Aikido Journal

Joined: 05 Sep 2002 Posts: 77 Location: Denmark

From the 26/3 to the 8/4 I will be in Japan, the first week program is full, going to Sendai, Matsushima, Yamagata.
But we will go to Kyoto on the 2/4 - 4/4 and end in Tokyo 4/4 - 8/8.

In Kyoto and Tokyo we - 4 people from my dojo, are tourist Smile

So the question is what is "a must" to see, and which dojo is a must ?

In Tokyo the plan is to visit Aikikai Humbo dojo and also try to find Kato Sensei's dojo (after reading about him on this board).
And of non-aikido stuff visit Apple Store in Ginza, Akihabara and the Asakusa Kannon Temple

I will appreciate any recommendations!

Joined: 12 Apr 2000 Posts: 628 Location: San Jose, CA USA

Just so you're not disappointed. Kato Sensei's dojo in Suginami is a public gym type situation.
Place? Ogikubo Taiikukan at 3-47-2, Ogikubo, Suginamiku (from the Suginami Homepage).

Here's a link to a map from their website:
http://kawatok-web.hp.infoseek.co.jp/aikido/basho.htm

They'll be training Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon on April 2,3. I recommend trying to contact them before going, but it's probably not absolutely necessary. Just polite.

Before or after training with them, try to get in to see the architectural museum in/near, if I remember correctly, Musashi Koganei. I also liked Ueno Park a lot. The Architectural Museum is a pretty well known place so directions should be pretty easy to scare up. I really liked that a lot.

Eat Ramen and Gyoza in the little stands at Shinjuku. have fun, drink a lot of water, try not to go burnt-out, cause jet lag will kick your butt. Have a great time.

Joined: 05 Sep 2002 Posts: 77 Location: Denmark

thanks for the tip, but "damm" we are first in Kyoto, and will first arrive in Tokyo on the monday the 4th of april Sad

Do you know if they also are training outside the weekend ?

Thanks again for the suggestions!

Joined: 12 Apr 2000 Posts: 628 Location: San Jose, CA USA

Check the website, and make contact. It doesn't look like there will be anything during the week, but I know he also teaches some classes at a private health club. You may be able to pay a visitor fee for that, or they may prefer you not, I don't know.

http://kawatok-web.hp.infoseek.co.jp/aikido/

Good luck. The Ramen and gyoza recommendation still stands.

Joined: 05 Sep 2002 Posts: 77 Location: Denmark

hi everybody,

I have just (slowly) started to make a Blog with diary from our trip to Japan in April.
http://homepage.mac.com/kiaikido/iblog/index.html

Right now there is only 3 entries: about the trip, visit to Apple Store in Ginza( Cool

) and training with Kato Sensei,
(direct URL: http://tinyurl.com/77bhu )
Under the Kato sensei section there are link to picture gallery and a very interesting interview with him (taken from a Japanese magazine)

Thanks for the good advices from everyone, before going there!