Discover the point where samurai culture meets merchant culture with a family of Japanese sword enthusiasts in Kanazawa

Details

• Private experience

• Location: Yayoi, Kanazawa

• 90 min

• 10 people max. Minimum of 2 participants required. (Solo guests may book at the price of 2 participants)

• Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English
  (French/German/Spanish interpretation may be available upon request)

Learn about the samurai way of thinking

Kanazawa has been rooted in samurai culture for generations and is evidenced in the daily lives of the city’s residents. From marriage to the manner of conducting business to a reverence for the Japanese sword, the way of the samurai permeates life here. Join us on a visit to the family who has been resident in Izumino, Kanazawa since the Edo period, and has been collecting swords and conducting business since 1875. Learn about the samurai way of thinking as you meet sword collectors and hear their stories of swords passed from generation to generation. See the swords of the samurai, touch them, and gain a true appreciation of them not simply as weapons, but also as deeply personal works of art - true instruments of Japanese cultural heritage.

What you’ll do

Masahisa, a descendant of a samurai, will explain using real Japanese swords. (There are seven heirloom Japanese swords.)

He will disassemble a Japanese sword and explain each part's role and its decoration's meaning. He will also teach them how to safely and meaningfully appreciate them. Next, we will teach how to hold and swing a sword. You will actually try swinging down with a mock sword. You will wear Iaido clothing and learn the etiquette of Iai. In each part, you can have a photo session.

Finally, Masahisa will demonstrate the art of Iaido. You will be able to feel the sharpness of the Japanese sword.

Who can attend

• Children must be 8+

Availability

• Everyday except on Sundays

  Session 1 (10:00 - 11:30)

  Session 2 (11:30 - 13:00)

  Session 3 (13:00 - 14:30)

  Session 4 (14:30 - 16:00)

  Session 5 (16:00 - 17:30)

Access

15 min taxi ride from Kanazawa station.

Cancellation Policy

Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
* A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.