Kumamoto Stroll

Model courses around Kumamoto city

A journey to learn about the life and ways of Samurai

Visit areas where master swordsman, Musashi Miyamoto, practiced and lived

Reigando is a cave where the famous swordsman, Musashi Miyamoto, wrote "Gorin no sho," (The Book of Five Rings) about his secret strategies nearly 360 years ago. It is said that Musashi started sword training from his father at a very young age, and met is first opponent at the age of 13. By the time he reached 29 years old, he was victorious in all of his over 60 sword fights.

Despite his success, Musashi was very humble and continued to travel around the country to study the secrets of swordsmanship, where he discovered that not only techniques but also the spirit of the swordsman is critical. His book, " Gorin no sho," describes the secrets of his strategies such as the importance of psychological tactics and one's state of mind, in addition to actual sword techniques. "Niten Ichiryu," the strategy of using two swords, is one that Musashi is particularly well known for having devised.

In his later years, feudal lord, Tadatoshi Hosokawa, invited Musashi to Kumamoto. In Kumamoto, Musashi was absorbed in writing “Gorin no Sho,”painting and creating sculptures for five years until his death. His body was buried at what is now known as Musashizuka Park for the reason that this location is along a road that would enable Musashi to watch the federal lord even after his death. In addition, a water well created for and used by Musashi is now preserved in the vicinity of Kumamoto Castle.