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WAY OF THE SAMURAI
From Tokyo to Kyushu Island, train one-on-one in samurai combat and meet the craft and spiritual masters at the heart of this warrior class
MEET SEVEN MASTERS OF JAPAN’S NOBLE WARRIOR LEGACY
On a five-day journey designed for Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, venture from the bright lights of the Japanese capital to the volcano-crowned seaside city of Kagoshima, gaining a unique perspective on Japan’s Edo period warrior nobles, the samurai. Privately meet the 15th-generation owner of a renowned pottery workshop that once supplied teacups to swordsmen, watch a performance of the Satsuma Biwa by the country’s leading player, visit a dojo to train in the style of combat once practised by local samurai, and witness the head priest perform the sacred Shinto rites in the inner sanctum of a forest-ensconced mountain shrine.
Being a samurai transcends mastery of swords and martial arts; it is the way of life centred in culture, ceremony, and refined elegance that define this revered warrior class. Live this journey in the way of the samurai.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
SATSUMA WARE
An internationally celebrated kiln where the fires have been kept burning for 400 years opens its doors for a private meeting with 15th-generation owner, Chin Jukan. Satsuma ware is one of Japan’s most famous exports. The aesthetics of the pottery have changed over the ages, from the simple white tea items used by the samurai to the ornamental pieces crafted by their descendants.
MOUNT KARAKUNI
Embark on a leisurely hike to the mountain peak to be rewarded by vistas of crater lakes, onsen (hot spring baths) and lush seasonal foliage, with a bento box picnic lunch. The highest peak in Kyushu Island’s volcanic Kirishima Mountain Range, Mount Karakuni stands at 1,700m above sea level, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
SHOCHU DISTILLING
A private tour of a family-run shochu distillery, culminating in an expert-led tasting. Shochu is Japan’s most popular alcoholic drink, and Kagoshima is the national heartland of this beloved spirit. Like sake, shochu contains water, yeast and koji spores, but after a first fermentation, another ingredient such as barley, brown sugar, or sweet potato is added before distilling creating nuanced flavours.
JIGEN-RYU
Visit a local dojo (martial arts studio) for a rare chance to train in the same style of swordsmanship once practised by the samurai of the Satsuma domain. Founded in Kagoshima in the 16th century, Jigen-ryu is a school of Japanese martial arts rooted in samurai culture. As well as learning about combat philosophy and self-defence, students approach the discipline as a path to spiritual enlightenment.
THE JOURNEY
A 5-day itinerary across Japan
DAY 1
Arrive at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
The Luminaire can make any evening arrangements for you, including dinner reservations at the hotel’s Tapas Molecular Bar, where chef Kento Ushikubo presents artistic dishes designed to stimulate the senses and the imagination
DAY 2
Meet your driver and journey from Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo to Haneda Airport
Fly from Haneda to Kagoshima Airport (approx. 1 hr 50 mins)
Take a private transfer to the Chin Jukan Kiln, a 400-year workshop celebrated internationally for its Satsuma ware pottery, and meet 15th-generation owner Chin Jukan.
Learn about Satsuma ware pottery and the aesthetics of the samurai class
Healthy medicinal cuisine is prepared for lunch at Chin Jukan Saryo, located on the kiln workshop grounds.
Meet your driver and transfer to Tamazato Garden
Watch Japan’s leading Satsuma Biwa player, Yamashita Tsuyoshi. The Satsuma Biwa is a stringed instrument resembling a lute, that was historically used as an accompaniment to storytelling
Dine at Umeya in Kagoshima City where the chef’s mission is to create artful Japanese cuisine with seasonal and local ingredients.
Stay overnight at modern private residence Hogetsu, which offers contemporary accommodation based on the designs of traditional samurai houses
DAY 3
After a relaxed breakfast at Hogetsu, meet your driver for the day and transfer to Jigen-ryu
See the Swordsmanship Museum on a private tour, a small museum dedicated to the art of Japanese swordsmanship
Experience training in the traditional style of swordsmanship practiced by samurai, and take part in an esotetic Buddhist meditation practice at Jigen-ryu Swordsmanship Dojo
Have lunch at Sanei in Kagoshima, a mainstay of Kagoshima cuisine, founded 90 years ago by one of the Emperor’s private chefs.
