2024.10 Budo Travels: Exploring Japan’s Sights and Martial Arts Traditions

Discovering Aikido: Spectacular views and ancient ways in Wakayama

See otherworldly and spectacular reflections at Tenjinzaki, Wakayama Prefecture.

Most visitors to Japan spend time in the Kansai region, home to the popular and bustling cities of Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. However, if you venture south for a couple of hours down the coast of the Kii Peninsula into Wakayama Prefecture, you will discover a very different side of the country. This is a land where nature and spirituality combine; the sea meets the mountains, and ancient pilgrimage trails of the Kumano Kodo lead to remote shrines and rural riverside hamlets. Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture is located along this beautiful coastline; it is a place closely linked to Aikido, and as one of the main starting points for walkers embarking on the Kumano Kodo, the city offers a wealth of things to see and do.

Just a short hop west of the center of Tanabe is Cape Tenjinzaki, a local beauty spot that has garnered popularity in recent years thanks to its remarkable photo opportunities. When the tidal conditions are favorable, a large pool of water forms on the shoreline, creating dazzling reflections. The cape is particularly stunning at sunset when the changing colors of the sky and water create an otherworldly scene. So pay a visit, and be sure not to forget your camera!

Test your abilities during an Aikido trial lesson in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture.

Back in town, visit Tokei Shrine, a spiritual place with a centuries-old history. It hosts the Tanabe Festival, the largest festival in the region, and an atmospheric night festival when 300 lanterns light up the shrine. The shrine grounds are also home to a 1200-year-old camphor tree, which is said to bestow good health on those who pray there.

Tanabe is a city closely linked with Aikido, as it was the birthplace of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of this particular budo practice. Aikido is a defensive form of martial art centered around the idea of harmony and not causing harm to the defender or attacker. Over the years, it has developed into numerous styles. It now has practitioners in many countries around the world, so when visiting Tanabe, why not visit a dojo where you can gain insight into this unique form of martial art. At the Tanabe City Budokan, you can step into the world of Aikido by trying on traditional Aikido attire and learning some of the basics. Introductory classes are taught in an easy-to-understand and fun manner in either Japanese, English, or French and are suitable for everyone, including beginners.

Delving into Iaido: Stunning natural sights and spirituality in Yamagata

Soak in the views on a Mogami River Boat cruise.

Tohoku, the northernmost area of mainland Japan, is one of the country’s most beautiful and wild regions. Here, adventurous travelers can have countless unique and beguiling experiences, especially in Yamagata prefecture. Noted for its cold, snowy winters, bubbling hot springs, and mouth-watering local delicacies, including beef, cherries, and soba (buckwheat) noodles. It also happens to be one of the best places to try the local soba noodles, which are thicker and chewier - and therefore said to be more flavorful - than other variations.

Enrich your spiritual side with a visit to Kumano Iai Ryo Shrine.

For a taste of Yamagata’s natural splendor, head to the Mogami River, a waterway that winds for some 229 kilometers through the prefecture. Here, you can join a Mogami River Boat Tour and enjoy an hour-long ride along a scenic stretch of the river, navigating exciting sections of fast-flowing rapids along the way. Feel the power of nature while meandering downstream, passing mountains, gorges, waterfalls, and other beautiful scenes as the riverboat captain serenades passengers with old Yamagata river songs. The landscapes change entirely depending on the time and season (with heated boats in the depths of winter), making it a must-do experience whatever time of year you visit.

Witness highly skilled masters demonstrate their techniques at Murayama Iai Shinbukan.

The charming city of Murayama in Yamagata Prefecture is a budo travel hotspot and makes an excellent base for exploring this remote region. For followers of budo, Murayama is perhaps best known as the birthplace in 1542 of Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu, who is said to be the founder of Iaido. This elegant form of swordsmanship is based on the concept of drawing your sword in an instant to overcome an opponent. To get an authentic sense of the skills involved, head over to a local Iaido school to don an Iaido uniform, before training your spirit through the way of the sword, and learning the basic techniques from the school’s highly skilled instructors. Afterward, pay a visit to the nearby Kumano Iai Ryo Shrine, a spiritual monument dedicated to Iaido’s founder. Here, you can wish for victory in your daily life or purchase one of the shrine’s unique sword-themed charms for good luck so you can feel the spirit of Iaido wherever you go.

Tastes and Traditions: Sampling Sushi and Kyudo in Kanazawa

Nourishment for the body and soul – enjoy world-class seafood in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture.
Photo:  ©︎Kanazawa City

Situated on the coast of the Sea of Japan in central Japan’s Hokuriku region, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a city steeped in history, much of which remains preserved today. The city offers an enthralling mix of culture and cuisine, with quaint and traditional historic districts to explore and some of Japan's tastiest and freshest seafood. One of Kanazawa’s best-loved attractions, Kenroku-en, is regarded as one of Japan’s three most famous landscaped gardens and draws in visitors from far and wide.

Stroll across the beautiful Nezumitamon Bridge, one of the largest wooden bridges at Kanazawa Castle.
Photo:  ©︎Kanazawa City

Be sure to spend some time soaking in the city’s history while strolling along the attractive streets of Higashi Chaya District, the Kanazawa’s traditional teahouse district - the perfect place for refreshments. Or perhaps visit Kanazawa Castle Park, a historic parkland with exciting reconstructions of the Edo-era (1603–1867) castle belonging to the Maeda family, members of the powerful Kaga Clan.

Step back in time at Kanazawa Castle Park.
Photo:  ©︎Kanazawa City

Kanazawa is famed for its exquisite seafood, so visiting one of the city’s numerous sushi restaurants is a must-do experience. You’ll be amazed at the abundance of choices, from snow crabs and Kanazawa’s winter specialties to the succulent and rich flavor of Kanazawa sweet shrimp. Just know that with food this good, you’ll want to come back again and again.

Take your aim - learn the skills of Japanese archery at a Kyudo experience class.

Due to the city’s samurai culture, Kanazawa is also a wonderful place to experience the skillful pursuit of Kyudo, or Japanese archery. This unique martial art requires Zen-like concentration and focus, but even beginners can enjoy going through the basic actions and drawing a bow. At the Ishikawa Prefectural Budokan, participants can safely try a 90-minute long Kyudo Experience Class, where, under expert instruction, they will learn the correct postures and techniques to try shooting at a target - a tricky but fun challenge.

As part of the immersive experience, you can also dress up in authentic Kyudo attire. After a bit of practice, even complete beginners should be able to prepare the arrow, handle their bow, and hit the mark with the confidence of a true samurai archer. If this sounds like your kind of thing, then join a tour to have your own unique Budo experience!

Budo Travel: Journeys of Enlightenment through Martial Arts

Japan has a deep history and a culture of many subtle layers, and exploring the country while trying various martial arts experiences can open your eyes to its spiritual underbelly. Budo is not only about gaining technical skills, but its multiple forms emphasize calmness of mind, self-control, and courtesy. By sampling some of these budo philosophies as you travel, you will unlock Japan’s rich cultural and historical tapestry and learn about the values and beliefs that underpin Japanese society even today. So enrich your travels on your next trip and experience Japan through Budo.

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