Recommended Reservation Available
2-Hour Iaido Samurai Experience in Yamagata
Learn the art of quickly drawing the sword to respond to attacks at the birthplace of iaido!
Operation Period
All year round.
Time Required
About 2 hours
Number of Participants
2〜20people
"Iaido" is the technique of quickly drawing and responding to attacks with a Japanese sword. Iaido is a foundation of Japanese warrior philosophy and training. This important technique was created at Hayashizaki Iai-jinja Shrine in Murayama City, Yamagata Prefecture. The shrine is said to be the birthplace of Iaido, and the most important iai shrine in Japan.
During the Warring States period and early Edo period, most people believed that a sword’s only purpose was to hurt others. However, new ideas developed through iaido which focused on spiritual training, improving skills and personal growth. This “way” (“do”) of the “warrior” (“bushi”) has come to be called “Bushido”, a philosophy that attracted attention from both Japan and overseas.
～ Samurai Sword Drawing Experience ～
First participants will visit the only Iai Shrine in Japan that enshrines Iai's founder, Hayashizaki Shigenobu. Next an expert instructor will lead participants in "Shohatto," the basic forms of sword handling. Then participants can experience holding a real sword and using it to try cutting tatami rice mats.
[Time Required] 2 hours (Morning Session: 10:00-12:00, Afternoon Session: 13:30-15:30)
[Experience Flow]
1. Change into iaido uniform.
2. Visit Hayashizaki Iai-jinja Shrine.
3. Learn about the history of iaido.
4. View the instructor's iaido demonstration.
5. Learn and practice the basics of iaido.
6. Test cutting experience (with tatami rice mats).
7. Take a commemorative photo.
【Things to Bring】
In the experience, you will wear a practice uniform but your feet need to be bare to grip the floor. Please bring leggings or underwear that allow your feet to be free.
| Experience Program Name | 2-Hour Iaido Samurai Experience in Yamagata |
|---|---|
| Activity Location | Hayashizaki Iai-jinja Shrine, Iai Training Hall |
| Time Required | About 2 hours |
| Operation Period | All year round. |
| Start Time | Morning Session: 10:00~ Afternoon Session: 13:30~ |
| Minimum number of participants | 2people |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of participants | 20people |
| Reservation Deadline | 5 days before by 17:00 |
| Important notes regarding participation | Please inform the organizer of the following information when applying: · Gender · Height · If interpretation required (English, Chinese, etc.) * Interpretation fee 15,000 yen (excluding tax) (1 experience, 1 group) (Please pay separately from the experience fee) |
| Price |
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What is included in the price | Iaido instruction fee by the instructor, training uniform and dressing fee, practice sword rental fee, trial cutting tatami material fee, venue usage fee. | ||||
| What is not included in the price | Transportation fee, overnight accommodation fee, various insurances or personal expenses. | ||||
| Method of Payment | Credit card, PayPay, etc. | ||||
| About cancellations and changes | Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel. | ||||
| Cancellation Policy | 2 days before: 20% of experience fee. 1 day before: 50% of experience fee. Same day/No-show: 100% of experience fee. |
| Meeting Spot | 86-2 Hayashizaki, Murayama-shi, Yamagata-ken 995-0006 |
|---|---|
| Meeting Time | Please come by the start time of the activity. |
| Access | 10-minute drive from Murayama Station on the JR Ou Line. |
| Parking | Yes |
| Barrier-free Access | No |
|---|---|
| About multi-lingual support | Japanese An English or Chinese interpreter can be provided for an additional charge of 15,000 yen per group. |
