9th Kendo World Keiko-kai and "Samurai Journey in Sakura"
- kendo-world
- Sep 2
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
We are pleased to announce the details of the upcoming 9th Kendo World Keiko-kai, back after a six-year hiatus! This event will be held on Saturday October 25 at the fantastic Seishonen Gymnasium in Sakura, Chiba.
We have timed this keiko-kai to be right after the International Kendo Leader's Seminar, which is being held in nearby Katsuura from October 17 to 24, 2025. In previous years many participants of this seminar have joined the keiko-kai, so why not continue your kendo journey in Japan?!?!
In addition to the keiko-kai, we have teamed up with Sakura City Tourist Office and Narita Airport to host a tour of Sakura's historic sights that will showcase its rich samurai history. The tours will be available in both two and three day options and Kendo World's own Alex Bennett will guide you through the sights and experiences that Sakura offers. Alternatively, you can just participate in only the Kendo World Keiko-kai and party on Saturday afternoon/evening.
Here are the sights that will be visited on the tour:
Former Hotta Residence: Experience Zazen meditation in a residence built by Hotta Masatomo (1851–1911), the last lord of the Sakura domain. Calm your mind in the stillness and connect with traditional Japanese culture.
Samurai history lecture at the National Museum of Japanese History: With commentary by Alex, gain a deeper understanding of bushido’s spirit and history at the National Museum of Japanese History.
Demonstration and lecture on Tatsumi-ryu, a classical martial art with its origins in Sakura: Learn about the history and techniques of the Tatsumi-ryu through an expert demonstration and lecture by a menkyo-kaiden holding Shihan of the art.
Strolling through Sakura: Take a walk around the historic streets and buildings of this former castle town:
- Hiyodori-zaka: Stroll along a charming bamboo-lined path rich in atmosphere.
- Samurai residences: Visit samurai houses that preserve their Edo period atmosphere and get a glimpse into the lives of the warriors of the time.
- Makata Shrine: Visit this historic and revered shrine that has watched over the history of Sakura.
Keiko with local kendoka: Join an evening keiko session at a dojo in Sakura and cross swords with local kendo practitioners.
Tour Schedules:
Plan A - 2-day Course
Plan B - 3-day Course
** Please note that the content of the tours may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Keiko-kai Only option
15:00 - 17:30: Keiko-kai at Seishonen Gymnasium
19:00 - 21:00: Party at Wishton Hotel Yukari
Price List
Plan A - 2-day Course: ¥45,000 (pay in advance) - including accommodation, Saturday lunch and dinner (party), and Sunday breakfast.
Plan B - 3-day Course: ¥63,000 (pay in advance) - including two nights accommodation, Friday evening meal, Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner (party), and Sunday breakfast.
Keiko-kai Only: ¥10,000 (pay in cash on the day) - including dinner (party).
Participants
The number of participants for Plan A and Plan B is a limited to a total of 30.
For the Keiko-kai Only option, places are limited to 10.
How to Book
For Plan A and Plan B, please book at our partner site here. (If the site originally shows in Japanese, change to English using the dropdown menu at the top of the page.)
To book, click the "SELECT" button next to the tour you want to join. Then click "BUY NOW", NOT "ADD TO CART" to complete the booking. See the image below.
To take part in the 9th Kendo World Keiko-kai only, please email us at 9th-keiko-kai@kendo-world.com with your name, age, nationality, grade, and contact details.
Whichever option you choose, we're sure that you'll enjoy yourself!
We hope to see you there!!
Promotional Leaflet - Download the PDF below!
