SAMURAI EXPERIENCE in SEKIGAHARA

Live, Learn, and Transform as a Samurai in Sekigahara
the Land Where Japan’s Destiny Was Decided

Experience the world-renowned samurai culture on the one and only stage worthy of it — Sekigahara, the decisive crossroads of Japanese history.
Don armor, practice martial arts, and learn the etiquette of the warrior to embark on an inner journey that goes beyond ordinary sightseeing.
Guided by authentic masters, you’ll calm your mind, refine your spirit, and rediscover yourself.
Through experiences found nowhere else, add new depth and meaning to your journey — here, in the land where the samurai spirit still lives.

Sekigahara — The Historic Battlefield That Decided the Fate of Japan

ABOUT "SEKIGAHARA"

In the year 1600, over 160,000 samurai clashed in the Battle of Sekigahara—a decisive conflict that reshaped the course of Japan’s history and laid the foundation for more than 260 years of peace under the Edo period.

Even today, the landscape is dotted with camp sites and battle relics that vividly preserve the tension and atmosphere of that fateful day. Sekigahara is not merely a place to learn about history—it is a place to live it with your own body and spirit.

Here, where nature and history intertwine, the stories of the past transform into personal experiences that awaken the samurai within you.

EXPERIENCE

SAMURAI
MARTIAL ARTS

Armor Wearing Experience

This program allows participants to wear a full suit of armor faithfully recreated from those worn by samurai warlords during the Sengoku period.
As you don the helmet, cuirass, and gauntlets, you’ll feel the tension and pride of a warrior preparing for battle.
The experience also includes explanations about the armor’s structure, battlefield functionality, and the meanings behind its colors and family crests.
It’s a popular program where you can learn, wear, and feel Japan’s samurai culture.

RESERVE

Kendo (Japanese Swordsmanship)

Through kendo, Japan’s traditional martial art, you’ll experience the samurai spirit of “beginning and ending with respect.”
While gripping a bamboo sword (shinai), you’ll learn basic stances and striking techniques that cultivate both body and mind.
Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, the session proceeds safely in a practical format.
You’ll feel the focus and intensity of facing an opponent—an accessible and highly popular program, even among beginners and international visitors.

RESERVE

Smoke Signal (Noroshi) Experience

This is recreation of noroshi, the smoke signals used as communication during the Sengoku period.
Working as a team,participants light the fire and send smoke signals just as samurai once did.
At the moment the smoke rises, you’ll feel the same thrill and tension of wartime communication, while also learning how natural conditions like wind and terrain were skillfully read.
It’s a visually striking and dynamic experience—currently the only hands-on noroshi program in Japan (as of November 2025, according to our research).
Perfect for photos and videos, it creates an unforgettable memory.

RESERVE

Sankon no Gi (Samurai Ritual of Three Cups)

The Sankon no Gi, or “Rite of Three Cups,” was a sacred ritual performed by samurai before going into battle to pray for victory.
This experience recreates the traditional etiquette, which dates back to the Muromachi period, in which participants exchange cups of sake three times.
While learning the refined manners and gestures once practiced by samurai, you’ll gain insight into their loyalty and spiritual depth.
The session includes explanations of the ritual’s meaning and historical background, offering a profound understanding of Japanese culture beyond the surface level.
Enjoy a solemn and serene moment imbued with the dignity of the warrior’s spirit.

RESERVE

TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Sengoku Meal Experience

Experience the culinary culture of the Sengoku period through recreations of meals once eaten by samurai warriors.
Participants prepare and serve dishes such as rice balls (onigiri), miso soup, and other traditional foods, learning about the wisdom and resilience of samurai through food.
Every detail—from the tableware to the presentation—has been carefully designed to evoke the spirit of dining on the battlefield.
A hands-on experience that satisfies both the senses and the curiosity for history.

RESERVE

Koto (Japanese Harp) Performance Experience

This special program introduces the koto, one of Japan’s most elegant traditional instruments.
Participants can touch and play the instrument, learning basic posture and plucking techniques while appreciating the delicate tones and lingering resonance.
Through sound and silence, you’ll experience the Japanese sense of ma—the beauty of space and timing.
With gentle guidance, even beginners can enjoy playing, and those who wish may record a commemorative performance.
Enjoy a serene and graceful moment surrounded by the refined sounds of tradition.

