Step into the Samurai Era: Matchlock Shooting at a Historic Mountain Castle ~Immersive Samurai Experience Wearing Authentic TV-Drama Armor~

【OUTLINE】

Step into the world of the samurai in this immersive hands-on tour set at the historical ruins of Jinguji Castle, a mountain fortress from the Sengoku (Warring States) period(mid-15th to late 16th century).

Wearing authentic samurai armor—the very same suits featured in Japanese TV historical drama series—you will learn traditional moves, stances, and etiquette, as well as try your hand at matchlock gun shooting using airguns.

A knowledgeable history guide will explain the fierce battles of the Sengoku period and the background of the Kaga Ikko-Ikki (peasant and warrior uprisings), allowing you to experience the actual terrain and battlefield tactics of the samurai firsthand.

Don't miss the opportunity to capture unforgettable photos in full armor. This exclusive program offers a deep dive into genuine samurai culture!

【HIGHLIGHT】

• Immerse yourself in the world of the samurai wearing authentic armor featured in Japanese TV historical drama series (Taiga dramas)
• An action-packed experience where you can try matchlock gun shooting using airguns
• Walk through Jinguji Castle, a mountain fortress from the Sengoku period, and experience the actual terrain and tactics used by samurai
• A history guide provides clear and easy-to-understand explanations of the Kaga Ikko-Ikki and Sengoku-era battles
• Take photos in full armor—a special program that lets you deeply appreciate samurai culture

【SCHEDULE】

Please choose your preferred start time from either 13:00 or 14:30.

[13:00 / 14:30] Meet in front of the castle gate
・Departure: Start of a 1.2 km one-way adventure
・Tales from the Sengoku Era: Secret stories told by your history guide
・Samurai Experience: Change into full armor
・Matchlock Firearm Challenge: Try target shooting with airguns
・Descent: Walk back down the mountain

[14:30 / 16:00] End of tour & dismissal

【DETAILS】

This outdoor field activity invites you to walk alongside a knowledgeable guide and experience the defensive lines once used by samurai during the Sengoku (Warring States) period.

At the ruins of Jinguji Castle, real battlefield tactics remain preserved in the terrain—including dry moats (horikiri), earthen bridges (dobashi), steep slope angles, and strategic castle enclosures (kuruwa) engineered to stop enemy invasions. Walking these paths on foot, you will gain a first-hand understanding of how samurai secured their lines of sight, positioned ambushes, and selected their tactical routes.

In the second half of the program, you will challenge yourself to target shooting using matchlock-style airguns while learning proper posture, aiming techniques, and safe handling. This unique program connects rich historical storytelling with real hands-on action, perfectly blending learning and live experience.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：90 minutes
• Meeting Point：Jinguji Castle Gate Square  [MAP]
  　Address: 36-1 Sawa, Awara, Fukui 919-0804
• Access：
  ・By Train:
  10 minutes by taxi from Awara-Onsen Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen)
  15 minutes by taxi from Awara-Yunomachi Station (Echizen Railway)
  ・By Car:
  Approx. 10 minutes from Kanazu IC on the Hokuriku Expressway
• Number of participants：2–4 people (For safety reasons, single participants cannot be accepted.)
• Language support：Japanese
  ・The guide speaks basic English (greetings and essential safety instructions).
  ・Main communication during the tour will rely on gestures and translation apps.
• Included：
  ・Tour guide fee
  ・Work gloves
  ・Bear bell rental
  ・Shooting experience
  ・Insurance fee
• Excluded：
  ・English-speaking guide: Not provided (Please note that an interpreter guide is not included in this plan).
• Items to bring：
  ・Hat / Cap
  ・Hydration (water or sports drink)
  ・Small towel
• Clothes：
  ・Please participate in clothing suitable for mountain hiking, a hat, and non-slip footwear.
• Participation requirements：
  ・Participants: Ages 6 and older (Groups of 2–4 people)
      Preschoolers (under 6) cannot participate
  ・Pricing:
     Ages 13+: Adult Rate
     Ages 6–12: Free (Note: Child-sized armor is not available)
• Precautions & Conditions：
  ・Public transportation is available nearby.
  ・Not recommended for participants with back problems.
  ・Not recommended for participants with serious heart conditions or other severe medical issues.
• Free Wi-Fi：Not available
• Toilet：Not available 
• Other things to note：
  [Course Info & Walking Distance]
  ・Distance & Pace: The walking route is approximately 1.2 km one-way and takes about 20 minutes. With an elevation gain of around 50 meters, it offers a comfortable level of light exercise that anyone can easily enjoy.
  
  [Matchlock Shooting Experience for Children]
  ・Child Support: We kindly ask parents or guardians to assist young children (elementary school lower grades).
  ・Shooting Setup: A shooting rest/stand is provided so children can place and balance the gun while firing, making the experience accessible and fun even for younger participants.
  ・Safety First: Targets are set 30 meters away. Our guide will ensure thorough safety checks before anyone fires, so you can enjoy the experience with complete peace of mind.
  
  [Weather Policy & Cancellations]
  ・Tour Operation Criteria: The decision to operate the tour will be made at 17:00 on the day before the tour. The tour will proceed if forecasted rainfall is 1 mm or less. If rainfall is forecasted at 2 mm or more, the tour will be canceled, and a full refund will be issued.
  ・Customer Cancellations & No-Shows: Please note that refunds cannot be provided if you choose to cancel independently or do not show up due to personal weather judgments.
  ・Notification: If rain is forecasted, the tour operator will send an email at 17:00 the day before to confirm whether the tour will run. Please be sure to check your inbox.
  
  
  

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Until 72 hours before the experience start time: 0%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100%