Ryuan-ji Temple, nestled in the serene landscapes of Minoh, Osaka, is a hidden gem known for its deep spiritual heritage and historical significance. This sacred site provides a unique setting for an immersive swordsmanship experience, connecting participants with the rich traditions of the samurai.

The temple grounds, typically closed to the public, open exclusively for this programme, allowing participants to train in an atmosphere steeped in history and tranquility. Under the guidance of our skilled swordsmen, you'll explore the art of swordsmanship that warriors once practised to strengthen their bodies and minds.

As you engage in this transformative experience, you'll witness a special sword performance, a rare display of skill and discipline. The training area, a restricted space within the temple, offers a unique environment where the legacy of the samurai comes to life.

Sword Master Profile:
Tatsuya Watanabe discovered the allure of the sword in his early teens, beginning his journey with kendo, one of Japan’s most widely practised martial arts.
Guided by a strong desire to learn the authentic swordsmanship once mastered by the samurai, he later entered Yagyū Shinkage-ryu, one of Japan’s most renowned classical schools of kenjutsu, during his university years. Since then, he has devoted himself to a profound study of its traditional techniques and spiritual teachings.

Seeking further mastery, he continued his training across different lineages. During his time in Suishin-ryu, his dedication and depth of spirit were highly recognised, and he was appointed soke—headmaster of the school—in his twenties, an exceptionally young age for inheriting such a position.

As the legitimate successor of Suishin-ryu, he carries the responsibility of preserving not only the school’s techniques but also the samurai spirit, philosophy, and aesthetic values at its core. He has continued to present these traditions in forms that resonate within modern society.

Today, he remains committed to daily training while working to promote, preserve, and deepen global understanding of Japanese sword culture. Through performances and hands-on programmes abroad, he brings the richness of the sword tradition directly to people around the world and explores ways to pass this heritage to future generations in ways meaningful to the present day.

He also engages as a producer and storyteller for cultural programmes related to swords and traditional weaponry, sharing the enduring value of Japan’s classical sword traditions as a living heritage that transcends time.