Duration: Approx. 3 hours and 15 minutes
Iaido is more than just a martial art—it is a way of life. In a single fluid motion, you will draw, cut, and sheathe your sword, embodying the discipline and elegance of the Samurai.
Anyone, regardless of age or gender, can learn Iaido, as it helps improve posture, concentration, and lower-body strength while also instilling proper etiquette. More than just mastering sword techniques, it is a highly spiritual practice that emphasizes personal growth.
Unlike Kendo, which developed as a sport after World War II, Iaido uses a sword similar to a real one, emphasizing precise movements and mental discipline through kata (pre-determined forms).
Experience Overview
12:45 PM –
Meet at the Historic Arai Residence (Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan)
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1:00 PM –Change into Traditional Martial Arts Attire (Dogi) in the Tatami Room
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1:30 PM –Zen Meditation (Learn the Samurai Spirit)
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2:00 PM –Photo Time in the Japanese Garden of Arai Residence
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2:30 PM –Taxi Transfer to Ebuno Izumi no Mori Hall (Location may vary depending on weather conditions)
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2:40 PM –Try the Toyama-Ryu Iaido Kata Training
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3:50 PM –Get dressed and get ready to go home.
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4:00 PM –Take home the spirit of the Samurai! As you leave, carry with you not just memories, but the discipline, grace, and inner strength of the Samurai way.
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– START –
12:45 PM –
Meet at the Historic Arai Residence (Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan)
Gather at the Arai Residence, a traditional Japanese wooden mansion built in 1932 as both a private residence and a guesthouse. The estate spans approximately 7,500 square meters.
Before the experience begins, participants will review important instructions and sign the necessary documents.
1:00 PM –
Change into Traditional Martial Arts Attire (Dogi) in the Tatami Room
Participants will change into Iaido dogi (martial arts attire), which consists of a kimono and hakama (traditional pleated pants).
What is a Tatami Room?
A tatami room is a traditional Japanese room with a floor made of woven igusa (natural rush grass) mats. Unlike carpets or rugs, tatami requires visitors to remove their shoes and walk barefoot or in socks.
What is a Dogi?
A dogi is a traditional martial arts uniform that embodies the principles of respect and discipline. In Japanese culture, properly wearing and maintaining the uniform is just as important as training itself. The attire is designed for ease of movement and durability, consisting mainly of an upper garment (jōi) and hakama.
1:30 PM –
Zen Meditation (Learn the Samurai Spirit)
What is Zen Meditation?
Zen meditation is a traditional Buddhist practice in Japan. By sitting in silence with a straight posture and focusing on controlled breathing, participants can calm their minds and let go of distractions. It is a method to cultivate inner peace and mental clarity.
What is the Samurai Spirit (Bushido)?
The Bushido code represents the moral principles followed by Samurai, Japan’s warrior class. This philosophy emphasizes values such as:
Gi (Righteousness)/Yū (Courage)
Jin (Compassion)/Rei (Courtesy)
Makoto (Honesty & Sincerity)/Meiyo (Honor)
Chūgi (Loyalty)
Bushido is not only about combat but also serves as a way of life and personal growth.
Choosing and Handling a Sword
Feel the weight of history in your hands as you hold a katana, just like the legendary Samurai. While practice swords (mogito) will be used for safety, they are crafted to match the weight and balance of real swords—giving you a truly authentic experience. 🗡️
⚠️ For safety, practice swords (mogito) will be used. These swords have the same shape and weight balance as real ones but are blunted. However, they can still cause injury if mishandled, so careful handling is required.
Participants will learn the correct way to hold a sword.
2:00 PM –
Step into the world of the Samurai! Capture stunning photos in the historic Japanese garden of the Arai Residence, where every season paints a different masterpiece—cherry blossoms in spring, fiery maple leaves in autumn. 📸✨
Enjoy a special photo session in the Japanese garden of the historic Arai Residence, a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
Spring (late March – early April): Cherry blossoms in full bloom
Autumn (November – December): Vibrant red and yellow maple leaves
Capture the beauty of Japan’s traditional architecture and seasonal landscapes—perfect for an immersive Samurai experience!
2:30 PM –
Taxi Transfer to Ebuno Izumi no Mori Hall (Location may vary depending on weather conditions)
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2:40 PM –
Try the Toyama-Ryu Iaido Kata Training
You will learn how to handle a sword and practice its movements.
What is Toyama-Ryu?
Toyama-Ryu is a practical style of Japanese swordsmanship originally developed for real combat. It prioritizes effectiveness and practicality in every technique, focusing on movements that are both efficient and applicable in real situations.
What is Kata Training?
Kata training involves practicing pre-determined movements to improve technique, posture, and mental discipline.
Participants will learn the full sequence of movements, from drawing the sword (battō) to offensive and defensive techniques, and finally re-sheathing the sword (nōtō).
Demonstration by a Champion Instructor
Witness a breathtaking live demonstration by Hideyuki Yoshizuka, the 2024 All Japan Champion in Toyama-Ryu Iaido. Watch as he slices through rolled tatami mats with precision, showcasing the deadly beauty of the Samurai’s blade.
🎥 Watch the action here: 🔗 [https://youtu.be/epxIVLjmzVo]
He will perform a real-sword cutting (tameshigiri) demonstration, where he cuts rolled tatami mats and bamboo to showcase the precision and sharpness of the sword.
Instructor Introduction
Toshiyuki Yoshizuka
Born into a Samurai lineage, he grew up surrounded by swords.
Practiced swordsmanship from childhood by training at shrines.
Later became a disciple of a Toyama-Ryu master.
Currently serves as an executive officer of the All Japan Battōdō Federation Headquarters.
Teaches meditation and Samurai philosophy in this experience.
Hideyuki Yoshizuka
Trained under the same master as his father, Toshiyuki, for 13 years.
Began showing exceptional talent at 13 years old.
Won multiple national championships and now trains students from children to adults.
Emphasizes both technique and etiquette, encouraging students to think critically about movements and apply discipline to daily life.
Safety is a top priority in his classes.
Participant Testimonial
Chaudhary Family from India (23-year-old and 24-year-old brothers, and their mother)
💬 “We learned so much! We’ve always been interested in weapons, especially swords. In India, we don’t have many opportunities to experience this, and since Japanese swords are famous, we were really excited to join this class. Being able to ask a champion questions directly was an amazing experience!”
They were also deeply impressed by the beauty of the instructor’s real katana and were given a rare chance to hold it, experiencing its weight of approximately 1.2 kg.
3:50 PM –
Change Clothes & Wrap-Up
Time to change back into regular clothes and prepare to leave.
Great job! You have completed the Iaido experience!
4:00 PM –
Take home the spirit of the Samurai! As you leave, carry with you not just memories, but the discipline, grace, and inner strength of the Samurai way. 🌟
🌸 Seasonal Highlights
November – December: Beautiful autumn leaves
Late March – Early April: Stunning cherry blossoms
Venue Information
📍 Location: Arai Residence (Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan)
📍 Address: 1380 Nakashō, Izumisano City
📍 Access: Click here for directions
📍 Official Website: Visit Here
Instructor: All Japan Battōdō Federation – Osaka Dojo (Izumisano Branch)
Watch another video here:
▶ Click here to view
💡 Reservation Required for This Experience
🔗 Book through ICP Travel
サムライの精神を体感！日本伝統武道・居合道体験