Experience Japan’s Traditions, Shinto, and the World of the Samurai – A Special 1-Day Fuchu Travel Plan

Okunitama-jinja Shrine is dedicated to Okunitama no Okami, the guardian deity of Musashi Province.
This deity is said to have established Musashi Province, teaching its people essential skills for daily life, including food, clothing, shelter, medicine, and protective rituals. It is also widely worshipped as a god of fortune, matchmaking, and protection against misfortune.
Throughout Tokyo’s long history, Okunitama-jinja Shrine has remained a central place of worship, deeply connected to both samurai traditions and local culture.
This tour offers a unique opportunity not only to pray at the main hall (haiden) but also to gain insight into the shrine’s rituals and traditions directly from a Shinto priest.

The next stop is the Treasure Hall, which is not usually open to the public on weekdays.
Here, visitors can view a collection of historical artifacts, including a sword forged by Hioki Kohei, dedicated to the shrine during the Edo period, as well as ten additional ceremonial swords, including the Ojamaru, Karasumaru, and Ibukimaru swords. Also on display is a calligraphy piece handwritten by Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun of the Edo period.
These artifacts offer a rare glimpse into the deep historical and spiritual connection between samurai culture and Shintoism. This experience provides valuable insight into Japan’s samurai heritage and traditional practices.

Upon arriving at the dojo, the first step is changing into appropriate attire.
Participants may wear their own comfortable clothing, but rental costumes are available with an advance reservation.
Even if you are unfamiliar with how to dress in traditional attire, the instructor will carefully assist with the process.
During the dressing process, participants will also learn about the historical significance of the hakama (pleated skirt-like trousers) and the katana (sword).
For example, the Japanese phrase "orime-tadashii" (to be disciplined and well-mannered) originates from the precise folding of kimono pleats, highlighting the deep cultural connections embedded in traditional clothing.

The experience begins with an introduction to what tate truly is.
Instructor Takano explains, "Tate is not a competition where you determine a winner or loser. It is a form of performance, and its beauty lies in how elegantly it is presented."
Participants will start by learning the fundamentals of handling a katana, focusing on expressing movement artistically rather than treating it as a martial art.

When first holding a real katana, many are surprised by its weight, which ranges from 1.5 kg to 2 kg. In contrast, the swords used for tate are much lighter, weighing only about 350 g—one-fourth the weight of a real sword. However, as Takano explains, "Even though the practice sword is lighter, it’s important to move as if handling a real katana."

The lesson begins with two fundamental stances and techniques: "Hanmi" (side stance) and "Kote-gaeshi" (wrist rotation technique).
Participants then move on to learning five different postures, including "Seigan" (middle guard stance) and "Jodan" (high guard stance), followed by three primary cutting techniques, such as "Kesa-giri" (diagonal downward cut), "Do-giri" (horizontal cut), and "Karatake-wari" (vertical cut).
These techniques are then combined into a coordinated movement sequence, incorporating forward and backward footwork.

After mastering the basics of sword handling and positioning, the lesson moves on to more advanced tate.
The foundation of this training is built upon two key movements: "Hanmi" (side stance), a technique that involves opening the waist through precise footwork, and "Kote-gaeshi" (wrist rotation technique), which ensures safety while maintaining fluid motion.
Unlike competitive martial arts, where the focus is solely on the opponent in front, tate requires an awareness of the entire 360-degree surroundings, as it is a performance art meant to be observed from all angles.
To ensure both safety and aesthetic precision, the instructor first demonstrates the movements before providing detailed guidance to participants.

Once the basic techniques are confirmed, the lesson moves on to the "Gogyo no Kamae" (Five-Element Stances).
These include "Seigan," a neutral stance used for facing an opponent head-on, "Jodan," a high stance where the sword is raised overhead, and "Hasso," where the sword is held vertically near the shoulder.
After mastering these postures, participants proceed to practicing three different cutting techniques, further deepening their understanding of the art. The session provides an immersive and engaging experience in the world of samurai combat.

In the latter half of the lesson, participants begin integrating movement with sword techniques.
Moving forwards and backwards while maintaining proper form can be challenging at first, but with Takano’s precise guidance and repeated practice, progress becomes evident.

The 90-minute to 2-hour session passes quickly, culminating in a commemorative photo session to mark the experience.