Learn the SAMURAI spirit!! Authentic Iaido experience near the Imperial Palace in Tokyo!!
[The venue:”Edo Mugai Ryu Iai Hyouho” dojo("The art of drawing the sword and Military tactics")]
※You'll slip back in time to the Edo Period in dojo filled with the nostalgic air of Samurai, where you will experience the samurai spirit through Test cutting of Sizan with real Japanese sword.
Check out what we are going to do.
Feel free to personalize this offer.
Kudanshita station(Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway) Exit 5 (5 minutes walk to the dojo)
Experience the samurai spirits through Sizan(Test cutting with real Japanese sword produced in the Medieval Ages) in the authentic Iaido dojo in the center city of Tokyo(Kudanshita,Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo)!!
Enjoy a kind of antique weapons collection tour during the break time!!
Capture this rare and wonderful experience thoroughly!! (Commemorative photographing(dressed like a Samurai holding a Japanese sword), Photography allowed during the class, Dojyo staff films your attempt!!)
Amazing demonstration performed by Head Master of the school!!(See the video)
Kudanshita station
《You can experience Test cutting of Shizan(to be detailed later)which is most suitable for learning the Samurai spirits. Moreover,old swords produced in the 15th to 16th centuries, which are said to have excellent sharpness ever, are used!!》
Mugairyu school Iai, the classical samurai art of drawing the sword was created by the founder of Mugairyu school,
Tsuji Gettan Sukemochi(1648～1727). Mugairyu was exceedingly practical Iai to be useful for actual combat.
Additionally,considering the importance of the mental aspects of swordsmanship, Gettan joined the Zen seminary at KYUKOU-ji temple and studied under the famouse SEKITAN Zen bishop.
Incidentally, KYUKOU-ji temple near Shibuya station was founded on Azabu-Sakurada-cho in Edo(present Nishi-Azabu,Minato Ward, Tokyo)in 1650,and reportedly relocated to current location in the early 1700's.
Gettan was finally spiritually awakend with Zen Bishop Sekitan's help in the 19th year of his Zen study. For this reason, this temple is worshipped as the birthplace of "Mugai-ryu".
Gettan and his Mugai-ryu became so famous in its day. Not only samurai but also Daimyo or feudal lord joined this school. And, Mugai-ryu greatly flourished especially among high class samurai including Shogun’s retainers during the Edo Period(1603～1868).
Head Master of the school who restored the old Iai-swordsmanship style with a historical background under the school name of “Edo-Mugairyu-Iai Hyouhou” directly teaches you the Samurai spirit through Shizan(Test Cutting)modified for beginner!!
Shizan refers to the Test Cutting,which is a practice of cutting a simulated target(rolled tatami mat top layers of being soaked in water to add density) with a descending diagonal cut from the upper right to the lower left using a real Japanese sword from unsheathed position.
Shizan was popularized in the Edo Period for testing the quality of Japanese swords.
This practice requires practitioner’s concentration and courage, as might be expected of a practice performed with a real Japanese sword.
Head Master of "Edo-Mugairyu-Iai Hyoho", who is placing high value on the mental aspects of Swordsmanship like Gettan, created this Shizan experience program to provide beginners the opportunity to try Shizan and to be exposed to the samurai spirit while sufficiently giving consideration to the safety of the attempt.
And,Head Master himself spoon-feeds you considering an individual difference such as physical conditions and a physical strength!!
For example…
A towering figure…
An affectionate Madam…
A cute ten-year old boy…
A fine gentleman in his 80's…
Literally,anybody without regard to the age and gender can enjoy this Iaido lesson!! (See the video)
Success in the attempt doesn't matter, because this program's purpose lies the experience of the Samurai spirit!!
Just feel the Samurai spirit trying test cutting seriously with a real Japanese sword !!
Additionally,while commemorative photographing(dressed like a Samurai holding a Japanese sword)is of course carried out, you may also take pictures during the experience program and dojyo staff films your attempt!!
That’s why you can capture this rare and wonderful experience thoroughly!!
Furthermore,you can enjoy a kind of antique weapons collection tour during the break time!!
In addition,those are not replica but genuine ones which are supposed to be exhibited in museums!! And, unlike museums, you can film them and even touch them!!
