Osaka Samurai Experience - Calligraphy, Tea, Iaido & Armor

Put on a kimono
and learn the samurai mind through calligraphy

Before the experience, change into a kimono, the symbol of Japan. Calligraphy and tea ceremony carry the spirit of Zen and Japan's unique sense of beauty, so you learn courtesy, graceful movement and hospitality along the way.

First, learn how to prepare calligraphy tools and hold the brush, and practice basic strokes such as tome, hane and harai. Choose a kanji you like and practice it in stroke order (about 30 minutes), then hear about jisei, the words a samurai left before departing this world, and carefully write your chosen kanji again (about 10 minutes).

Taste matcha prepared by a tea master

A tea master prepares powdered green tea (matcha) and serves it to guests. Through the tea ceremony you learn etiquette, posture and the heart of welcoming guests, and hear about the meaning of "honor" valued in bushido (about 30 minutes).

Learn to handle a sword through iaido

Through the martial art of iaido, learn how to handle a sword and the responsibility of carrying a weapon. Experience the samurai way of training, refining swordsmanship while calming the mind (about 40 minutes).

Wear armor and take photos on the grounds of Osaka Castle

Become a warrior on the Toyotomi side of the 1615 Summer Siege of Osaka and put on samurai armor (about 30 minutes). Dressed in armor, head to the grounds of Osaka Castle and take photos at a place steeped in samurai history (about 40 minutes). Your photos are sent to the email address you provide.

※ Cutting practice with real swords is not offered for the time being.
※ The experience related to seppuku is offered only in the optional plan.
※ The program and group size may vary depending on the option you choose.