Sakura, Chiba is home to important cultural heritage and even what is also known as the “Samurai Town”. Now you can stroll around the beautiful old streets of Sakura dressed as a Samurai, attend a relaxing zen session and even take part in a tea ceremony as part of a limited period tourist plan. The Samurai tour is mainly aimed at foreigners, however Japanese people who are curious about samurai culture are also more than welcome to join. 

Sakura Castle Samurai Stroll

In 2016, Sakura became one of the four cities of the Hokuso region to be designated as a Heritage site under the title “An Edo Travelogue through Four Hokuso Cities” for its preservation of the old Edo culture. Old buildings full of secrets can be spotted all over the town, creating the old atmosphere of the Edo period. Embrace the elegant remnants of the Edo period with a relaxing stroll in Samurai clothing. Who knows what you might discover.

Your relaxing stroll will be led by a tour guide who knows a lot about the history of Sakura. This is a wonderful opportunity to take beautiful pictures of the historical Samurai house (Bukeyashiki). Your tour guide will also show you Hiyodorizaka, which is a natural path lined with a dense forest of tall bamboo trees where Samurai are said to have often pass by. Every year, the bamboo and wooden sword martial arts sessions in the program are also very popular. 

◇ Running:

October 26

 November 9, 23

 December 14, 21

January 11, 25

February 8, 22

March 12, 28

April 9, 25

May 9, 16

◇ Times: 9:30 ー 12:30

 *The program will still run in bad weather excluding stormy or severe weather.

◇ Prices:

¥6,500 per person (Includes lunch voucher and entry to the samurai house)

* ¥6,000 per person when you purchase tickets as a group of 3 or more.

◇ Tickets

Reservation Website: https://www.govoyagin.com/ja

Apply Directly to Sakura City Tourism Association

TEL: 043-486-6000

Email: sakurashi-kankou@catv296.ne.jp

* Phone calls will be answered in Japanese only.

Zen Meditation and Tea Ceremony in the House of a Feudal Lord

There are also guided zen meditation and tea ceremony sessions which are available for a limited period only. These guided zen meditation and tea ceremonies will take place in the Kyuhottatei ー one of Japan’s most preserved traditional-style feudal lord residences. This luxurious Edo-style mansion was built 130 years ago and is classified as an Important Cultural Property.  

◇ Running:

October 16,

November 7, 19

December 6, 18

◇ Times: 9:00 ー 12:30

 *The program will still run in bad weather excluding stormy or severe weather.

◇ Prices:

¥10,000 per person (Includes lunch voucher, entry to the Kyuhottatei and tea ceremony participation fee.)

◇ Tickets

Please enquire directly to the Sakura City Tourism Association

TEL:  043-486-6000

Email Address: sakurashi-kankou@catv296.ne.jp

* Phone calls will be answered in Japanese only.

If you are curious about Edo Samurai culture, you won’t be disappointed by this program.

SAMURAI ROCK ORCHESTRA opened its all-new Samurai Rock Restaurant at Pasela Resorts Akiba Multi Entertainment in July and went into full throttle on August 5. This ‘show restaurant’ offers a dining experience like no other, serving not only food but thrilling entertainment from world class artists from a wide range of backgrounds including samurai, ninja, acrobats, and many more, all of whom are rallied and ready to put on a show you will never forget.

Children and adults from around the world can look forward to experiencing what Samurai Rock Restaurant has to offer as their performances transcend language barriers, needing only to be seen to be appreciated. The restaurant has also cooked up one delicious menu with many options to pick from, including some meals inspired by something specific such as samurai.

Expect to see acrobatics from the vaulting box to baton performance, rhythmic gymnastics, ropes and more, all sure to make you go “wow!”

You can even meet and speak to the performers, and maybe ask them how on earth they were able to do what they did!

Experience a new form of nightlife in Akihabara at the Samurai Rock Restaurant.

A try-on experience of Japanese body armor and photo taking event will be held at “Senganen,” a Japanese garden attached to the former Shimazu Clan, in Kagoshima. This event will take place from the 8^th of December 2017 (Fri.) to the 10^th (Sun.), and from the 15^th of December (Fri.) to the 17^th (Sun.).

Kacchu means “body armor.”

Yoroi Musha (body armored warrior) Shashinkan (photo studio) is a place where you can wear kacchus and take a photo in front of Sakurajima.

You can view the vast sceneries of Kinko Port and Sakurajima from the Senganen garden. It is said that Atsuhime who became famous through the long-running historical drama series on NHK, visited this garden.

Let’s wear a kacchu at this historical site and become a Sengoku Warrior.

Do you want to have a hands-on, up and close experience with real Japanese culture? Then we recommend one of Japan’s many “Wa no Taiken” (“Experience Japan”) programs established for people just like you! In this article we will introduce you to several of these programs all over the country.

Handmake your own Yatsuhashi sweets (Kyoto)

One of Kyoto’s biggest tourist spots is Kyoto Tower. On the 3^rd floor of Kyoto Tower you can take part in one of many classes on a variety of different things including learning how to make makuzushi and how to make the plastic food samples you see outside most restaurants in Japan! The one we recommend the most is the yatsuhashi sweet class. You’ll learn how to prepare steamed flour dough before stuffing it with anko red bean paste. You can learn how to make various flavours including plain, matcha and purple sweet potato. At the end, you can take a photo and have it printed on your yatsuhashi sweets package. It’s nice to receive a souvenir.

