14 Mar · 31 Oct · 14 Nov 2027
The Way of the Warrior
14 days, 13 nights · 4–14 travellers
REQUEST ITINERARY & PRICINGAbout the tour
Experience Japan through the lens of its legendary martial arts. From the Zen roots of Fukuoka to the modern dojos of Tokyo, discover the discipline, philosophy and history that have shaped the Japanese martial tradition.
Your journey begins in Fukuoka, home to Japan’s oldest Zen temple, where you can experience zazen meditation. Continue to Hiroshima for a powerful reflection on peace and resilience, then explore Kyoto’s historic temples. Walk the battlefield of Sekigahara, visit Himeji Castle, and meet a master swordsmith in Gifu before concluding your journey in Tokyo.
During the final days in Tokyo, you can join optional sessions in judo, karate, kendo and aikido at established dojos in and around the city. Whether you are an experienced martial artist or simply curious, these activities offer a unique opportunity to experience Japanese budo first-hand and bring your martial arts tour to a fitting conclusion.
Highlights
- Practice zazen at Shofuku-ji, one of Japan’s oldest Zen temples
- Join a tea ceremony at Rakusuien garden in Fukuoka
- Watch a katana forging demonstration in Gifu
- Walk the battlefield of Sekigahara
- See historic swords at the Kusanagi-kan in Nagoya
The journey
-
Day 1
Arrival Fukuoka
Meet your tour leader at the hotel; welcome dinner in the evening.
-
Day 2
Fukuoka
Zazen meditation at Shofuku-ji, Japan's oldest Zen temple; in the afternoon, a tea ceremony (sado) and the art of preparing matcha.
-
Day 3
Fukuoka
At Iimori Jinja, set against 'Little Fuji', an introduction to kyudo, traditional Japanese archery.
-
Day 4
Fukuoka → Shimonoseki → Hiroshima
En route, visit Akama Jingu in Shimonoseki, tied to the pivotal 1185 Battle of Dan-no-ura.
-
Day 5
Hiroshima · excursion to Miyajima
The floating torii of Itsukushima Shrine; cable car or hike up Mt. Misen for views over the Inland Sea.
-
Day 6
Hiroshima → Himeji → Kyoto
Himeji, the 'White Heron Castle', an authentic 17th-century original; afternoon shinkansen to Kyoto.
-
Day 7
Kyoto · excursion to Itami
Daitoku-ji temple complex in the morning; in Itami, the women of the Shubukan Dojo introduce you to naginata.
-
Day 8
Kyoto · excursion to Nara
Fushimi Inari's endless red torii at dawn, then Nara's Todai-ji and its 16-metre bronze Buddha.
-
Day 9
Kyoto → Sekigahara → Gifu → Nagoya
The Sekigahara battlefield and museum; a katana forging demonstration by Asano-sensei in Gifu; overnight in a traditional ryokan in Nagoya.
-
Day 10
Nagoya → Tokyo
Atsuta Jingu and the Kusanagi-kan sword museum; afternoon shinkansen to Tokyo.
-
Day 11
Tokyo
Old Edo — Ueno Park, the quiet streets of Yanaka and Nezu, Senso-ji in Asakusa, Kappabashi.
-
Day 12
Tokyo
Modern Tokyo — Shinjuku skyline views, Harajuku, the Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
-
Day 13
Tokyo
Train in aikido at Sengenkan dojo; farewell dinner in the evening.
-
Day 14
Departure Tokyo
After breakfast, farewells (easy access to Narita via the Keisei Skyliner, ~45 min).