Experience Bushido, Samurai sword martial arts or a traditional Samurai tea ceremony

Hong Kong, 6 July, 2009 -- Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo is delighted to announce an addition to its Culture Experience programme, with An Encounter with Bushido, an ancient code of honour and ethics developed by the Japanese samurai. This exclusive experience offers guests the opportunity to take lessons in Samurai sword martial arts, or participate in an exclusive Samurai tea ceremony followed by a Michelin 3-star Japanese meal served in a traditional ryotei restaurant.

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo is located in the prestigious Nihonbashi area, where 400 years of history and traditions mix with modern urban innovations. The hotel offers award-winning hospitality in an environment resonating with old-world elegance and the sophisticated culture of Japan’s Edo era. Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo’s Culture Experience programme was launched in 2008 to offer exclusive opportunities for guests to experience Japanese traditional culture.

An encounter with Bushido – Lessons in Japanese sword martial arts from the 17th century
Japanese martial arts is one of the proud traditions of the Japanese. Mugai-ryu Iaido, a school of the art of drawing swords, which was founded during the 17th century Edo Genroku Period by master swordsman and Zen practitioner Sukemochi Gettan. Mugai-ryu has been practiced for over 300 years since, following the guidelines originally laid down by Gettan. The Encounter with Bushido experience involves a visit to the Mugai-ryu training facility in Nihonbashi, where a master will personally instruct guests in a two-hour introductory course or a 7-hour one-day induction course. At the end of both courses, participants will receive instruction in the use of an authentic sword, and will receive a certificate of attendance. Lunch will be served at the famed Kappo Toyoda restaurant in Nihonbashi, which was founded in 1863, and whose fifth generation head chef is also a 6th degree master of Mugai-ryu Iaido.

Rates are from JPY31,175 per person for a two hour introductory course, or from JPY55,000 per person for a one day induction course, inclusive of fees for an English interpreter. This programme is available Monday through Saturday except for national holidays. Rates are inclusive of lunch but not beverages. Prices for lunch are subject to change based on the menu served. Rates are inclusive of 5% consumption tax and 10% service charge. Reservations must be completed no later than 3 days in advance. Please enquire about courses excluding lunch.

Experience a 300-year-old hidden Tea Ceremony once exclusively for Samurai in a three-star Michelin ryotei restaurant
Sekishu-ryu Isa-ha, originated by Sekishu Katagiri, the Grand Tea Master for Ietsuna Tokugawa, the 4th Shogun of the Tokugawa reign, is an exclusive Samurai tea ceremony that is based on the spirit of the Bushido art form, and which has been kept a jealously guarded secret for over 300 years.

As a result of Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo’s collaboration with Sekishu-ryu Isa-ha together with the Michelin 3-star ryotei restaurant Hamadaya, Sekishu-ryu Isa-ha will open its doors for the first time in history and offer the outside world the opportunity to experience its unique heritage. After experiencing this traditional tea ceremony in the serene and beautiful tea house setting of Hamadaya, guests will enjoy the best of the season prepared by the restaurant’s Michelin 3-star chef.

This once in a lifetime experience is limited to one party of up to eight people per day. Rates are from JPY94,000 for a party of two, with JPY47,000 for each additional person. This programme is available on Monday or Friday from 7pm. Rates are inclusive of kaiseki course dinner but not beverages, prices for dinner are subject to change based on the menu served. Rates are inclusive of 5% consumption tax and 10% service charge. Reservations must be completed no later than 3 days in advance, a 50% cancellation fee will be levied from 3 days prior to the booking date.

For reservations or enquiries, please contact the concierge desk at +81 3-3270-8240. Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo’s “Culture Experience” programme also includes options to enjoy the performances of the geisha of Shimbashi at a first-class Japanese restaurant, as well as an “Anniversary Plan” to celebrate a special day, or a “City Cruise Plan” for a luxurious sightseeing tour of Tokyo.