Visit Sengan-en, stately home and former residence of the Shimadzu clan, Japan’s oldest warrior family
Journey to Wasure no Sato Gajoen, a beautiful forest hotel, and soak in the hot-spring onsen baths hewn out of solid 20-ton rocks
Eat a chef-prepared dinner, at Wasure no Sato Gajoen, using ingredients grown on its own farm, paired with shochu and sake
Stay overnight atWasure no Sato Gajoen’s hamlet,in a peaceful suitefacing theAmorigawa river
DAY 4
After a relaxed breakfast, meet your driver for the day.
Journey to Ebino Kogen, a small town in the mountains of Kirishima
Climb Mount Karakuni and see the breathtaking views from highest peak in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park
Pause for a bento box, a traditional Japanese home-packed lunch
Explore Takachiho-gawara, an important Shinto site of outstanding natural beauty
Tour the Manzen Distillery in private, a small, family-run operation producing highly respected shochu and view their art collection
Participate in a guided shochu tasting at Manzen Distillery
Dine and stay your second night atWasure no Sato Gajoen
DAY 5
After breakfast, meet your driver and journey to Kirishima Shrine, an important Shinto shrine set amid the forest built during the Muromachi Period (1333-1573). It has been destroyed numerous times by volcanic eruptions, but always rebuilt, the current shrine was constructed in 1715.
Witness the Shinto rites, that samurai lived by, in the shrine’s inner sanctum led by the head priest
Have lunch at Kirishima Jingu Station.
Meet your driver and transfer to Kagoshima Airport
Fly for 1hr 45minutes from Kagoshima to Haneda Airport, Tokyo
Choose to continue your journey in Japan or depart home
THE STAYS
EXCLUSIVE COLLABORATION
A PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP
The Luminaire designs and operates luxury travel experiences for Mandarin Oriental guests and Fans that are rooted in culture and curiosity, with additional products launching each month in close collaboration with Mandarin Oriental hotels around the world.
From a private masterclass with one of the world’s finest watchmaking ateliers in Switzerland, to an immersive trip to the private site where Van Gogh painted his last canvas just outside Paris, each experience has been designed by experts in their field – art historians, conservationists, sommeliers. Discover exciting new ways to explore each Mandarin Oriental destination and enjoy the signature service for which each hotel is renowned.
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THE JOURNEY
Price from £12,210 per person, for 5 nights, based on 2 people travelling
INCLUSIONS
1 night at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, in a Deluxe Room with breakfast
1 night on an exclusive basis at Hogetsu (modern private samurai-inspired residence) with breakfast
2 nights at Wasure no Sato Gajon in a Sora Suite Room with breakfast
Visit to an internationally-celebrated Satsuma ware kiln
Private guided hike to Mount Karakuni
Private tour of a family-run shochu distillery
Visit to a local dojo (martial arts studio) to train in swordsmanship
Return flights to and from Kagoshima
All private transfers
All meals in Kagoshima
EXCLUSIONS
Flights to/from Japan
Alcoholic drinks
WHEN TO TRAVEL
Magnificent in all seasons
ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE
Option to upgrade accommodation to Tenku, a luxurious hot springs hotel comprising a handful of discreet villas in a beautiful mountain setting.
Tenku can provide a number of different outdoor dining experiences and spa treatments.
Hogetsu can provide a number of different cultural activities, including a therapeutic, on-site hot springs experience.
TRAVEL DESIGNER'S NOTES
Seven leading Japanese artisans and spiritual figures have been selected by our travel designers to offer unrivalled insight into a noble warrior class whose ethos and weaponry remain prominent in Japanese culture today. Guided by these masters, enjoy hands-on and rare private experiences that will unlock a deep understanding of generations-old secrets.
“地鉄が出る” (jigane ga deru) means “the steel appears”, for example, on a much-polished sword, but is colloquially used to mean “to reveal one's true character”. The Luminaire has designed this journey so that our guests can witness Japan’s true character through its rich samurai legacy.
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