[Kumamoto] Samurai Experience: Niten Ichi-ryu Iaido & Zazen Tour

【STORY】

This premium full-day plan combines an authentic Iaido sword experience—guided directly by Grandmaster Matsunaga, the 18th-generation head of Niten Ichi-ryu founded by Miyamoto Musashi—with zazen meditation at Ungan-zenji Temple's Main Hall, a site deeply connected to Musashi.

After donning traditional training robes, tasting matcha, and learning swordsmanship focused not just on victory, but on protection, you will visit the mystical cave where Musashi wrote The Book of Five Rings. Through the harmony of "Motion" (Iaido) and "Stillness" (Zazen), you will experience the essence of Bushido and build an unshakeable inner core to navigate the modern world.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Learn authentic Iaido in proper training robes directly from the 18th Grandmaster preserving Miyamoto Musashi’s sword style, Niten Ichi-ryu.
• A comprehensive full-day course where you can experience both "Motion" (Iaido) and "Stillness" (Zazen in the Main Hall of Ungan-zenji Temple).
• Discover an unshakeable inner balance and philosophy for modern life rooted in Bushido, timeless across the ages.
• Receive a personalized Samurai Training Certificate of Completion and an original tenugui towel as special gifts.

【SCHEDULE】

Morning Session: Iaido Experience (Musashi Building 3F)

[11:00] Meet at the Iaido Dojo & change into samurai training robes
[11:10] Matcha tea experience & introduction to the philosophy of Iaido
[11:20] Live Iaido demonstration by the 18th-generation Grandmaster
[11:25] Hands-on Iaido practice (Etiquette, sword techniques, and practical movement)
[12:15] Certificate presentation, photo session, and changing back
[12:40] Travel to Reigando Cave on your own
(Note: Private car service can be arranged upon request. Please inquire for details.)

Afternoon Session: Reigando Cave & Zazen Program (Ungan-zenji Temple)

[14:55] Meet in front of Ungan-zenji Temple
 Address: 589 Hirayama, Matsuo-machi, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 861-5282 [MAP]

[15:00] Temple Main Hall tour & historical background
[15:10] Treasure House visit (Explanation of Musashi’s artifacts)
[15:30] Walk past the Five Hundred Arhat statues to Reigando Cave
[15:40] Reigando Cave tour & The Book of Five Rings philosophy
[16:00] Zazen meditation orientation & preparation
[16:10] Zazen meditation session in the Main Hall & reflection
[16:40] Tour ends on-site / Dismissal

Please note: The schedule and pace may be adjusted depending on your physical condition.

【Transportation & Access Notes】

[Travel Time]

The drive from Musashi Building to the afternoon meeting point (Ungan-zenji Temple) takes approximately 30 minutes.

Private Transport Option: Hired private car service between Musashi Building and Ungan-zenji Temple is available upon request. Please contact us if interested.
*Taxi payment is required on-site.

[Parking Information Near Ungan-zenji Temple]

・Parking Lot 1: Ungan-zenji Temple Parking Lot［MAP]
Address: 592 Hirayama, Matsuo-machi, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 861-5282
Note: Located right in front of the temple. Access is via a narrow mountain road, so please drive with extreme caution. (Recommended for confident drivers in standard/compact vehicles).

・Parking Lot 2: Iwato no Sato Park Parking Lot［MAP］
Address: 589 Hirayama, Matsuo-machi, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 861-5282
Note: A spacious parking area. Reaching Ungan-zenji Temple requires a 15–20 minute downhill walk along a narrow mountain path. (Recommended for large vehicles or drivers unfamiliar with narrow mountain roads).

【Tour Dates】

Scheduled Dates: November 14, 2026 / January 16, 2027
Custom Dates: Requests for dates other than those listed above are available upon request. Please feel free to inquire.

【DETAILS】

● About Miyamoto Musashi & The Book of Five Rings
Miyamoto Musashi was Japan’s legendary master swordsman, remaining undefeated in over 60 duels. In his later years, he was invited to Kumamoto by the ruling Hosokawa clan, where he retired to Reigando Cave to write his masterpiece on strategy and martial arts, The Book of Five Rings.
Far beyond a guide to combat techniques, The Book of Five Rings teaches a profound philosophy for life and strategy: knowing oneself, adapting to change, and sharpening one's mind. In today's digital age, where advances in AI lead us to question the very essence of humanity, Musashi’s wisdom continues to be read around the world as a guide for staying grounded and living with clarity.

●Deepening Life Lessons Through Iaido and Zazen
In today’s fast-paced society driven by AI and technology, maintaining a strong inner core for authentic living is more essential than ever. Musashi’s The Book of Five Rings teaches us to be like water—flexible and adaptable to change, yet firmly rooted in an unshakeable mind. This philosophy provides valuable insights for both modern daily life and business.
This special cultural program offers total immersion into Musashi's spiritual world across a single day: dynamic physical movement in the morning to sharpen focus ("Motion"), followed by quiet self-reflection in the afternoon within the peaceful cave and Main Hall of Ungan-zenji Temple ("Stillness").

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Total Duration: 200 mins
  (100 mins: Iaido Experience + 100 mins: Reigando Cave Program)
• Meeting Location 1: Musashi Building 3F (Please head directly to the 3rd floor) [MAP]
• Address: 3F Musashi Bldg., 1-6-4 Shimotori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 860-0807
• Access：
  ・From Kumamoto Castle: 15-minute walk
  ・From JR Kumamoto Station: Take the Kumamoto City Tram (A-Line bound for Kengun-machi), get off at "Torichosuji" Stop, and walk for 5 minutes.
  ・From Fukuoka Airport: Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes by car
  ・From Fukuoka (Hakata Station): Approx. 30 minutes by Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
• Meeting Location 2: Iwadonosan Ungan-zenji Temple [MAP]
• Address: 589 Hirayama, Matsuo-machi, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 861-5282
  
• Number of participants：1 to 10 people
• Language support：Japanese, English
• Included：
  ・Zazen Session Fee
  ・Guide Fee
  ・Admission Fee
• ・Robe / Meditation attire rental
  ・Certificate of completion
  ・Original tenugui (traditional Japanese towel)
• Excluded：
  ・Transportation to/from the meeting point
• Clothes：
  ・Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing suitable for zazen (seated meditation).
  ・Please wear comfortable walking shoes (no heels or sandals).
• Participation requirements：
  ・As a rule, spectating-only participation is not accepted.
  ・This activity is not recommended for individuals with back pain.
  ・Pregnant individuals are not eligible to participate.
  ・This activity is not recommended for individuals with serious heart conditions or other severe medical issues.
• Free Wi-Fi：Not available
• Toilet：Available (Both Western and Japanese style)
• Other things to note：
  ・Please follow the instructor's directions when handling the sword (replica).
  ・The zazen (meditation) session will take place in the Main Hall of Ungan-zenji Temple.
  ・The tour runs rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, the event will be canceled, and an email notification will be sent by 6:00 PM the day before. (A full refund will be provided.)
  ・Luggage storage is not available. Please keep your valuables with you at all times.
  ・Eating and drinking are strictly prohibited inside the temple grounds and cave (except for hydration).
  ・Private taxi transfers between Musashi Building and Unganzenji Temple are available upon request (payable on-site). Please contact us if interested.

【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%