RESERVE

Calligraphy Experience (Shodo)

Experience the essence of Japanese culture—and the samurai spirit of stillness and focus—through shodo (Japanese calligraphy).
Using brush and ink, participants calm their breathing and channel their spirit into each stroke.
Instructors provide careful guidance on posture, brush angle, pressure, and rhythm, allowing participants to express beauty and discipline through writing.
Themes such as “Aspiration (志),” “Warrior (武),” and “Heart (心)” connect to samurai culture, while participants may also choose their own words.
Your completed work can be taken home as a meaningful memento of a meditative and memorable experience.

RESERVE

Tea Ceremony Experience

Immerse yourself in the refined etiquette and wabi-sabi aesthetics of the Japanese tea ceremony.
Participants observe a host performing the temae (tea-making ritual) before whisking and savoring their own bowl of matcha.
Through learning the gestures, bows, and respectful manners of guest and host, you’ll experience the quiet beauty and mindfulness unique to Japanese culture.
In the Sengoku era, tea gatherings were used for diplomacy and ritual, embodying the samurai code of respect and composure.
After the ceremony, enjoy local Japanese sweets and a once-in-a-lifetime moment of harmony and reflection.

RESERVE

SUGGESTED
ITINERARY

PLAN.1

Half-Day Course

“Touch the Aesthetics of the Samurai — A Three-Hour Sengoku Journey in Sekigahara”

Once the decisive battlefield that shaped the fate of Japan, Sekigahara offers a rare opportunity to step into the world of the samurai.In this half-day experience, participants don authentic armor, learn the etiquette of the warrior class, and savor meals inspired by the Sengoku period.Through these activities, you’ll gain insight into the samurai’s spiritual world—an inner realm of both solemn composure and burning resolve.Though brief, the program is carefully designed to let you feel both the quiet dignity and the fiery energy of the samurai era, offering visitors from Japan and abroad an encounter with the timeless beauty of Japanese culture.

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10:00

Meeting & Orientation at Sekigahara Station

Your guide will introduce the day’s itinerary while offering a concise overview of the Battle of Sekigahara and the essence of samurai culture.Through friendly conversation—asking about participants’ hometowns and interests—the guide creates a relaxed atmosphere, helping everyone immerse themselves in the world of the samurai from the very beginning.

〜11:10

Visit to the Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum

Through immersive theater presentations, informative panels, and detailed exhibits, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the Battle of Sekigahara.Experience the strategic brilliance shaped by the battlefield’s terrain and feel the determination and resolve of the commanders who fought for Japan’s destiny.

〜11:40

Sankon no Gi (Ceremonial Three Cups) Experience

Recreate the Sankon no Gi, a solemn ritual once performed by samurai to pledge loyalty to their lord.Under the guidance of an etiquette instructor, participants learn the meaning behind each bow and deliberate gesture, embodying the samurai virtues of respect and restraint.In the quiet atmosphere of the ceremony, every movement becomes an act of mindfulness—offering a moment to calm the heart and reflect inwardly, just as the warriors once did.

〜12:45

“Sengoku Meal” Experience

Enjoy a hands-on culinary experience recreating Sengoku-meshi—the field meals and rations once eaten by samurai warriors—reimagined with a modern twist.Using locally grown seasonal vegetables and rice, participants handcraft rice balls (onigiri) with six different fillings to choose from, along with miso soup and vegetable side dishes.Through cooking, you’ll gain insight into how samurai nourished their strength and spirit during wartime.The experience concludes with a fun photo session—capturing your meal while wearing armor, creating perfect, share-worthy memories for social media.

〜13:00

Closing & Farewell(Oyakata Sekigahara → Sekigahara Station)

Before returning to the modern world, participants take a moment to reflect on their experiences of the day.Carrying with them the spirit of a “new Bushido”, they conclude their journey where history and the present quietly meet.

