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

Why does understanding samurail become an important part of your Japan trip? There are a couple of formidable reasons. 1) Samurai ruled Japan for 7 centuries just until 160 years ago. 2) Values they prized are inherited and adhered to by the modern day Japanese. This tour focuses on the sword as the very soul of samurai AND on the values they have prized. 1) Sword ① Relive their discipline with a sword by experiencing 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. 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. ② At the sword museum, learn materials used to produce a sword, its manufacturing process, and first and foremost, appreciate the sheer beauty of swords as work of art. ③ Travelers are often so intrigued by the beauty of swords that they buy and bring one back home. We will take you to a sword shop as well. The shop carries authentic Japanese swords and daggers; they are not souvenirs but real ones made to traditional standards. You may want to buy a real sword there to take back home. Otherwise, you can just look around the store. In either case, the guide will help you as an interpreter in the shop. At the sword shop, take your time to look around; the guide will interpret as needed. 2) Samurai values Visit a samurai related landmark to learn the values samurai adhered to, and the shogunate regime they lived in. Get a clue as to how the modern day Japanese have inherited the values samurai prized.