Paths of Righteousness: Samurai Tea Ceremony and Iaido Activity

Delve deep into the culture of Hida Takayama, a town famous for its well-established traditional crafts and historical districts. The Sowa style of tea ceremony, which left an indelible mark on the culture of Kyoto as a warrior-style tea ceremony practiced in various places from the gardens of Ohara Town’s Sanzenin Temple to the tea rooms of Kinkakuji, was founded about 400 years ago by Shigechika “Sowa” of the Kanamori family that ruled the Hida-Takayama domain. Learn about the differences between the tea ceremonies held by the merchant class and that of the samurai class and enjoy Japanese sweets with Usucha (“thin tea” – usually used for tea ceremony). After that, it’s time for a change of clothes and pace! You’ll put on kimono and hakama, before moving to the Emaden (shrine building where votive picture tablets are hung) of the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine. Calm and steady your heart as an instructor of the Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaido, one of the two most widely practiced schools of iaido in Japan, guides you through a series of kata (form, movement), such as battou (sword-drawing), kobo (attack and defense), nattou (sword-sheathing). You will receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the iaido activity. From the calm and graceful steps of the tea ceremony to the swift but deadly moves of iaido, walk the paths of righteousness the way the samurais did, in the spirit of bushido.

From AUD $665

Highlights

  • Experience not just one but two Japanese cultural practices - the tea ceremony and iai, with strong ties to bushido (the way of the samurai warrior).

  • This is the only travel course where you can try out iai martial arts for yourself on temple grounds with rich history dating back to the 5th century and connections to the Takayama Autumn Festival.

  • The Sowa style of tea ceremony featured here is an exclusive one founded by Sowa Kanamori, a Hida Takayama local and of samurai lineage, about 400 years ago.

  • Duration

    2 hours 30 minutes

  • Offered in

    English

What is included

  • Tea ceremony (green tea, Japanese sweets)

  • Hands-on iai activities (iai guidance, kimono, kimono-wearing,hakama,certificate of completion) venue hire

  • Accompanying guide interpreter

ITINERARY

Meeting / Pickup Point

Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine, Sanshuden (Assembly Hall)

Start time

09:45:00

End point

Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine, Sanshuden (Assembly Hall)

What To Expect

Step back in time to feudal Japan with a truly unique cultural experience in Takayama. This exclusive tour is the only one of its kind, offering a rare opportunity to practice the ancient martial art of iai (the art of the samurai sword) on the hallowed grounds of a historic 5th-century temple with ties to the famous Takayama Autumn Festival. Following your martial arts training, immerse yourself in the serene world of the Sowa-ryu tea ceremony, an elegant practice founded 400 years ago by a local Takayama samurai of the Kanamori clan. This one-of-a-kind tour is an unmissable highlight for anyone seeking to delve into the heart of Japanese tradition, bushido, and Takayama's rich history.

Schedule

・9:45 - Meetup at the Sanshuden (Assembly Hall)
・10:00 - Sowaryu tea ceremony
・10:40- Putting on garments at a separate room
・11:00 - Iai at the Emaden (shrine building where votive picture tablets are hung) In case of snow, change of venue to Sanshuden.
・12:00 - Course completion

*This itinerary is an example























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    • Availability: 2025/1/6~2026/3/31

    • Number of Participants 2 to 6 people

    • Please come in comfortable clothes you can easily move in.

    • The tea ceremony will be at the Japanese room of the Sanshuden. The iai activities will be held at the Emaden on temple grounds.

    • In case of snowfall or low temperatures, the iai activities will be moved indoors.

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