2.5 hour private experience
Location: Suginami Ward, Tokyo
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
A minimum of 2 guests is required to book. Solo participants are welcome but will be charged the 2-person rate
Meet the Master
What you’ll do
Under guidance of the dojo headmaster, learn about the history of kendo as a martial art. Then, dress in the pratice outfit and learn basic kendo etiqutte and how to swing the wooden sword (bokuto). Finally, get dressed in the armor to try your hand at striking an opponent.
Availability
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Session 1 (09:30 - 12:00)
Session 2 (12:30 - 15:00)
Session 3 (14:30 - 17:00)
Who can attend
Children must be 13+
What’s included
All necessary kendo equipment will be provided for you.
What to wear
Please wear clothing that can be changed easily.
Bring a T-shirt to wear under the kendo uniform.
What else you should know
Beginner sessions specifically designed for children can be arranged separately.
If you are interested, please contact us under info@deeperjapan.com.
Access
25 minutes by car from Tokyo Station
Crossing Bamboo Blades
The roots of the machi dojo, or local town kendo dojo, can be traced back to the age of the samurai, when various different schools of swordsmanship existed. These local dojos opened the study of the way of the sword to the general public, when it otherwise would have been restricted to the samurai class. Kendo was created as a way to practice swordmanship without using real katana blades, which are dangerously sharp. Replacing the katana with wooden swords (bokuto) and finally, bamboo swords (shinai), allowed for the practice of katana techniques without injuring the the other participants. At this machi dojo in Tokyo, learn about the history of kendo, as well as the etiquette that is closely tied to the the etiquette of the samurai, from the 3rd-generation headmaster. Then dress in the dougi and hakama practice outfit and try your hand at some kendo swings and techniques, under the tutelage of the headmaster.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 3 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
