Kakunodate in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, is home to well-preserved old structures from the castle town era, including samurai residences from the Edo period. At the martial arts hall along its samurai residence street, you can experience iaido—the art of drawing the sword—wearing a traditional gi uniform.

Your instructor is an experienced iaido master who has dedicated themselves to the practice. After a lecture by the master, you'll learn etiquette, how to handle a Japanese sword, practice kata (forms), and perform cutting exercises on mannequins. You'll gain insight into the history of Kakunodate's samurai, the martial arts traditions passed down in this region, the spiritual discipline cultivated through training, and the importance of preserving these martial arts.