Spreading the greatness of Bushido
from Japan to the world.
Through the swordsmanship experience, we provide as many people as possible with the opportunity to experience the unique Japanese outlook on life and spiritual culture known as “Bushido”.
The Bushido Experience Tour allows you to experience real swordsmanship in a traditional Japanese dojo. You will receive direct instruction from the owner of the dojo, Shiina Kazue Naritane, the seventh head of the Chiba family’s Hokushin Itto-ryu school. After the experience, you will be issued a certificate of completion, which will be a lifelong keepsake. In addition, those who wish to officially become disciples will have the opportunity to do so after an interview. We also accept consultations regarding the purchase of Japanese swords.
The experience is broadly divided into two courses: a “Test cutting experience” and a “One-day Bushido experience”. Participants from overseas are also welcome. The head of the school has multiple dojos overseas, and in addition to on-site instruction several times a year, he also provides online instruction every week, so it is possible to provide a fulfilling experience to overseas participants as well.
Test cutting experience
What you get from the experience
Visualizing the mind and mastering a steady mind
Through the experience of cutting with an actual sword, we will visualize the normally invisible movements of the “mind.” Participants will become aware of their own emotional instability, explore its causes, and aim to acquire a “steadfast mind.”
Experience
・Preliminary introductory ceremony
・Bushido lecture
・Sword test-cutting experience
・Impression sharing session
・Certificate of completion
Duration of experience
Approximately 3 hours
The duration may vary slightly depending on the number of participants at one time, but the experience, from the introductory ceremony to the presentation of the certificate, takes approximately three hours.
Eligibility
In principle, those aged 18 or over are eligible
Anyone can participate, including beginners and women, but because a Japanese sword will be used, participants are limited to those aged 18 and over. (*Please contact us in advance if you would like to bring children.)
Conditions for participation
Those who are willing to not only enjoy the experience, but also face themselves
The purpose of the test cutting experience is not just to cut with a Japanese sword. The real purpose is to look at the state of mind of each participant, whether they want to realize something or make a decision through the test cutting. What changes occur in the mind before and after the experience are important. Of course, we hope you will enjoy the “test cutting” experience, which is something you don’t usually get to experience, but we also welcome the participation of those who want to face themselves even a little and make their lives better.
Location of the experience
Hokushin Itto-ryu Headquarters Dojo “Sonjyo-kaku”
This dojo is surrounded by nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is the perfect environment to look into your own heart.
〈Address〉
5-13-7 Jonouchi, Ryugasaki, Ibaraki
*There is a parking space on the premises, so you can come by car.
〈Public transport access〉
Get off at JR Joban Line “Ryūgasaki-shi” station. Take the Kanto Railway Bus bound for “Shirahane”, get off at “Jonouchi Chuo”, and walk for 5 minutes
We can also provide a test-slashing experience on-site. However, this is only possible if we can prepare a location where a real sword can be used. Please note that in the case of a test-slashing experience on-site, a separate travel fee will be charged in addition to the regular experience fee.
Experience fee
Please contact us using the inquiry form.
・We will submit a quote within a few days.
・Discounts are available depending on the number of people participating.
・As an optional service, we can record a video of the experience and give it to you as a “commemorative movie.” Please refer to the quote for details.
One-day Bushido experience
What you get from the experience
Experience the entrance to Bushido and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The One-Day Bushido Experience will give you an introduction to Bushido. You can experience real swordsmanship in a traditional Japanese dojo and receive direct instruction from the head of the Hokushin Itto-ryu school. You will also receive a certificate of completion at the end of the experience, which will be a lifelong keepsake. Furthermore, those who wish to officially become disciples will have the opportunity to take up the training after an interview. Those who wish can also consult about purchasing a Japanese sword.
Through this experience, participants will experience new values and growth, which will be a catalyst for changing the outlook on their lives. We promise to provide a valuable experience that will become a lifelong memory.
