Takumi・Zen・Samurai Unbound: Traditional Japanese sword forging, zazen meditation and iai swordsmanship
Step into the daring domain of the Japan’s historical warriors with this travel plan featuring sword forging, iai-jutsu (sword drawing), Zen history, philosophy and meditation embodied by the samurai spirit. The best part is experiencing it all firsthand - start by watching the sparks fly up close as master bladesmith Fujiwara Kanemasa puts tried and trusted techniques to astounding work, hammer the steel fashioned into a blade at the workshop of the Cutler SANSYU / Seki Hamono Museum, before calming your heart and mind with Zazen meditation amidst the tranquil surroundings of the Ryutai-ji Temple, and finally, witness the swift but deadly motions of iai-jutsu with a genuine katana on the temple grounds. Unleash the fighter in you.
Recommended points
● Observe sword forging and hammer steel under the watchful eyes of Fujiwara Kanemasa XXV and Fujiwara Kanefusa XXVI, 25th-generation and 26th-generation master bladesmiths whose family has been crafting swords for the Tokugawa family from the Muromachi Period.
● Zazen meditation on the grounds of the Ryutai-ji Temple, with a prestigious and legendary history dating back to the year 1407 (the Muromachi Period).
● Witness the dynamic, powerful display of iai-jutsu at the temple grounds - a reflection of the spirit and etiquette of bushido (the way of the Samurai).
● A genuine, unforgettable cultural experience that combines both the samurai code and master craftsman techniques.
Overview
- Season
- 2025/4/1～2026/3/31 (Excluding year-end and New Year's Holidays)
- Activity Time
- 5 hours
- Place
-
Cutler SANSYU / Seki Hamono Museum (example)
950-1 Oze, Seki City, Gifu Prefecture. 501-3265
- Number of Participants
- 2 to 5 people
- Reference Price
- From 158,400 yen per person
- Starting Point
- Gifu Station or Gifu City hotel
- Ending Point
- Gifu Station or Gifu City hotel
- Meeting Time
- 9:00, 11:30
- Schedule
-
・9:00・11:30 - Meet up at Gifu Station or at hotel in Gifu City
・9:30・12:00 - Traditional Japanese swordsmithing and hammering at Cutler SANSYU / Seki Hamono Museum
・11:00・13:30 - Depart for Ryutaiji Temple (about 15 mins by car)
・11:30・14:00 - Zazen meditation at Ryutaiji Temple
・12:00・14:30 - Iai observation at Ryutaiji Temple
・14:00・16:30 - Drop off at Gifu Station or at hotel in Gifu City
*This itinerary is an example
- Important Information
-
・Please wear clothes you can easily move in, and that you don't mind getting dirtied. Hakama available for borrowing.
・Signing a consent form is required for handling swords.
・Individuals under 17 years of age may only observe. Minimum of two adults in a group.
- Contact Information
-
Discover GIFU
Phone number: +81-(0)58-265-4831 (weekdays 9:30-17:30)
Email address: customer@gifu-tj.jp
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