After the lesson,amazing demonstration performed by Head Master of the school is waiting for you!!(See the video)
So, see you in the dojo!!
guide fee,Lesson fee(instruction by master, assistants), Rental Samurai sword and Iaido outfit, transportation fee(guide)
Transportation fee(you): From your place to Kudanshita station,Hotel pick up: if you needed
◆Check for availability
Thank you for your interest in booking my tour!!
Please use the mail form ”contact Hiroki” above to inquire about availability for your desired date and session. And,I’ll email you a valid availability for them within 2 hours!!
☆The lesson lasts approximately 90 minutes.(Duration includes moving time from Kudanshita station to the dojo(5 minutes walk one way) and time to change your clothes)
[Schedule] Please choose from the three sessions below.(adjustable within 30 minutes or so)
1)
10:00 Lesson start
11:30 Finish
2)
13:00 Lesson start
14:30 Finish
3)
15:00 Lesson start
16:30 Finish
You'll try Shizan(Test Cutting with real Japanese sword) to learn the Samurai spirit.
Shizan refers to a practice of cutting a simulated target of rolled tatami mat top layers.
This practice requires practitioner’s concentration and courage, as might be expected of a practice performed with a real Japanese sword.
Head Master of "Edo-Mugairyu-Iai Hyoho" created this Shizan experience program to provide beginners the opportunity to try Shizan and to be exposed to the samurai spirit while sufficiently giving consideration to the safety of the attempt.
And,Head Master himself spoon-feeds you considering an individual difference such as physical conditions and a physical strength!!
That's why you can try this practice without worrying about your physical strength and experience, but please follow faithfully the instructions given by the master !!
We couldn't have asked for a better first day in Tokyo! Hiroki-san was gracious, funny, and was able to help us navigate the most confusing subway system we've ever seen! As first timers to Japan, it was very overwhelming trying to find what to do and how to travel there. By doing this tour, we not only traversed the city, but learned so many different things in the process! Hiroki-san was even able to customize our day based on preferences we provided. We never had to pull out a phone to navigate, got amazing pictures, and will cherish these memories forever!
Dear Audrey san, Thank you so much for choosing me as a tour guide on your first day in Japan and writing such a great review despite being busy getting ready for many things !! During the tour I really had a great time with you and your wonderful family, and yesterday was a day that leaves behind an enjoyable memory !! Also, your sincere attitude towards learning Japan really impressed me !! Thanks to the information for your preferences you gave me beforehand, I was able to customize your day smoothly. Thank you again, and please give my best regards to Josh-san and Ryan-san !! Sincerely, Hiroki
Hiroki-san is a very kind and knowledgeable individual. I had a superb time with him exploring the treasures of Tokyo. His command over Japan's history is just amazing. I would definitely recommend Hiroki-san to anyone who has a free day to explore Tokyo city.
Dear Rajeev-san, Thank you so much for choosing me as a tour guide on your last day in Japan and writing such a wonderful review on my tour despite being busy just before your flight !! Since my happiest moments are when I hear that my guests had a memorable time, your heartfelt review really inspired me !! Thank you again, and have a nice flight to Singapore !! Sincerely, Hiroki
lovely man very helpful
Dear Simone, Thank you very much for taking the"Tokyo custom booking" and giving me the excellent tour review!! Since the itinerary consisted of not only the destinations how to learn about Japanese history and tradition but also the experience of the contemporary Geek Culture,thanks to your honest request given me beforehand, I’m sure you’re able to fully enjoy the tour !! (Particularly, the Maid Cafe was so fun !?) Thank you again, ang hope to see you again !! Sincerely, Hiroki
Hiroki was extremely helpful and considerate. We did the iaido lesson,and I really enjoyed it.
Dear Aaron, Thank you very much for taking the "Iai-do experience tour to learn Samurai spirit" and giving me the excellent tour review!! Since the Iaido lesson includes not only how to cut a simulated target of a tatami roll with a real Japanese sword but also the appreciation of the museum piece Japanese sword and the Samurai Armours once possessed by highest ranking Samurai warriors called “Daimyo feudal lord” actually having those historic weapons in your hands, I’m sure you’re able to fully enjoy the lesson !! Thank you again, and please enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan!! Sincerely, Hiroki