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Learning Bushido in Kumamoto

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Learning Bushido in Kumamoto

Discover the culture of martial arts by following in the footsteps of invincible samurai Miyamoto Musashi

Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture

Learn Bushido from a teacher who inherited Niten Ichiryu, the style of classical Japanese swordsmanship used by the strongest samurai of Japan, Miyamoto Musashi.

Miyamoto Musashi spent his later years in Kumamoto, where he wrote the “Book of Five Rings” in a cave called “Reigando” in Kumamoto City. The book outlines his tactics and knowledge, explaining how to win a fight by cutting off any doubts or anxiety in the mind.

Musashi received the name Niten Doraku from the monk Haruyama in Higo Province (modern-day Kumamoto), and he used it in the name of his school, Niten Ichiryu— “Musashi’s first style,” so to speak. Niten Ichiryu was eventually established as a tradition within the Higo clan, and it is discussed in the “Water” book of the “Book of Five Rings.”

In this program, participants will learn from Matsunaga Tetsunori, the 18th head of the Niten Ichiryu school, who has preserved the school and is dedicated to the development of Iaido, the authentic samurai approach to swordsmanship and spirituality that has been handed down for approximately 380 years. This learning experience includes some time to hold and use a real samurai sword.

Whether you are a beginner or want to experience samurai culture more deeply, here you can learn and experience Kumamoto’s unique samurai culture, which is not only about “cutting,” but also about facing and improving oneself. You can also learn about Iaido over matcha and Japanese sweets.

At the end of your training, you will receive a Certificate of Completion of Training with your name inscribed, along with a Japanese hand towel as a souvenir. You can also go out on a sightseeing adventure nearby, visiting a variety of attractions such as Kumamoto Castle.