Samurai Honor: Multiple courses for experiencing traditional Japanese culture
Samurai Honor: Multiple courses for experiencing traditional Japanese culture
The Soul and Symbol of the Samurai (Sword & Armor): Experience a Samurai Going to Battle – Real Sword Cutting Practice
Activity 1 – Highlights – Samurai Sword and Armor Experience
Preparation
The Japanese sword is one of the most effective blades in existence, traditionally worn only by samurai. Participants first change into samurai attire (dōgi and hakama) to embody the spirit of a warrior.
Bowing and Respect
Training begins and ends with a bow to the kamidana (Shinto altar) in the dojo, reflecting the belief that samurai draw strength from the gods of battle.
Sword and Bushido Etiquette
From childhood, samurai learned to handle wooden swords, and at age 15, they were permitted to carry a real sword, understanding the pride and responsibility it entailed. Samurai lived closely with their swords, keeping them nearby at all times—even during meals or sleep—to be ready for immediate action.
Walking with a Sword
Participants practice walking with a sword tucked into the obi (belt), blade facing upward. In Bushido, samurai always keep their swords sharp and ready, and the left side of the path is used to avoid scabbard contact.
Basic Sword Techniques
Using an iaidō training sword, participants learn:
Kamae – stance
Battō – drawing the sword
Chiburi – symbolic blood-shedding motion
Nottō – returning the sword to the scabbard
Direct Instruction from the Master
Learn the basic forms and strikes from the master:
Chūdan (middle)
Jōdan (high)
Gedan (low)
Hachidan (eight-step)
Yokodan (horizontal)
Swinging techniques emphasize using the sword’s weight, not arm strength, producing the traditional “hinari” sound.
Experience with a Real Samurai Sword
Participants try real samurai swords, feeling their unmatched sharpness and power, experiencing the pride and responsibility samurai felt carrying such a weapon from childhood.
Samurai Words – A Gift from the Master
Learn traditional samurai expressions used in the Sengoku era:
Katajikenna – a deeper gratitude than “thank you”
Arigatakushiawase ni – conveys rare fortune or blessing
Wearing Samurai Armor
Commemorative Photo with Armor
What's Included
• Calligraphy works and related items
• Kimono and samurai costumes
• English-speaking staff
(If you need Chinese, Italian, or Spanish support, please contact us before booking)
• Certified professional instructors
• Taxes included
• Photography – data sent to designated email address
What's not Included
• Pickup and drop-off at station or hotel
• Transportation
• Video recording *Paid option
• Other personal expenses
Reservations must be made 2 days before
From
The Samurai Calligraphy: The Last Character to Leave to the World — Experience Bushido through Giant Calligraphy
"Samurai Calligraphy Experience — Write Your Final Word
In feudal Japan, samurai who foresaw their death would reflect on their lives and write a Jisei, or “death poem.” These letters expressed honor, courage, and thoughts for the world, marking a samurai’s final moments.
Activity 1 — Farewell Letter Experience
Participants wear kimono or hakama and write a farewell letter as if going to battle, experiencing the mindset of a samurai facing life and death.
Activity 2 — Learn the Poem of Death
The Jisei is a final farewell, expressing pride, acceptance of death, and personal reflections. Participants consider what messages they would leave behind.
Activity 3 — Calligraphy Practice
Learn the basics of Japanese calligraphy: brush handling, strokes (tome, hane, harai), and kanji practice. Mind, body, and brush come together in harmony.
Activity 4 — Name in Kanji (Surprise)
The instructor writes each participant’s name in kanji on a wooden plaque as a keepsake reflecting their personality.
Activity 5 — Choosing Your Final Kanji
Select a kanji that represents your life and practice its strokes carefully, reflecting on your journey.
Activity 6 — Designing Your Farewell Character
Plan the layout of your final character. Consider who you want to leave your message to. Japanese aesthetics value yohaku, or “empty space,” allowing simplicity to express beauty.
