2024 saw a boom in Japanese TV series on major cable channels Netflix and HBO Max. HBO's very slick, Tokyo Vice, based on the book by Jake Adelstein, had two seasons and the rumor mill is saying to expect more. Another surprise hit that is also said to be following up with a second season was Netflix's, House of Ninjas. It had a stellar Japanese cast and was somewhat tongue-in-cheek in poking fun at the ninja genre. Even Sonic the Hedgehog is coming to Tokyo in 2025.
However, the show that garnered the most attention in 2024 was Netflix's remake of the James Clavell novel and 1980s drama series, Shogun.
This time Shogun was headed by the immensely popular Hiroyuki Sanada playing the lead role as Lord Yoshii Toranaga. Accompanying him was a fine supporting cast of popular Japanese and Western actors. It was hugely popular with Western viewers and has inspired quite a samurai boom.
Samurai Tourism
Meanwhile, following the COVID-19 pandemic Japan became the number one destination for travelers from all over the world. Related businesses are busy preparing samurai and budo (martial arts) experiences across Japan to meet the current tourism boom. These are where visitors can get their Shogun fix, and many of the activities go beyond swinging swords and into the cultural lifestyle of the samurai. There is something for all members of the family.
If you do not want to tie yourself to a complete package trip, some tours have module options on offer. Or, if you go onto Trip Advisor, you can find many independent providers offering short-time experiences such as test-cutting (tameshi-giri) with a live blade after a short lesson. These places are also often tucked away on the backstreets of popular tourist destinations.
Other samurai experiences can include, castle visits, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, trying on armor, commemorative photo shoots with CGI (computer-generated imagery) backgrounds in armor, and Zen meditation. There are even opportunities for trying traditional cuisine dating back to the Edo period.
If you want to get your samurai fix, here are some of the package tours and individual module options available.
Premium Tour to Experience the Spirit of Samurai Culture
Organized by the Setouchi City Tourist Organization, Okayama.
This tour allows you to choose individual activities or a complete two-day package to experience a wide range of samurai-related activities.
The two-day package is packed tight with activities, including educational talks, martial arts demonstrations, and the opportunity to do some "test-cutting" with a real Japanese sword. Exclusive night visits to the Osafune Sword Museum include a first-hand chance to see a sword-making demonstration by traditional Japanese swordsmiths.
Finish the day with a visit to a traditional Japanese house, Nakazaki. There, have your evening meal made from local delicacies prepared by a Michelin-recognized chef, all served on traditional Bizen-yaki dinnerware.
Day two kicks off with a lecture on Bizen ware pottery, followed by your own pottery-making experience under a master potter. You will also have the chance to purchase a masterpiece from the potter himself. Lunch is local Ushimado cuisine, including kako-no-jabujabu, as well as trying locally produced sake.
After lunch involves a ninja-themed cruise, eventually arriving at Okayama castle. Once there, you will be treated to demonstrations by the Bishu Okayama Castle Musket Brigade and Shojitsuken Rikataichi-ryu sword fighting school. This is followed by another chance to try your hand at test cutting, as well as shuriken throwing.
The day winds up with an exclusive tour of Okayama castle where you will also enjoy your evening meal of Katidoki Meshi, a popular cuisine of Japan's warring states era.
The Heart of the Japanese Sword
The Oasa bus company is offering package tours packed with various experiences that can also be customized to suit most members of the family. Some of the options include:
Experience #1. TAMAHAGANE — A Journey into the World of Modern Japanese Swords and their Raw Materials. (1 week)
This seven-day trip includes a visit to the Chugoku Mountains. You will visit the area where the raw material for Japanese swords (tamahagane) has been produced for centuries. Participants will learn about the beauty of modern Japanese swords and swordsmiths who are the guardians of the craft. The experience also includes a special tour to get in touch with your inner samurai: the legacy of Japanese spiritual culture.
Experience #2. Apprenticeship with a Master Swordsmith (3 days).
In this special experience, you will get to make a paper knife from tamahagane under the guidance of a master swordsmith. This tour can be combined with another experience such as test-cutting!
Experience #3. Samurai Experience Tameshi-giri (test-cutting) challenge (2 hours)
To appreciate the functional beauty of Japanese swords, you can try your hand at sword cutting with a genuine Japanese sword. This experience takes place in a former samurai location that is also rich in nature. Take your chance to try on replica samurai armor and perform tameshi-giri (test cutting of rolled straw mats). It will make a memorable part of your trip.