Full Article: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/68757

Trace Aizen Myoo in “Puchi Shabutsu” Program (Osaka)

This program is located at “Waqoo Shitaderamachi,” a ‘shukubo’ temple lodging located in Shitaderamachi where around 80 temples are situated. ‘Shukubo’ refers to temple lodging for worshippers who are visiting shrines and temples. In “Shabutsu.” you trace rough copies of Buddhist pictures. It is said that this practice was created to spread the teachings of Buddha instead of learning difficult scriptures. In this program, all you have to do is trace a postcard sized picture, so anybody can take on the training in a short period of time! By focusing on the tracing, one can relax and let their mind be free to wander.

Full Article: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/39570

Learn the heart of Japan by experiencing the tea ceremony (Kyoto)

The first ever Concierge Salon opened its doors in Kyoto earlier this year, renovated from a 300-year-old traditional townhouse. Under instruction from your expert teacher, not only will you learn the manners and etiquette of the tea ceremony, such as how to properly eat the sweets and drink the tea, but you’ll also have the opportunity to make the tea yourself. And don’t worry – all of the Japanese tea teachers at the Concierge Salon are fluent in English and other foreign languages. English will be the basis for the explanation of the tea ceremony rules. (You can also listen to them in Japanese). You must book in advance, but it is possible to participate if there’s a spot open on the day. Joining in with the tea ceremony is a chance to achieve peace of mind.

Full Article: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/59896

Dress up as a samurai and sword fight and more (Asakusa, Tokyo)

夢乃屋-YUMENOYA-さん(@yumenoya.asakusa)がシェアした投稿 – 2017 9月 27 11:43午後 PDT

Foreign fans of the famous Japanese samurai have been on the increase recently. In response to this, YUMENOYA have set up “Japan Culture Experience Tours” where you can engage in real sword fights, learn sword dancing, and much more. When you take on their “Samurai Experience” the first step is to kit up in your samurai outfit, wield your sword and have your photo taken. You will then learn how to hold a Japanese sword, the proper way to stand, and how to draw your and return sword. You will learn how to prepare your mind an how to maneuvre to feel like a true samurai.

Learn how to make your own senbei rice crackers at Edo Wonderland (Tochigi)

Tomaki Maedaさん(@t0maki)がシェアした投稿 – 2016 10月 29 2:37午前 PDT

Edo Wonderland Nikkei Edomura is truly a one-of-a-kind experience: a theme park that captures the life and culture of the people and towns of the Edo Period. By going there, you will have an outfit change to completely turn into a person of the Edo Period. There’s many sights to see and activities to join in at Edo Wonderland – even opportunities for children to experience work that Edo children would be occupied in. It’s a chance to learn all about Edo culture. We recommend learning how to make your own senbei (rice crackers). You’ll get to cook your rice crackers one by one on a shichirin – a small charcoal grill. And by adding soy sauce, you can cook them quickly while also ensuring you don’t burn them. The flavour of your own cooked senbei is exceptional. It’s just ￥150 for one rice cracker.

Be taught by a real modern day female ninja (Shibuya, Tokyo)

The Kunoichi Ninja Cafe is a cafe located in Shibuya, Tokyo where you can meet a modern day ninja. They have a real dojo where you can experience and practice being a ninja. Your teacher will be Sayaka Ooguri, a modern day kunoichi (female ninja) who has practiced ninjutsu since she was 2-years-old. Adults and children alike can look forward to learning about ninja culture together with her. (*Japanese, English and Chinese possible). The dojo has a modern Japan decor and many Instagram worthy photo spots. It’s an original dojo based on the style of kimono, so you’ll no doubt have to take a few photos! We also recommend taking the rice ball class where you can learn the history of and how to make rice balls.

Did any of these programs tickle your fancy? Make the most of your time in Japan by getting involved with everything you can – that goes for both traditional culture, not just pop culture!

The unique “SAMURAIS HOSTEL” has recently opened in Ikebukuro. Fusing together the concepts of samurai, ninja and art, the hostel consists of rooms decorated with wall paintings and castle-themed private rooms. You can enjoy a variety of events at the same location, including commemoration photography where the guests can try on armour. This is no ordinary accommodation ー it is packed with entertainment!

The concept of “Samurai, Ninja X Art” runs through the hostel. The 4^th floor has been designed for families and groups. This floor contains private rooms themed around castles which stood during the Warring States Period of Japanese history (approx. 1467-1568 CE). The 3^rd floor consists of dormitory-style rooms, and the 2^nd floor includes private rooms for up to 2 guests. Both the 3rd and 2nd floors include rooms which are ninja-themed, mount fuji-themed, and much more!

Guests are welcome to have their photo taken whilst wearing  samurai armour and a helmet. This event is located in the reception area of the 1st floor. Guests will then receive a photo of themselves wearing the armour set as a present (fee included).

The price to stay at this accommodation depends on the season, varying between ￥3,000 〜 ￥6,000 per person per night. Experience Japan to your heart’s content at a reasonable price at this hostel!

■Information

SAMURAIS HOSTEL Ikebukuro
Address：3-52-12 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tōkyō-to
Contact number：03-5904-8384
URL： http://www.samurai-s.co.jp/

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■Related article: Dress up as a wartime samurai over at the “Samurai Armor Photo Studio” in Shibuya!

■Related article: 【MOSHI MOSHI GOURMET】Why don’t you go bar hopping at “Omoide Yokocho”?