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
Okada-sensei is the third-generation headmaster of this local dojo. He learned kendo, iaido, and traditional sword arts from his grandfather and father. After graduating from Nippon Sport Science University, he became headmaster and over the years has taught at various universities and schools, both domestically and internationally. He leads modern efforts to spread kendo through innovative means like online instruction, while also remaining deeply engaged in preserving the craft’s classical forms. He holds the rank of kendo kyoushi 8th dan, with strong leadership in both traditional and contemporary kendo practice.
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 local kendo dojos 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 local dojo in Tokyo, one of the very few local dojos in Japan that pre-date World War II, the building itself holds history from the original dojo built in 1935, retaining materials from the original building despite undergoing reconstruction. 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. Experience the history under your feet in this historic local dojo and immerse yourself in the spirit of kendo.
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.
