Where the spirit of the samurai— a fusion of art, intellect, and strength—lives on.
This special plan features all three of these highlights.
Miyamoto Musashi, also known as the dual-sword samurai, fought over sixty battles in his lifetime and never lost a single one. Even so, he continued to polish his skills, pondered his own way of life, and learned other martial arts throughout his lifetime. He would eventually compile all of this knowledge in The Book of Five Rings, which he wrote while living in Kumamoto. Musashi’s beliefs evolved far beyond swords and war, eventually changing his philosophy from cutting down enemies to helping people. Experience Niten Ichi-ryu, the sword fighting style Musashi pioneered, as well as the spirit that animated his art and lifestyle.
In 1600, Hosokawa Fujitaka was a feared commander. However, he was also one of only a select few versed in the tradition of waka poetry known as the Kokin Wakashu. In order to ensure this tradition would not die with him on the battlefield, the emperor orchestrated a miracle and stopped an ongoing war to spare Fujitaka. Fujitaka went on to teach waka to the emperor’s younger brother in a teahouse later named Kokin Denju no Ma, and, eventually, that teahouse was relocated to the domain of the Hosokawa family in Kumamoto. Here at Suizenji you can feel the traditions of Japanese gardens and waka poetry as you stroll through the picturesque beauty treasured by warriors long ago.
Sword accessories in the Higo domain incorporated the beauty of wabi-sabi that Tadaoki, a prominent military commander, developed an appreciation for as an apprentice to Sen no Rikyu, the beloved creator of Japanese tea ceremony. Samurai culture is truly unique in this way for taking swords—what are essentially tools of death—and elevating them to high art. Kumamoto sword accessories, especially at that time, were considered the best among warriors throughout Japan, and this aesthetic craftsmanship still exists to this day. By participating in this cultural experience, you can learn how to make Higo Zogan from Yuji Osumi, the 4th head of Mitsusuke Higo Zogan established in 1874, and carry on the aesthetics preserved by the Hosokawa Clan.
Born in 1982 in Kumamoto City, Akinori moved to Italy to work in a Japanese restaurant for four years right after graduating high school. He now works in the heart of his hometown to make the city more sustainable and preserve its unique samurai culture. Akinori is actually the 18th Head of the Tsuruta School of Niten Ichi-ryu, a style of sword fighting established by Miyamoto Musashi, and also practices Eishin-ryu-style Iaido (another sword-centered Japanese martial art).
What is Niten Ichi-ryu?
Niten Ichi-ryu (meaning “the strategy of two heavens as one”) is a dual-sword fighting style created by the premier swordsman of the Edo period, Miyamoto Musashi. In his later years, Musashi moved to Kumamoto where he would complete his famous book—The Book of Five Rings—along with paintings and other cultural works that have become part of his legacy.
Born in 1957, Yuji comes from a family with over 200 years of history in Higo Zogan, starting with the founding of Mitsusuke Higo Zogan Shop. Yuji is the 4th-generation master craftsman of this storied establishment and, as such, he carries on the traditional techniques of Higo Zogan and makes pieces suited to modern life. In addition to passing on this cultural heritage to the next generation, Yuji also works to share the charms of Higo Zogan with the rest of the world.
What is Higo Zogan?
Higo Zogan is the traditional art of inlaying gold and silver into steel that was developed in the 1600s. Adorning these intricate accessories was a symbol of refinement and sophistication for warriors at the time.
A Warrior’s Welcome: A Banquet with Resurrected Kumamoto Samurai
Meditate in Reigando Cave, where Miyamoto Musashi wrote the Book of Five Rings
The Shimada Museum of Art, home of many Miyamoto Musashi artifacts
About Kumamoto
Kumamoto Prefecture lies nearly in the center of the island of Kyushu. Kumamoto is known as the “Land of Fire” on account of being home to one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. It is also known as the “Land of Water” due to its abundant water resources. The impressive landscapes brought about through volcanic activity, along with the spring water enjoyed courtesy of the historical eruptions of Aso, contribute to the development of Kumamoto culture. The city of Kumamoto is centered around Kumamoto Castle, a castle renowned throughout Japan.
Learn directly from an 18th-generation Niten Ichi-ryu master
Samurai experience: Beginners’ Course/ Private Course (best for experienced participants)
For complete beginners and those with sword-wielding experience alike! Come join this course to sharpen your samurai skills. You will even get to dress the part as you learn.
Duration: 1.5hr
Address: Musashi Bldg. 1-6-4 Shimotori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City
Miyamoto Musashi’s Wisdom and Aesthetics: A Two-Day Kumamoto Tour
Enjoy an amazing two-day experience where you will learn the techniques created by Miyamoto Musashi, fashion your own Kumamoto samurai accessories, and meditate in sacred spots to find the warrior spirit in you.
Learn directly from a fourth-generation Higo Zogan artisan
Higo Zogan Crafting Class
A class where you make your own Higo Zogan accessory. You will be learning from the best; a 4th-generation master of the craft who learned how to create sword guards as a blacksmith using the Higo Zogan techniques of his ancestors.
Duration: 1hr
Address: 3-2-1 Shinmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City (Mitsusuke Higo Zogan)
A Warrior’s Welcome: A Banquet with Resurrected Kumamoto Samurai
Experience samurai culture, tea ceremony, and a lovely dinner at the private Hosokawa residence near the former site of Taishoji Temple and the resting grounds of former lords of the Kumamoto Domain. Come enjoy this sneak peak at spaces rarely seen by outsiders.
