations.
If needed, we can arrange a taxi for your transfer—please select this option when making your booking.

○ Taxi Transfer Itinerary
After visiting the Shimada Museum of Arts, you will travel by taxi from “Shimada Museum of Arts → Musashikan Dojo.”
Please note that after the experience at Musashikan Dojo, the tour will end there (no return transportation provided).

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：3 hours
• Minimum number of participants：1 person (up to 4 people)
  
• Meeting point：Meeting Location: In front of the entrance to the Shimada Museum of Arts
  4-5-28 Shimazaki, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 860-0073 [MAP]
• Access：
  ●About 10 minutes by taxi from JR Kumamoto Station
  ●About 20 minutes on foot from Daniyamamachi Tram Stop on the Kumamoto City Tram
  ●About 1 hour 50 minutes by car from Fukuoka Airport
  ●About 30 minutes by Shinkansen from Hakata Station (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)
  ・Admission fee to the Shimada Museum of Arts
  ・Guided commentary at the Shimada Museum of Arts
  ・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.
• 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：
  ・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 the service of 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