Martial arts tourism is transformative tourism. It may transform your mind in minutes whether you watch or practice. Even just visiting a dojo exposes to forms of respect like bowing to the sensei (= instructor) or founder’s photo. Japanese martial arts are lifelong technical & spiritual journeys with roots in Shintoism and Zen Buddhism, as expressed by the “do” (= way) starting dojo (= place + way) and ending judo, kendo, kyudo… Even as a karateka, I got inspired while trying naginata halberd during a pilot tour for a tourism consulting project.
Major Destinations
- Birthplace of aikido: Kasama city. Features Aiki-jinja Shinto shrine.
- Birthplace of sumo: Katsuragi city.
- Birthplace of karate: Okinawa archipelago.
- Host of national tournaments & demonstrations: Nippon Budokan in Tokyo metropolis (do not mistake with the Tokyo Budokan).
Events
Join communities at major tournaments such as:
- I love the annual nationwide kendo tournament at Nippon Budokan, on Culture Day national public holiday (03 November)!
- Long sumo tournaments in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka…
References
You may find ideas in the Budo section of a tourism website by Japan Sports Agency. Also check the schedule 2025-2026 in Japanese of Nippon Budokan.