Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Tatsuya Watanabe discovered the allure of the sword in his early teens, beginning his journey with kendo, one of Japan’s most widely practiced 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 recognized, 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 programs 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 programs related to swords and traditional weaponry, sharing the enduring value of Japan’s classical sword traditions as a living heritage that transcends time.