Experience #4. Special Experience with a Swiss Japanese Swordsmith (2 hours)
Johan Leutwiler completed a five-year apprenticeship in Japan and gained his swordsmith's license from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Experiencing his story, and learning the ancient art of Japanese sword forging, will help you understand the beauty of Japan and Japanese swords from a non-native's perspective.
These tours are available all year round and can be customized. Check the Oasa Bus website for detailed information and pricing.
Sengoku Photo Studio, Yoyogi, Tokyo
If you want a beautiful memory of your samurai time in Japan, look no further than the Sengoku Photo Studio, close to Shinjuku and Yoyogi stations. This studio has a range of CGI backgrounds to fully immerse you in the samurai era. They offer various packages that include you in a CGI sitting on horseback in the midst of battle, or even featured in a short movie.
For more information and pricing, see the website for their samurai pictures service plans.
Museums with the Goods of Famous Warriors
If you want to see genuine swords, fittings, and armor of famous warriors, in 2025, these museums are a good place to start.
Japanese Sword Museum, Ryogoku, Tokyo.
The Japanese Sword Museum used to be situated in Sanguubashi but moved to Ryogoku. Now it is very close to the sumo basho and Edo-Tokyo Museum. They have rotating exhibitions of swords, so be sure to check their schedule before visiting as they are closed during preparations.
For access, open and closed dates and schedules, see the Japanese Sword Museum's homepage.
Tokyo National Museum
Situated in Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum offers a wealth of Japanese historical artifacts. However, the sword and armor galleries are stunning.
For more information, including access, check the museum's website.
New Samurai and Ninja Museum in Asakusa, Tokyo (and Kyoto).
The Samurai Ninja Museum, with locations in Tokyo's historic Asakusa district and Kyoto, provides visitors with an engaging and immersive exploration of Japan's martial arts heritage. Adding onto the traditional museum format, the venue offers interactive experiences designed to provide a deeper understanding of the samurai and ninjas.
Following an informative English-language tour detailing the history of samurai armor and weaponry, guests are invited to participate in activities such as ninja star throwing, trying on samurai attire, and practicing sword-handling techniques. These hands-on encounters are complemented by insights into the historical and philosophical significance of these practices, often referencing the teachings of the renowned swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.
The museum's unique approach fosters a personal connection with Japan's warrior traditions, encouraging visitors to discover their own inner warrior.
For information, reservations and access in Asakusa, see the museum's Tokyo homepage.
Find the same information for the Kyoto Samurai Ninja Museum on its own homepage.
Ryozen Museum of History, Kyoto.
The Ryozen Museum of History in Kyoto is a fabulous time capsule of the last years of the samurai. It has swords, models, and lots of artifacts, all pertaining to Japan's Bakumatsu era. That is, the last years of the shogunate before power was restored to the emperor. Among their treasures are swords and other objects owned by members of the infamous Shinsengumi. They even have a sword that is said to have been used to assassinate Sakamoto Ryoma.
Many of the heroes of the Bakumatsu mentioned in the museum are interred in the surrounding mountings. If you enjoyed the movie, The Last Samurai, you will love the Ryozen Museum of History.
For additional information, see the Ryozen Museum website.
Bizen Osafune Sword Museum
Osafune in the archaic Bizen province (Okayama prefecture) was the most prolific production center of Japanese swords for hundreds of years. Around half of all swords designated as National Treasures in Japan were made in Bizen.
Outside the main urban areas, the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum is about 40 minutes away from JR Okayama Station. The museum has rotating exhibitions, as well as a courtyard with workshops featuring various craftsmen associated with the manufacture of Japanese swords. It is also possible to watch swords being made in the museum's own forge.
For access and other information, see the Bizen Osafune Sword Museum homepage.
Osaka Expo 2025
Last but not least, 2025 is the year of the World Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. Not to be missed, the event will showcase Japan's finest cultural delights and modern innovations. The expo will run for six months from April until October.
Exhibits during the expo include a Japanese sword display and some samurai and ninja stage performances of sword fighting. The exhibit and performances are organized by the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords (NBTHK) Osaka Branch.
Check this event announcement for more information.
Follow our special New Year's series, Predictions 2025.
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Author: Paul Martin
Read other columns on Japanese history and Japanese swords by the author on JAPAN Forward.
