• Experience Bushido in a dogi, taught by Mr. Matsunaga, the 18th head of Niten Ichiryu, passed down from Japan’s strongest samurai, Miyamoto Musashi.
• Enjoy matcha and sweets while learning Iaido’s spirit - swordsmanship not just for battle, but for protection.
• Receive a samurai training certificate and a tenugui towel with your name on it.
• Located next to Kumamoto Castle, you can visit before or after your training.

【STORY】
Miyamoto Musashi, the legendary samurai known as the strongest in Japan, fought over 60 duels without a single defeat. In his later years, he settled in Kumamoto, where he wrote the iconic Book of Five Rings in a cave called Reigando. This philosophical work reveals strategies for victory by overcoming doubt and mastering one’s inner self. It was also here that Musashi perfected his unique style of swordsmanship: Niten Ichiryu.
In this experience, you’ll learn the true spirit and techniques of the samurai from Matsunaga-sensei, the 18th-generation heir of Niten Ichiryu. With nearly 380 years of tradition, he has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the art of Iaido. Whether you're a first-timer or a samurai culture enthusiast, you’ll gain deeper insight into Musashi’s philosophy, which goes far beyond simply wielding a sword. It’s about facing yourself, setting your intention, and opening your heart.
You’ll also experience two core principles that defined Musashi's legacy:
1. Art and Swordsmanship as One
Musashi believed that refining one’s artistic sense was essential to mastering the sword. He expressed this belief through ink paintings and hand-crafted tsuba (sword guards), many of which are preserved at the Shimada Museum of Art in Kumamoto.
2. Swordsmanship for Protection, Not Just Victory
As Japan transitioned from the Warring States period to the peaceful Edo era, Musashi embraced the idea that swordsmanship was not just for battle, but to protect what matters. This philosophy became the foundation of Iaido - the way of inner calm and readiness.
Come and experience the world of Miyamoto Musashi in the land where he left his greatest legacy - Kumamoto.