Activity 7 — Giant Calligraphy Performance
Using a brush five times larger than usual, write a 150×150 cm character with full-body movements, creating a strong yet elegant expression of your final word.
Activity 8 — Optional: Taiko Drums
Taiko drums add energy and rhythm, enhancing the performance with a dynamic, expressive atmosphere.
Activity 9 — Signature
Sign your work on the left side to mark yourself as the author, ensuring future recognition.
Activity 10 — Photography
Capture your attire and calligraphy in photos. Kimono or samurai dress enhances posture and presence.
What's Included
➤ Calligraphy artwork and related works
➤ Kimono / Samurai attire
➤ English-speaking staff
(For Chinese, Italian, or Spanish support, please contact us before booking)
➤ Certified professional instructor
➤ Tax included
➤ Photography – image data sent to designated email
What's not Included
➤ Pick-up and drop-off at stations or hotels
➤ Transportation
➤ Hanging scroll paid option
➤ Hair set + kanzashi paid option
Women: kimono, obi, tabi, zori, basket bag, outdoor photography
Men: kimono, obi, tabi, geta, outdoor photography
➤ Video recording paid option
➤ Other personal expenses
Reservations must be made 2 days before
From
Learn Beautiful Calligraphy in a Kimono at Osaka Castle: Shodo Class / Etiquette, Principles, and Basic Skills
Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) Class Program
① Preparation Shodo is an art deeply rooted in Japanese cultural aesthetics. Before picking up the brush, participants change into traditional Japanese clothing such as a kimono.
② Mindset and Tool Explanation
③ Learn How to Hold the Brush and Use the Tools, Then Practice
④ Technique Training and Practice
⑤ Kanji Practice
⑥ Surprise from the Calligraphy Instructor
⑦ Final Work (Seisho) You can keep your first calligraphy piece as a souvenir or frame it to display.
⑧ Free Photo Session
⑨ Kanji Bag as a Souvenir Write the kanji you practiced today on the surface of the bag. Place your artwork inside the bag and take it home.
Class Schedule
10:00 AM (Gather at 9:30 AM) – 11:00 AM
11:30 AM (Gather at 11:00 AM) – 12:30 PM
1:00 PM (Gather at 12:30 PM) – 2:00 PM
2:30 PM (Gather at 2:00 PM) – 3:30 PM
4:00 PM (Gather at 3:30 PM) – 5:00 PM
What's Included
➤ Calligraphy works and related items
➤ Kimono and samurai costume
➤ English-speaking staff (For Chinese, Italian, or Spanish support, please contact us before booking)
➤ Certified professional instructor
➤ Taxes included
➤ Photo session – Data sent to specified email address
What's not Included
➤ Pickup and drop-off to stations or hotels
➤ Transportation
➤ Hanging scroll Paid option
➤ Hair set + Kanzashi Paid option
Women: Traditional clothing + kimono, obi, tabi, zori, basket bag, outdoor photo session
Men: Kimono, obi, tabi, geta, outdoor photo session
➤ Video recording Paid option
➤ Other personal expenses
Reservations must be made 2 days before
From
Learn Bushido through Samurai Sword Experience at Osaka Castle: Basics of Iaido and Test Cutting with a Real Sword
Activity 1 - Features -
➤ Preparation
The Japanese sword is one of the most effective blades in existence and was only allowed to be worn by samurai. First, change into samurai attire (dogi and hakama) and transform into a samurai.
Activity 2
➤ Bowing Etiquette
Based on the idea of training under the protection of the war and martial gods, a kamidana (miniature shrine) is enshrined in the dojo. Training begins and ends with a bow to the kamidana.
Activity 3
➤ Explanation of the Sword and Bushido Spirit
The relationship between samurai and the Japanese sword.
From childhood, samurai learned how to handle swords, and at age 15 were allowed to wear a real sword. At this time, they understood both their pride and the responsibility of carrying a deadly weapon.
Samurai lived inseparably with their swords. Even in peacetime, they kept the sword close to protect themselves, during meals and sleep, ready to draw it if needed. The sword was the soul of the samurai, never to be sold, even in starvation.
