About Trip:
Chop up tatami mats in this private lesson with the sword-master descendant of a samurai, where you will learn about Japanese curved katana swords and how they are handled. The lesson is taught in Ginza (the heart of Tokyo) by a 7th-level sword-master of the Hisui-style of Iai sword drawing, who has won the grand prize at sword competitions in Japan and around the world. During the lesson, you will even get to wear the traditional style of kimono worn by the samurai, including the hakama kilt.
Trip Fact
- Trip Name: Private Katana Sword Iai Lesson With A Samurai Descendant
- Trip Code: PRIVATE-GGOFOI
- Country: Japan
- Type: Private Tour,Private Tour
- Activities: WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES
- Experiences: Culture ,Relationships
- Multi-Language Guide: Japanese,English
Trip Grade
- Activity
What to expect ?
You will be able to wear the traditional Japanese kimono worn by samurai and learn about the Iai-style sword technique and practice it, as well as get the experience to chop tatami mats with a real sword.
Itinerary
Your translator guide will pick you up at your hotel and bring you to the training dojo in Ginza. After you meet the sword-master, you will be instructed on how to put on the traditional kimono worn by samurai.
The sword-master will explain and show you various swordplay techniques in the Iai-style of sword drawing, and correct your form as you try it for yourself. This style of swordplay focuses on the fast unsheathing techniques used to draw the sword and immediately disable your opponent. Your teacher is a 7th-level master swordsman in the Hisui-style of Iai, and he has done sword performances at many of the most important shrines in Japan (Ise Shrine, Meiji Shrine, Yasukuni Shrine, etc.) as well as other locations in Japan and throughout the world.
You will also get the incredibly rare experience of "tameshigiri" – chopping up grass tatami mats with a real sword! After watching the master swordsman's demonstration you will get to attempt to cut the mat and compare your results. As you will learn in the lesson, when you have too many things on your mind, and when you try to be more than who you are, you will be unable to cut well. A major highlight of the lesson will be on concentration without thinking too much.
The full lesson will be translated by your private guide, who will also translate any questions you may have for your instructor. After the lesson is over, you will be free to explore Ginza or travel wherever else you would like to in the city.
Cost Details
Price Include:
- Hotel pickup
- One-way subway transportation to the lesson
- Entrance and equipment fees
- Private instructor and translator
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
Price Exclude
- Gratuities (optional)
- Hotel drop-off
Where to meet ?
We will provide you meeting location after reservation is confirmed.
Faqs
Trip Notes
- The experience uses real swords
- Minimum age is 8 years old
- Anyone younger than 16 years old MUST be accompanied by an adult
- All passenger Ages MUST be advised at time of booking
- All passenger heights MUST be advised at time of booking
- Not recommended for participants with back problems or medical conditions
- Please provide your height at the moment of reservation so we can supply you with the right kimono size
This activity uses real swords, so all participants must follow the swordmaster's instructions. For safety reasons, some individuals (especially very active or inattentive children) may not be allowed to use the swords and participate in the mat cutting exercise. This decision remains with the sword-master, and we cannot refund any individuals who are not allowed to use the swords. We thank you in advance for your understanding.