Live & Learn Like a Samurai
Visitors to the Matsushiro Bunbu Literary & Military School have the option of trying their hand a number of experiences once taught at the school to the sons of samurai and more generally, some of Japan’s most popular traditional practices.
The complete list of available activities is quite extensive and can be found through the following page (Japanese only).
For international visitors, the following activities might be of interest:
Kyudo / Japanese Archery
Known as ‘kyudo’, traditional Japanese archery uses a large bow that takes poise, patience, and skill to handle well. Visitors to the school can try their hand at this challenging but enjoyable practice, as they are led by an instructor through the motions and technique necessary to hit a target around 30 metres away.
Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 10 people. Workshops last from 1 to 2 hours and cost JPY300 per person.
Kobudo / Martial Arts
Martial arts training was an important element of the education of the sons of samurai and visitors to the school can enjoy a ‘kobudo’ workshop aimed at beginners.
Also lasting between 1 to 2 hours, the workshop is free and fun for both children and adults.
Chado / Tea Ceremony
Most visitors to Japan will at least heard of tea ceremony before arriving here. You can experience your own tea ceremony at the school, available for groups of up to 15 people.
The full ceremony takes between 1 to 2 hours and costs JPY300 to JPY500 (dependent on the requirements).
Ikebana / Flower Arrangement
In-keeping with the slower and studied approach of tea ceremony, ‘ikebana’ is another popular traditional past-time that can be learned at the school and then practiced at home. Classes take 1 to 2 hours and can cater for groups of up to 15 people. The cost varies (depending on requirements) but starts from JPY1000 per person.
These are other experiences are available Monday to Friday, with activities unavailable on weekends and public holidays. Bookings must be made in advance by phone on 026-278-0550.