➤ Practice walking while wearing the sword belt.
Practice walking etiquette and movements with the belt.
Activity 4
➤ Practice basic movements with an iaido training sword.
Stances and swings
Drawing the sword – removing the sword from the scabbard for cutting
Chibui – symbolically wiping blood off the blade after cutting
Sheathing – putting the sword back after chibui
Activity 5
➤ Learn basic forms, stances, and cutting techniques directly from the master.
Chudan stance
Jodan stance
Gedan stance
Hachidan stance
Yokonoburi stance
➤ Repeatedly practice swinging from stances
Cut… Cut. Cut. Cut.
When swinging, focus on the weight of the sword, not arm strength.
If done correctly, the sword produces a ""hinari"" sound.
Activity 6 – Highlight
➤ Test-Cutting (Tameshigiri)
Experience real test-cutting with a genuine Japanese sword!
Feel the world-class sharpness for yourself.
In this session, you will challenge cutting rolled straw targets.
Samurai learned from a young age both the pride of always carrying a sword and the responsibility that comes with bearing such a dangerous weapon in public.
Activity 7
➤ A Gift from the Master – “Samurai Words”
Samurai Kotoba were expressions mainly used by the warrior class during the Sengoku period.
They valued loyalty, discipline, and the spirit of Bushidō—reflected deeply in their language.
“Katajikenna” — A phrase expressing gratitude with strong humility, even deeper than simply saying “thank you.”
“Arigataku Shiawase” — A traditional expression meaning “extremely fortunate” or “a rare and happy coincidence.”
➤ Professional Photo Service
Your focused moments during the activity will be photographed.
All photo data will be sent to you within two days.
➤ Closing with a Bow
What's Included
➤ Hakama (Samurai Attire)
➤ English-speaking staff
(If you need Chinese, Italian, or Spanish support, please contact us before booking)
➤ Certified professional instructor
➤ Taxes included
➤ Photography – Data sent to designated email
What's not Included
➤ Pickup and drop-off at station or hotel
➤ Transportation
➤ Video recording *Paid option
➤ Other personal expenses
Reservations must be made 2 days before
From
Osaka Castle Tea Ceremony: Enjoy Matcha and Japanese Sweets – Learn Etiquette, Graceful Movements, and the Spirit of Hospitality
Experiencing the Tea Ceremony as a Guest
Activity, 0
➤ Preparation
Zen is deeply rooted in Japan’s traditional culture, and learning the tea ceremony can bring many positive changes.
Before the tea ceremony, participants are asked to change into traditional Japanese attire.
➤ “Nijiriguchi”
This refers to the small entrance for guests in a tea room. Because the doorway is narrow, everyone—regardless of social rank—must bow and crawl slightly to enter, symbolizing equality among all participants.
➤ The tea host serves guests according to traditional etiquette.
A tea master prepares matcha (powdered green tea) and serves it to the guests.
Activity 1
➤ Learn etiquette, graceful movements, and the spirit of hospitality.
Activity 2
➤ Posture
Students learn these rules through hands-on practice.
Activity 3
➤ Learn about wabi-sabi, Japanese aesthetics, and the changing seasons through wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets).
“Too beautiful to eat.”
Wagashi are traditional Japanese confections that express the seasons.
These small sweets embody the Japanese worldview of wabi-sabi and appreciation of nature’s changes.
They reflect Japan’s sense of beauty and sensitivity to the seasons.
Wagashi are uniquely Japanese, representing the spirit of cherishing each season and finding beauty in simplicity and impermanence.
Activity 4
➤ Understand that hospitality (omotenashi) is not one-sided.
As a guest invited to a tea gathering, experience the deep charm of samurai tea culture and the mutual respect between host and guest.
What's Included
➤ Kyoto-grown Matcha & Fresh Wagashi
➤ Kimono & Samurai Costume
➤ English-speaking Staff
(For Chinese, Italian, or Spanish support, please contact us before making a reservation.)
