Samurai Spirit Experience: Kyūdō & Zen at Aizu Clan School Nisshinkan

【OUTLINE】

Experience the teachings, values, and martial disciplines of the samurai at the historic Aizu Clan School Nisshinkan, where samurai were once trained. Participants can engage in practices such as zazen meditation and Kyūdō (Japanese archery), and deepen their understanding of authentic samurai culture through interactions with descendants of the samurai, gaining a meaningful perspective on traditions that endure in modern Japan.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Learn the teachings and values of the samurai at Aizu Clan School Nisshinkan established during the Edo period.
• Experience the samurai spirit through zazen meditation, Kyūdō, and interactions with descendants of the samurai.
• Engage with local guides and residents through guided tours and town walks, gaining authentic insights into the community and its traditions.

【SCHEDULE】

[12:00]  Meeting & Registration at Aizu Clan School Nisshinkan 

[12:10]  Guided Tour

[13:00]  Zazen Meditation Experience (40 min)

[13:40]  Kyūdō Experience (1 hr 30 min)

[15:10]  Interaction with Samurai Descendants at West Hall (40 min)

[16:00]  Dismissal at Aizu Clan School Nisshinkan

【DETAILS】

Aizu-Wakamatsu | A Castle Town Where the Samurai Spirit Lives

Centered around Tsuruga Castle, Aizuwakamatsu offers a deep dive into samurai heritage.
At the historic Aizu Clan School Nisshinkan, visitors can experience zazen meditation and Kyūdō to immerse themselves in the samurai spirit, and meet descendants of samurai to see how these traditions continue in modern life.

●Nisshinkan, Aizu Clan School
Founded in 1803, the restored school and museum showcase samurai education and daily life.

●Zazen & Kyūdō Experiences
Practice meditation and archery to experience samurai discipline firsthand.

●Samurai Descendant Interaction
Hear personal stories and learn how samurai values continue to shape contemporary Aizu culture.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：4 hours
• Meeting point：Aizu Clan School Nisshinkan [MAP]
  Takatsukayama 10, Minamikouya, Kawahigashi-machi, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima 969-3441
• Access：Tokyo Station / Sendai Station→ (Tohoku Shinkansen) → Koriyama → (Banetsu West Line) → Aizu-Wakamatsu 
• Minimum number of participants：2 people
• Language support：Japanese, English, Spanish 
• Included：
  ・Guide Fee
  ・Admission fees for Aizu
• Excluded：
  ・Round-trip transportation to the venue
  ・Lunch expenses
  ・Personal expenses for souvenirs, food, and drinks.
• Items to bring：socks (please wear)
• Clothes：Comfortable clothes and shoes
  *If you wear a skirt, we recommend that you wear ones that do not allow your knees to come out when you sit upright(Seiza).
• Free Wi-Fi：Available in limited area
• Toilet： Yes (Japanese-style / Western-style) 
• Other things to note：
  ・In the event that the tour cannot be held due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances, the tour operator will notify you via email by 3:00 PM the day before the scheduled date. 
  ・If the tour is unavoidably cancelled due to weather, a full refund will be issued to the customer.

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Up to 72 hours before the start time: 0% charge
Within 72 hours of the start time: 100% charge
Cancellation after the start time or no-show: 100% charge