PLAN.2

Full-Day Course

“Tracing the Spirit and Aesthetics of the Samurai — A One-Day Sengoku Journey in Sekigahara”

In the historic land of Sekigahara, this full-day program invites you to experience the spirit of Bushido and the beauty of Japanese culture through both action and mindfulness.The journey begins at the Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum, where you’ll gain a panoramic understanding of the decisive battle that shaped Japan’s history.You’ll then feel the vigor and courage of the samurai through dynamic activities such as armor wearing and kendo practice.In the afternoon, shift from action to stillness as you experience tea ceremony and koto performance, embracing the quiet grace at the heart of samurai culture.During lunch, savor a Sengoku-style meal, recreating the flavors of the samurai’s wartime cuisine.Immerse yourself in a day where history, culture, and spirit converge—carried by the same wind that once swept across the battlefield of Sekigahara.

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10:00

Meeting & Orientation at Sekigahara Station

Your guide will begin by outlining the day’s schedule and providing background on the Battle of Sekigahara.You’ll learn about the way of life of samurai during the Sengoku period and the deeper meaning behind each part of the day’s experience.

〜11:10

Visit to the Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum

Through immersive theater presentations, informative panels, and historical exhibits, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the Battle of Sekigahara.This visit serves as a “gateway to history,” enriching your appreciation of the experiences that follow.

〜12:30

Kendo — Learning the “Form” of the Samurai

Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, you’ll learn the basic movements of kendo and the spirit of “beginning and ending with respect.” you grip the bamboo sword and release your kiai (focused shout), you’ll touch the very essence of Bushido—the way of the warrior.

〜13:30

“Sengoku Meal” Experience at Oyakata Sekigahara

Enjoy Sengoku-meshi, a modern reimagining of the battlefield meals once eaten by samurai.Choose your own ingredients and handcraft your rice balls (onigiri), savoring the wisdom and resourcefulness of the warriors through food.This popular culinary experience highlights the aroma and color of fresh local ingredients, bringing history and flavor together in one meal.

〜15:00 ①

Tea Ceremony: Embracing the Spirit of Wabi-Sabi(Participants may choose one of the following cultural experiences.)

Experience the essence of Japanese hospitality while learning the basic etiquette of the tea ceremony.As you whisk your own bowl of matcha and enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets, you’ll find yourself immersed in a moment of quiet reflection—an expression of the samurai’s serene composure.

〜15:00 ②

Koto Performance: Sensing Japan’s Beauty Through Sound

Under the guidance of a traditional musician, you’ll touch and play the koto, Japan’s elegant string instrument.Even beginners can enjoy the calming resonance of its tones, discovering the depth and subtlety of Japan’s classical music through hands-on experience.

〜16:15

Tour of the Sekigahara Battlefield

Walk through the historic sites where commanders such as Tokugawa Ieyasu and Ishida Mitsunari once set up their camps, and feel the true scale of the battlefield.Amid landscapes where nature and history intertwine, you’ll see and sense the very scenery the samurai beheld on that fateful day—the view where Japan’s destiny was decided.

〜16:55

Sankon no Gi (Ceremonial Three Cups)

Recreate the Sankon no Gi, a ritual once performed by samurai to pray for victory in battle.Through this solemn ceremony, participants learn the spirit of reverence for tradition and the samurai’s unwavering will to prevail—values at the very heart of Bushido.In the quiet atmosphere, each deliberate movement offers a moment to calm the mind and reflect inwardly, just as the warriors once did before stepping onto the battlefield.

〜17:00

Closing & Farewell (Oyakata Sekigahara → Sekigahara Station)

Take a moment to reflect on the day’s experiences before returning to the modern world.Carrying with you the spirit of a “new Bushido,” this marks the graceful conclusion to your journey through the soul of the samurai.

PLAN.3

Two-Day Course

“Staying the Night Where History Turned — A Journey Through the Spirit and Aesthetics of the Samurai in Sekigahara”

In the historic land of Sekigahara—where the fate of Japan was once decided—this exclusive two-day program offers a profound encounter with the way, culture, and spirit of the samurai.
The first day begins at the Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum, where you’ll gain a panoramic understanding of the great battle.
Then, experience the tension and pride of warriors through hands-on activities such as raising a smoke signal (noroshi) and wearing samurai armor, feeling the moment of “departure for battle.”
In the evening, stay at Oyakata Sekigahara, a beautifully restored Japanese residence originally built by local master craftsman Yamamoto Sosuke.
In this warm, cedar-scented retreat, you’ll learn the etiquette and hospitality of the samurai through the Sankon no Gi ceremony and the Sengoku Meal, a reimagined version of samurai cuisine.
The following morning, discover the quiet elegance of Japanese culture through tea ceremony and koto performance, where tranquility and beauty dwell in perfect harmony.
This overnight experience allows you to savor the wisdom, skill, and spirit of the samurai—all in a single, unforgettable night in Sekigahara.