➤ Certified Professional Instructor
➤ Tax Included
➤ Photography Service – Photos will be sent to your designated email address
What's not Included
➤ Pick-up and Drop-off Service (from Station or Hotel)
➤ Transportation
➤ Hanging Scroll – Optional (extra charge)
➤ Hair Styling & Kanzashi (Hair Ornament) – Optional (extra charge)
For Women: Kimono set (kimono, obi belt, tabi socks, zōri sandals, basket bag) + Outdoor Photo Session
For Men: Kimono set (kimono, obi belt, tabi socks, geta sandals) + Outdoor Photo Session
➤ Video Recording – Optional (extra charge)
➤ Other Personal Expenses
Reservations must be made 2 days before
From
Highlights
Step into the world of the ancient Japanese warrior with the Samurai Honor experience, located just a short walk from the historic Osaka Castle. This immersive cultural center offers you the rare opportunity to go beyond sightseeing and actually participate in the traditions of the samurai and the arts of the Edo period. Whether you choose to wield a real sword or master the delicate strokes of calligraphy, you'll be guided by certified professional instructors in a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
You can don traditional samurai armor, dogi, or elegant kimonos to truly look the part before diving into your chosen activity. From the thrill of test-cutting with a genuine Japanese blade (Tameshigiri) to the tranquil beauty of a formal tea ceremony, each course is designed to teach you the philosophy of Bushido. Capture every moment with a professional photo session included in each package, ensuring you leave with digital memories and handmade souvenirs of your time in Osaka.
- Authentic Samurai Experience: Learn the basics of Iaido and feel the power of a real Japanese sword with test-cutting practice.
- Traditional Japanese Arts: Master the graceful movements of the Tea Ceremony or create giant works of art in a specialized Shodo calligraphy class.
- Dress Like a Warrior: Transform your appearance by wearing authentic samurai armor, hakama, or a beautiful kimono for your activity.
- Expert Instruction: Receive hands-on guidance from certified professional instructors who share the history and spirit of Bushido.
- Memories Included: Enjoy a professional photo session with high-quality digital images sent directly to your email after the experience.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Engage the whole family with specialized courses suitable for children as young as 6 years old.
What's included
INCLUDED
Additional information
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Closed: December 31st to January 2nd.
- Last entry for experiences is typically 4:00 PM.
- Location: Samurai Honor, 1F Excellence Takayama, 2-3-19 Shiginonishi, Joto-ku, Osaka-shi, Japan.
- Arrival: Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled reservation time to allow for traditional clothing changes.
- Late arrivals may result in a shortened experience time.
- Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance.
- If you get lost on the day, please call 06-6964-4478 for immediate assistance.
- WhatsApp contact is available at +81 9036760666, but please note they cannot receive WhatsApp calls; messaging only.
- The actual itinerary may vary slightly based on the instructor and participants' pace.
- This experience is open to participants of all nationalities.
- Instruction is available in Japanese and English. Chinese support requires advance notification.
- General Activities: Children aged 6–10 years require a child ticket.
- Samurai Sword Experience: Minimum age is 10 years (Child: 10–12, Adult: 13+).
- Children aged 11+ are generally charged at the adult rate for Shodo and Tea Ceremony.
- All children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
- A spare T-shirt (to wear under the traditional attire).
- Hydration drink or water bottle.
- Mobile or printed voucher.
- The facility is located on the 1st floor (1F) of the building.
- Please contact the operator in advance for specific mobility assistance requirements.
- Manual confirmation is required. Please wait for your booking to be confirmed by the operator.
- Please refer to the specific terms at the time of booking. Generally, reservations must be finalized 48 hours in advance.
- Present your mobile or printed voucher at the facility reception upon arrival.
- Voucher is valid only on the date and time of reservation.
Location
Provider
Japan Ticket
SGD 53.69
Why Pelago?
- Trusted by millions of travellers
- Choose from 200,000+ activities
- Earn KrisFlyer miles with every booking
- A Singapore Airlines company