Tokyo "Discover all about samurai" half-day guided tour

Experience Iaido, a dominant art of swordsmanship practiced by samurai. If you can imagine a samurai swiftly and deftly slicing a roll of straw mat, that is Iaido. After arriving at the Iaido dojo, change into a samurai attire with a sword. Learn from a master what Iaido is about, flow of experience, and actually slash a cardboard with a sword; not a roll of straw mat for your safety. You will have an option to buy a samurai attire and / or sword used in the experience. Observe solo demonstration of the master up close to marvel at his skill, which is especially impressive after your own experience. You will receive a certificate of completion at the end. We can arrange purchase of a sword or samurai attire used in the experience for those interested. All necessary arrangements can be made on the spot.

We will visit a former residence of one of feudal lords, subordinates to the shogun. Each feudal lord was in charge of ruling various regions of Japan as top-notch samurai. They typically had three residences in Edo, current Tokyo; then, the obvious question you would have is why they had three residences in Edo despite the fact that they governed rural areas. Using the question as the starting point, the guide will start demystifying who samurai was. The very first point, which is closely related to their having had residences in Edo, is the shogunate regime of which they were part. You will learn from the guide what they valued, ethical constraints they had, their daily regimen, and their life style thereby making your understanding of samurai wholistic rather than being mere swordsmen. The residence is a traditional Japanese garden; learn from the guide how the garden replicates the nature and its beauty just like others in Japan and what the top-notch samurai sought in them.

A Japanese sword has been venerated since ancient times as far more than just a weapon. In this museum located adjacent to the garden we have just visited, swords are displayed including ones designated as national treasures by the government. At the entrance of the museum, learn from the guide the traditional method to produce steel as a raw material for swords which has been used for over 1000 years. The technique is apparently "primitive and inefficient." The guide will ask you why the swordsmiths have adhered to it adamantly. It is totally counter-intuitive that the steel made that way transforms into works of art appreciated for generations and now globally. The guide will unlock the mystery before you step into the museum and marvel at their beauty as works of art. See the works of each age and school as well as those by best contemporary swordsmiths.

We will take you to a sword shop. The shop carries authentic Japanese swords and daggers; they are not souvenirs but real ones made to the traditional standards. You may want to buy a real sword there to take back home. Otherwise, you can just look around in the shop. In either case, the guide will help you as an interpreter in the shop. Note: In some rare cases, the sword shop attendants are not available due to travelling for purchase, etc. Then, we will do whatever is possible to make up for it including taking you to a substitute sword shop, setting up an appointment with the shop for your later visit, etc.