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Day1 13:00

Meeting & Orientation (Sekigahara Station)

Begin your journey with an introduction to the purpose and flow of the program.Our staff will share background insights into samurai culture, setting the stage for the experiences to come.

〜14:10

Visit to the Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum

Through immersive films, panels, and exhibits, gain a comprehensive understanding of the Battle of Sekigahara and the strategies and philosophies of its commanders.This serves as an intellectual gateway—a way to experience history with both mind and senses.

〜16:00

Smoke Signal & Armor Wearing Experience

Recreate the noroshi—the smoke signals once used for communication during the Sengoku period.As you ignite the fire and watch the smoke rise, you’ll feel the tension and teamwork that connected warriors across the battlefield.Afterward, don a suit of samurai armor for a photo session, capturing the thrill and anticipation of a warrior about to march into battle.

〜17:45 ①

Koto Performance Experience(Participants may choose one of the following cultural experiences.)

Under the guidance of a traditional Japanese musician, experience the graceful sound of the koto, Japan’s classical string instrument.As a moment of calm and stillness, you’ll feel the essence of Japanese aesthetics through the resonance of each note.

〜17:45 ②

Tea Ceremony Experience

The Spirit of “Ichigo Ichie” (A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter) In the gentle glow of twilight, take part in a traditional tea ceremony.While whisking and savoring your own bowl of matcha, you’ll experience the samurai values of tranquility and courtesy, embodied in the art of chanoyu (the Way of Tea).

〜19:30

“Sengoku Meal” Dinner Experience at Oyakata Sekigahara

Enjoy a modern recreation of the simple yet hearty meals once eaten by samurai commanders on the battlefield.Using ingredients connected to historical warlords, you’ll handcraft your own onigiri (rice balls) and enjoy them with warm soup—tasting the spirit and sustenance of the warriors of old.

Accomodation

Stay at Oyakata Sekigahara

This unique accommodation occupies the former residence of Sosuke Yamamoto, a renowned local master craftsman often called a “modern-day ninja.”The house showcases traditional Japanese architecture, featuring exquisite Imasu cedar and solid zelkova wood, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere.Designed in the image of a samurai lord’s residence, it offers a deeply immersive stay that lets you feel the spirit of the Sengoku era.

Day2 〜8:00

Morning Zen Meditation (at Myōō-ji Temple or Oyakata Sekigahara)

Begin the day with a zazen (Zen meditation) session led by a Buddhist monk at Myōō-ji Temple, a site associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu. (Or at Sekigahara, depending on the situation)Through steady breathing and quiet mindfulness, this meditative practice helps you clear the mind and restore balance to both body and spirit.

〜8:45

Breakfast

Enjoy a simple yet nourishing Japanese breakfast prepared with fresh local ingredients.Savor the spirit of modesty in food—beginning your day in calm reflection and quiet appreciation.

〜10:00

Kendo Experience — Learning the “Form” of the Samurai

Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, you’ll learn the basic movements of kendo and the spirit of “beginning and ending with respect.”As you grip the bamboo sword and release your kiai—a focused cry of energy—you’ll touch the very essence of Bushido, the samurai’s code of discipline and honor.

〜10:45

Sankon no Gi (Ceremonial Three Cups) Experience

Recreate the Sankon no Gi, a ritual once performed by samurai to pray for victory before battle.Through this solemn ceremony, you’ll learn the samurai’s deep reverence for tradition and the unwavering spirit of determination that lies at the heart of Bushido.In the stillness of the moment, each deliberate movement offers a chance to calm your mind and reflect inwardly—just as the warriors once did before stepping onto the battlefield.

11:00

Reflection & Farewell(Sekigahara Station)

Gather to share your thoughts and insights gained through the experience.Carrying with you the spirit of the samurai—reimagined for the modern age—you’ll part ways, each returning to your own path with a renewed heart.