In 2025, Tenri University will celebrate its 100th anniversary, along with the 70th anniversary of its Faculty of Physical Education.
As part of this significant milestone, a special cultural tourism program will be held, primarily targeting international kendo practitioners.
This project aims to create a unique opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and history through the practice and spirit of kendo. For those who love kendo, this will be a valuable chance for both learning and cultural exchange.
In this article, we will provide an overview of the program.
Currently, a preliminary survey is being conducted to assess the level of interest. If you’re curious or considering joining, we would greatly appreciate your response via the link below.
👉 Click here for the preliminary survey
Deadline: May 15, 2025
Eligibility: Kendo practitioners with an interest in Japanese culture and history.
Schedule: Mid to late February 2026 (Final dates to be announced)
Capacity: First 50 applicants (first come, first served)
Day 1: Discovering the Roots of Kendo
9:00 Opening Ceremony
9:15 Lecture: The Roots of Modern Kendo — Jikishinkage-ryu
12:00 Lunch Break
13:00 Workshop: Maintenance of Kendo Equipment (by a kendo craftsman)
15:00 Hands-on Experience: Kata of Classical Swordsmanship – Jikishinkage-ryu
16:30 Keiko (optional)
Day 2: Tracing the Origins of Myth and Martial Spirit
9:00 Lecture: Japanese Mythology and Kendo
11:00 Visit: Isonokami Shrine – Dedicated to the God of Swords
12:30 Lunch Break
14:00 Lecture: Martial Arts Born in Yamato – Yagyu Shinkage Kenjutsu & Hozoin Sojutsu
16:30 Keiko (optional)
Day 3: Hozoin-ryu and Sacred Martial Sites of Nara
Morning Visit and observe Hozoin-ryu spear practice at Nara City Central Budokan
12:00 Lunch Break
13:00 Visit: Kasuga Taisha (Shinto shrine for martial arts) & Kofuku-ji Temple (birthplace of Hozoin-ryu)
Free time and walking tour around Nara Park
17:00 Meet at JR Nara Station
Day 4: Journey into the Samurai Legacy
7:30 Morning Keiko (optional)
9:00 Depart from Tenri University
10:00 Tour: Yagyu no Sato — including Hotoku-ji Temple, Ichto-seki, and the Yagyu clan residence ruins
14:00 Visit: Shinai Artisan’s Workshop in Iga
17:00 Return to Tenri University
18:30 Sayonara Party
Day 5: Kendo and Jikishinkage-ryu
9:00 Lecture: The Significance of Classical Kata in Modern Kendo (Jikishinkage-ryu)
10:00 Kata Keiko (hands-on training in Jikishinkage-ryu)
11:30 Keiko (optional)
12:30 Closing Ceremony
Estimated Participation Costs
| Item | Unit × Days | Estimated Total (JPY) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 1,200 × 5 nights | ¥6,000 | Includes one night before the program |
| Lunch | 900 × 5 days | ¥5,000 | |
| Bus (Day 4) | — | ¥10,000 | |
| Interpretation | 2,000 × 5 days | ¥10,000 | |
| Party (Day 4) | — | ¥5,000 | Sayonara Party |
Other expenses to be paid separately (actual cost):
- Breakfast and dinner
- Souvenirs
- Train fares (transportation between sites)
Important Notes
1. Accommodation
Participants will stay at a Tenrikyo religious facility called the Guardhouse (Tsumesho), offered at a low cost through the kind support of the hosts.
Please note that this is a facility for Tenrikyo followers, and guests are expected to follow the guidelines explained upon arrival.
Only accommodation is provided — no meals are included.
2. Hozoin-ryu Training Visit
Hozoin-ryu spear training is not held daily. If practice is not scheduled on the day of your visit, the session may be canceled.
Preliminary Survey Request
We kindly ask for your cooperation in completing the preliminary survey.
Those who respond will receive detailed information via email once the schedule is finalized.
We will also confirm your interest in participating at that time.
Survey Deadline: Thursday, May 15, 2025
👉 Click here to access the survey
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