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Japanese Sword Experience at a Temple in Kamakura
Duration
5 hours
Overview
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-OUTLINE-
This is a five-hour course in which you will be able to try out an actual Japanese sword (katana). You can experience the martial art called "iai (sword matchup)" that the samurais learned. The venue is the Zen temple Kigen-in located in Kamakura and also popular among foreigners. In the beautiful grounds of this time-honored temple, you will learn the art of iai-giri, or sword-slashing that samurais actually learned. The iai experience will be held after you learn about zazen (Zen meditation) and are dressed in a kimono. We emphasize not only the correct way of using a sword but also the Zen philosophy behind it. Lessons and commentaries are available in English.
-HIGHLIGHTS-
-The location is in Kamakura, which is a popular destination among travelers to Japan and is only about 1 hour by train from Tokyo.
-The venue is a Zen temple with a history of about 650 years
-Take in the view of the beautiful Zen garden and experience the essence of Japanese architecture