Experience
・Tentative introductory ceremony (orientation)
・Reiho(Etiquette)
・Bushido lecture
・Zazen experience
・Lunch
・Kata practice
・Swordsmanship practice
・Tea break (while enjoying incense experience)
・Sword test cutting experience
・School summary, sharing of impressions
・Certificate of completion
Duration of experience
1 day (10:00-18:00) Lunch included
Eligibility
In principle, those aged 18 or over are eligible
Anyone can participate, including beginners and women, but because a Japanese sword will be used, participants are limited to those aged 18 and over. (*Please contact us in advance if you would like to bring children.)
Conditions for participation
Those who are willing to not only enjoy the experience, but also face themselves
The purpose of the One-Day Bushido Experience is not just to enjoy the experience of “Bushido”, but to strengthen yourself through this rare experience. This is the perfect experience for those who seek such values in life. Enjoy the changes that occur in your mind before and after the experience. We welcome those who wish to face themselves and take the time to realize the meaning of life.
Location of the experience
Hokushin Itto-ryu Headquarters Dojo “Sonjyo-kaku”
This dojo is surrounded by nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is the perfect environment to look into your own heart.
〈Address〉
5-13-7 Jonouchi, Ryugasaki, Ibaraki
*There is a parking space on the premises, so you can come by car.
〈Public transport access〉
Get off at JR Joban Line “Ryūgasaki-shi” station. Take the Kanto Railway Bus bound for “Shirahane”, get off at “Jonouchi Chuo”, and walk for 5 minutes
Experience fee
Please contact us using the inquiry form.
・We will submit a quote within a few days.
・Discounts are available depending on the number of people participating.
・As an optional service, we can record a video of the experience and give it to you as a “commemorative movie.” Please refer to the quote for details.
Flow from application to experience
- 01．Provisional application for experience participation
- Please let us know that you would like to participate in the “Bushido Experience Tour” by filling out the inquiry form or calling us. When doing so, please let us know whether you would like to experience the “Test Cutting Experience” or the “One-Day Bushido Experience.”
*If you require more detailed information before making a provisional application, please contact us using the same method as above.
- 02．Scheduling an interview
- Once we receive your provisional application, we will get back to you within a few days to arrange a date for a pre-trial interview (in person or online) with the 7th Grand Master of Hokushin Itto-ryu.
- 03．Formal application and payment
- If you wish to officially participate after gaining a deeper understanding of the purpose of this experience through the interview, we will send you a formal application form. Please fill in the necessary information on the form and return it by email. We will also inform you of the payment method for the trial participation fee at the same time, so please pay the trial fee by the deadline.
*Please note that we do not offer refunds for trial fees once they have been paid, regardless of customer convenience.
- 04．Adjustment of experience date
- Once we have confirmed your payment, we will contact you to arrange a date and time for your experience.
The “Test Cutting Experience” is approximately three hours long (time slot can be chosen at your convenience), and the “One-Day Bushido Experience” is eight hours long (10am – 6pm), so please think about your preferred date and time in advance.
- 05．Experience start
- The experience will start according to the trial date decided in 04.
*Please note that even if you are absent, we will not refund all or part of the course fee.
FAQ
What should I bring with me on the day of the experience?
Please wear clothes suitable for exercise, bring drinks, a towel, and a change of clothes if you sweat a lot.
Can people under the age of 18 participate in experiences other than the sword-cutting experience? If so, what will the costs be?
Yes, if accompanied by a guardian. Please contact us for the cost.
When using a sword, is there compensation in case of injury?
We will take great care to ensure your safety, but if you are worried about injury, we recommend that you take out insurance. Please let us know during your pre-consultation.
Would it be possible for you to host a one-day Bushido experience on-site?
We can also provide a one-day Bushido experience on-site. However, this is only possible if you can prepare a large, safe space where you can use real swords and practice swordsmanship and zazen. Please note that if you are providing a service on-site, a separate travel fee will be charged in addition to the regular experience fee.
Can I freely take photos during the experience?
You are free to take photos of yourself.
I would like to bring small children with me. Is there a place for them to play?
There is a playground on the dojo grounds, so please feel free to use it as you wish, within reason. However, please note that we cannot be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that occur.