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Offered languages
- English
Step back in time to Edo-period Japan with a private tour in Kakunodate, the "Little Kyoto of Tohoku." Stroll through historic streets lined with authentic samurai residences, like over the 400-year-old Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum, feeling the profound connection to samurai culture. This exclusive 2.5-hour Iaido experience offers a deep dive into Japanese martial arts. Don a training uniform and learn the spirit, manners, and basic sword handling from a skilled instructor. Master drawing and sheathing techniques, enhancing concentration and body control. Immerse yourself in the traditional aesthetic and discipline of the samurai in a truly unique setting.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Please meet at Morioka Station 2F in front of Tourist Information Center Morioka City (2F South Exit inside the Morioka Station building) by 9:10AM and the tour starts at 9:20AM. An English-speaking guide will be waiting for you, holding a sign with the 'Sunrise Tours' logo.
Itinerary
-
1
Take the Shinkansen from Morioka Station to Kakunodate Station (Komachi Shinkansen, reserved seat)
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2
Take the hired car from Kakunodate Station to Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
A samurai residence with a history of over 400 years. See the architectural style of the Edo period and the life of the samurai up close. At this spot that condenses the history and culture of Kakunodate, enjoy seasonal scenery in a beautiful garden.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
4
Learn the basic techniques of Iaido in a training uniform and embody the spirit and manners of a samurai. Under the guidance of a local Iaido master who has continued training, customers can learn concentration and how to use the body through drawing and sheathing the sword and other basic movements. Lastly, try cutting the human cardboard figure.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
5
Take the hired car from Kakunodate Budokan to Kakunodate Station
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Take the Shinkansen from Kakunodate Station to Morioka Station (Komachi Shinkansen, reserved seat)
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please note that participants may not join partway through the tour. Also, participants may join only from the meeting location specified in advance
- The order of activities and arrival times may differ on the day depending on reasons such as road conditions and congestion at destinations
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please note that participants may not join partway through the tour. Also, participants may join only from the meeting location specified in advance
- The order of activities and arrival times may differ on the day depending on reasons such as road conditions and congestion at destinations
- Depending on the number of tour participants, transportation to be used may be other than a hired car (passenger vehicle, van, minivan), small bus, taxi, or a train or route bus on some parts of the tour such as in case of heavy traffic. - Seats may not be designated
- The Iaido experience is available for customers from 12 years old to under 75 years old. Those under 12 years old and 75 years old and up, those with heart or respiratory diseases, pregnant individuals, and those who are intoxicated cannot participate, and will only be able to observe
- While the sword is a replica, the tip is sharp, so please handle it with care
- Children up to 5 years old may join free of charge, but will not be provided with Shinkansen seats. Furthermore, if there are many participants, children 0-5 years old may have to sit on the lap of a parent or guardian on board the hired car. If guaranteed seats on the Shinkansen and hired car are required for such children, please book them under the child rate
- Customers are free to have lunch in Kakunodate. Customers are to pay for their own lunch as it is not included in the tour booking charge
- For the Kakunodate Iaido experience, as customers will change into the training uniform, please wear clothes that are easy to change and shoes that are easy to remove
- Bringing rain gear in case of inclement weather is recommended
- As large luggage such as suitcases cannot be brought during the tour, please leave them in a locker or at your hotel before participating
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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