Samurais who once flourished in Japan. They are now becoming increasingly popular worldwide. We will introduce the attractive aspects of Japan's samurai culture, along with seven carefully selected spots in Japan where you can actually experience being a samurai. Please enjoy the world of Bushido, which can only be experienced in Japan.
Why are samurais popular?
There are many samurai fans all over the world. Why are samurais so popular? Although knights existed in the West, a crucial difference is that there are fewer anecdotes and legends that have been passed down to the present day.
In the case of knights, detailed records of the Middle Ages have not survived to the present day, and the history is vague, making it difficult to form an image. On the other hand, for samurais, there are numerous documents and anecdotes about historical figures such as Tokugawa Ieyasu, Oda Nobunaga, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Even if they are not famous warlords, there are records, and the accessibility to the charm of samurais is one of the reasons why there are many samurai lovers.
Also, there are many documents related to battles, and famous battles such as the Battle of Kawanakajima and the Battle of Sekigahara are often featured in movies and dramas. When the image of that time is projected as a video, it may be easier to empathize.
Furthermore, Japanese swords are unique and sophisticated, and Japanese swordsmanship and stage combat are also attractive. There are not a few people who are moved by the spirit of "Bushido", which is to risk one's life for the lord.
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Places in Japan where you can experience being a Samurai
From here, we will introduce seven carefully selected spots in Japan where you can actually feel like a samurai. There's no doubt that it will be a special day that can only be experienced in Japan. Please use this article as a reference and embark on a journey to experience the world of samurai.
TOKYO BUNBUN (Tokyo)
At "TOKYO BUNBUN", we offer a great value plan that includes a samurai drama show and a samurai sword fighting experience. You can watch the "Samurai Drama" show performed by actors active in movies and theater, and learn sword fighting.
Within a one-hour experience time frame, you can learn the basics of sword fighting, from how to use a sword to samurai etiquette, and at the end, you can also experience a performance of defeating an enemy. You will also receive a bonus of shooting data. This plan is popular with tourists as a souvenir.
Abe Dojo (Tokyo)
At Abe Dojo in Mitaka City, Tokyo, actors affiliated with Abe Dojo will teach you sword fighting in a safe and careful manner. In the program called "Samurai fight action experience〜Aim for the Last Samurai", you can experience the thrill of a scene from an action movie, as the actors teach you professional techniques directly. This is a recommended activity that friends, couples, and families can enjoy and participate in casually.
The experience lasts for about 2 hours. You will learn the basics of sword fighting, such as how to hold a sword and how to swing it, and even how to move around. Depending on the plan, you can also rent a kimono and hakama, which will make you feel as if you have slipped back in time.
Samurai Kenbu Theater (Kyoto)
The Samurai Kenbu Theater in Kyoto, which opened in 2014, is the first permanent theater in Japan where you can experience and appreciate Kenbu (Sword Dance). It is conveniently located within walking distance from famous Kyoto tourist spots such as Heian Shrine and Gion.
You can learn how to handle swords and fans with a Kenbu master, dress up in costumes, and take photos. The explanations are in English, and you can also watch a thrilling stage performance by the master. The Kenbu experience lessons can accommodate groups of up to 100 people by arranging a large venue. What's particularly nice is that they will travel anywhere in the country, so you can enjoy an original program tailored to the purpose and age group of your group, such as recreation, corporate team building, Japanese culture learning, and training.
👉Samurai experience + Kenbu Show (1.5hrs or 2hrs)
Sengoku no Niwa History Museum (Hiroshima)
The "Sengoku no Niwa History Museum" located in Kitahiroshima Town, Hiroshima Prefecture, is a museum that mainly exhibits artifacts related to samurai. Here, you can experience wearing "armor", which can be said to be the battle dress of samurai.
Not only indoors, but also being able to shoot outdoors is a big point. Many facilities only allow indoor shooting because armor is a valuable item, but if you can shoot outdoors, you can take more realistic photos. Let's get into the mood of the samurai at that time and strike a pose. If you climb on the stone wall, you might be able to take a photo like a samurai in the middle of a battle!?
Nikko Edomura (Tochigi)
Nikko Edomura is a theme park located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. Its vast grounds meticulously recreate the townscape of the time, including post stations, ninja villages, and samurai residences. You can also transform into a person from the Edo period by changing into a costume, so be sure to give it a try when you visit. You can also change into a samurai or courtesan and experience their professions.
Enjoy becoming a person from the Edo period, or savor sweets and gourmet food while dressed in a kimono. It's a theme park where people of all ages can enjoy in various ways.
Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura (Hokkaido)
Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, located in Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido, is an amusement facility that fully reproduces the townscape and culture of the Edo period. At the theater, you can enjoy various attractions that allow you to fully enjoy the atmosphere of Edo, such as powerful action shows and elegant courtesan dances. You can experience the atmosphere of the time through activities such as a shuriken throwing game, costume rental, and food stalls.
Once you step into Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, you can time slip into the Edo period beyond time. Samurai residences lined up along the highway and ninja residences full of tricks enhance the atmosphere of the town. The emotional townscape and powerful actions and elegant performances will surely make your heart dance.
👉[Discount] Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura Advance Admission Ticket in Hokkaido | Japan
Osaka Castle Tower (Osaka)
If you want to feel like a samurai, visiting a castle is also recommended. Osaka Castle in Osaka was built by the famous Sengoku warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, but the current castle tower was built in 1931.
You can climb up to the 5th floor of the castle, and the top floor is available for photography. You can overlook Osaka and enjoy the feeling of being a lord. Don't forget to buy souvenirs at the museum shop on the 1st floor, where many goods with the castle motif are sold.
On weekends and during the tourist season, you may have to line up to buy tickets. It's smoother to enter if you pre-purchase with an electronic ticket.
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