• Why does understanding samurai become an important part of your Japan trip? There are a couple of formidable reasons.
• 1) Samurai ruled Japan for 7 centuries.
• 2) Values they prized are inherited by the modern day Japanese.
• This tour focuses on the sword as the very soul of samurai AND on the values they have prized.
• 1) Sword
• ① Relive their discipline by experiencing swordsmanship practiced by samurai. Observe solo demonstration by the master up close to marvel at his skill.
• ② At the sword museum, learn all about swords and appreciate their sheer beauty as work of art.
• ③ Travelers are often so intrigued by the beauty of swords that they buy and bring one back home. At the sword shop, take your time to look around; the guide will interpret as needed.
• 2) Samurai values
• Visit a samurai related landmark to learn the values samurai adhered to, and the shogunate regime they lived in. Get a clue as to how the modern day Japanese have inherited the values samurai prized.

Experience Iaido, a dominant art of swordsmanship practiced by samurai. If you can imagine a samurai swiftly and deftly slicing a roll of straw mat, that is Iaido. After arriving at the Iaido dojo, change into a samurai attire with a sword. Learn from a master what Iaido is about, flow of experience, and actually slash a cardboard with a sword; not a roll of straw mat for your safety. You will have an option to buy a samurai attire and / or sword used in the experience. Observe solo demonstration of the master up close to marvel at his skill, which is especially impressive after your own experience. You will receive a certificate of completion at the end. We can arrange purchase of a sword or samurai attire used in the experience for those interested. All necessary arrangements can be made on the spot.