Samurai Armor Wearing & Sengoku History Tour at Sekigahara
Overview
If you're into ancient Japanese history, Gifu's Sekigahara Town is a must-visit! There, be a samurai warrior for a day: wear armor and, with an English-speaking guide, visit sites that played a significant role in one of Japan's fiercest battles.
Highlights
- Tour Sekigahara, where one of Japan’s biggest and most famous battles took place
- Wear ‘kachu’ (samurai armor) to become a feudal Japanese warrior for a day
- Visit the campgrounds of warlords Tokugawa Ieyasu and Ishida Mitsunari
- Learn about the Battle of Sekigahara and Sengoku-period history from an English-speaking guide
Key Information
Description
Sekigahara Town in Gifu Prefecture is a mecca for Japanese history buffs, as this quiet town was once the stage for one of the most epic battles in Japanese history. On this activity, relive the glory days of the samurai, and become one yourself! Take your pick from a range of ‘kachu’ (samurai armor), each bearing a certain warrior’s insignia and/or family crest, and staff will help you put your preferred armor on. Then, with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, set out to visit sites that played a significant role in the Battle of Sekigahara. The decisive Battle of Sekigahara, which took place during the Sengoku (Warring States) period in 1600, is of great significance to Japanese history. With the victory of Tokugawa Ieyasu (who led eastern Japan’s forces) and the fall of Ishida Mitsunari (who led western Japan’s forces), this bloody battle unified the two feudal-era factions, and ushered in the Edo period (1603–1867), a time of prosperity and stability. This activity has two plans; on both, you’ll take a stroll around the vicinity of Mt. Sasao, where Ishida Mitsunari set up camp. Reconstructed bamboo enclosures and stockades stand there as a reminder of what once took place on those grounds. Since you’ll be dressed in armor for this portion of the tour, strike your fiercest warrior pose and take as many photos as you like — think of the staff as your ‘ashigaru’ (retainers), ever-ready to help you make the most of your time! Plan 1, the longer of the two, includes a visit to Tokugawa Ieyasu’s camp, which you’ll visit before your armor-wearing experience. If you want an in-depth look into Sekigahara’s history, choose Plan 1 to see sites associated with both the Ishida and the Tokugawa factions. If it rains, you’ll still get to explore Sekigahara, but you’ll only wear your armor indoors: at Sasaoyama Community Hall — also where you’ll change into and out of armor. The hall has Sengoku-themed backdrops and props, so rest assured that you’ll still have the right aesthetic for your photos! If you’re a Japanese history and/or samurai aficionado, make a pilgrimage to Sekigahara and book this tour now!