Zen, Blade and Entrepreneurship Tour

June the 1st to June 6th, 2026

Picture this: you wake up to a crisp morning in Yaizu, Japan, with Mt. Fuji standing guard over the horizon. The day begins with a soak in an oceanside onsen, the mineral-rich waters loosening up muscles you didn’t know needed it. It’s a moment of serenity, the kind you wish you could bottle up and take home.

Your next stop? A Zen meditation class led by one of the most revered masters alive today. It’s not about chanting or mysticism, it’s about learning how to still your mind, sharpening your focus for the chaos of daily life.

Afterward, you return to a breakfast spread that feels like a culinary hug. There’s a comforting mix of familiar dishes and Japanese specialties that make you wonder why you don’t eat like this every morning.

From there, it’s time to step into a different kind of world: the boardroom. You’ll visit the headquarters of legendary Japanese businesses and sit across from CEOs who’ve turned longevity into an art form. These are people who think in decades, not quarters. You’ll leave with insights that could change how you approach your own business forever.

But it’s not all work. Between sessions, you’ll wander through historic sites that most tourists never see. You’ll walk the same streets samurai once roamed, absorbing stories that blend history and myth.

And then, the day’s crescendo: an intimate Kendo class in a local dojo. The sensei, a decorated master recognized by the Japanese emperor himself, will guide you through the basics of this ancient martial art. You’ll train alongside students of all ages - kids barely taller than the sword and elders who’ve dedicated decades to the practice. It’s humbling, inspiring, and unforgettable.

All this while you’re surrounded by a group of sharp, dynamic entrepreneurs, exchanging ideas and stories that make the experience even richer.

If this sounds like your kind of adventure, keep reading. If not, well… maybe next time.

BACKSTORY:

Last November, I spent a week in Shizuoka, Japan, diving into Kendo and Zen under the guidance of Graham Sayer, a 7th Dan Kyoshi in Kendo. While I have been practicing for almost 20 years (with a break in the middle) and dabbling in meditation and Zen, I still had a lot to learn.  It was transformative, not just because of the incredible teachers but because of the region itself. Shizuoka is a gem, often overlooked as travelers zip through on the bullet train.

Check out some of my photos. 

Oh, and did I mention we were shadowed by NHK World? They turned the experience into a documentary. I even make a few cameos... still waiting for a Hollywood agent to call to cast me in the next Avengers flick.

Here is the trailer:

One night during the trip, after a long day of Kendo practice, Sayer Sensei and I found ourselves sitting across from each other, warmed by the glow of sake and good conversation. The discussion turned to the parallels between Kendo, Zen, and entrepreneurship.  How the discipline, focus, and patience of these ancient practices could resonate with so many of my entrepreneurial friends.

We talked about how the Japanese approach to business, rooted in legacy and long-term thinking, was something rarely discussed in my circles. It’s a philosophy that isn’t about quick wins or flashy exits; it’s about building something so enduring, it could be passed down through generations like a family heirloom. By the third or fourth cup of sake, we were sketching out ideas, and the vision for this trip began to take shape.

That’s how the Zen, Sword, and Entrepreneurship tour was born.


This isn’t some off-the-shelf group tour. You won’t find it in a brochure, on Google, or even by asking ChatGPT. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience crafted specifically for us. It's a deep dive into the soul of Japanese culture and its long-term approach to life and business.

Here are some details on each part:

ZEN

Zen meditation, or zazen, is a structured and disciplined way to quiet the mind and cultivate clarity. Rooted in Mahayana Buddhism, it’s not about escaping the world but about being fully present in it, gaining self-awareness, and connecting with reality on a deeper level.

On this trip, you’ll learn zazen from Hoitsu Suzuki, a Zen master and son of Shunryū Suzuki the man who brought Zen Buddhism to the U.S. and authored the classic Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. We’ll practice at Hoitsu’s family temple, a beautiful sanctuary nestled into the side of a hill, where you’ll be introduced to Zen teachings and meditation in an authentic and serene setting.

This temple carries a remarkable history, even inspiring Steve Jobs, who studied under Shunryū Suzuki and visited this very temple multiple times during his life.


The photos say it all: the bestselling book cover, the hillside temple, Hoitsu Suzuki, and his father Shunryū Suzuki.

BLADE

Kendo, or the way of the sword, is more than a martial art, it’s a philosophy, a practice that connects physical discipline with spiritual growth. Rooted in the traditions of samurai swordsmanship, Kendo emphasizes respect, mindfulness, and character development through rigorous training. Practitioners wield bamboo swords (shinai) and wear protective armor (bōgu), engaging in a combat style that values strategy and precision over brute force.


The All Japan Kendo Federation sums it up best:

"Discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the katana."

I’ve been practicing Kendo for nearly 20 years (with a 7 gap in the middle due to living in a place with no Kendo) and it’s the simplicity and elegance that keep me coming back. Kendo isn’t about strength, it's about tactics and clarity of thought. 

Men and women train and compete together because, with a sword, physical advantages fall away. At 45 years of age, I’ve been outmatched by men and women in their 70s and 80s and regularly best competitors in their 20s. It’s humbling and inspiring all at once.

On this tour, Sayer Sensei - a 7th Dan Kyoshi in Kendo - will guide us through this ancient art. You’ll visit dojos, observe practices, and even step into the basics yourself. It’s a rare opportunity to experience firsthand what makes Kendo so timeless and transformative.

BUSINESS

Graham Sayer isn’t just a 7th Dan Kyoshi in Kendo; he’s also a seasoned entrepreneur. He runs a successful wood export business and, through both his industry and his connections within the Kendo world, has built relationships with high-ranking business executives across Japan. Many top Kendo practitioners double as leaders in the corporate world, creating a unique overlap between discipline, tradition, and business acumen.


Key Visits and Experiences

We’ll visit some of Japan’s most intriguing businesses to see how this philosophy plays out in practice:

NOTE: While these visits and talks are planned, we’ll tailor parts of the itinerary to fit the group’s interests and connections. If other businesses align better with the group’s dynamics, we’ll adapt to make the experience as relevant and meaningful as possible

  • Tuna Harvesting, Processing and Distribution Center

    Picture a facility with $250 million worth of fish stored in its freezers at any given moment. You’ll meet Kondo-san, the CEO of this family-run operation, who will share the story of how his business evolved from humble beginnings to its current scale. This visit offers a firsthand look at a family enterprise built on generational dedication and innovation.

  • Tomiya Toy Factory
    Dive into the world of craftsmanship and tradition at this family-owned toy factory. With roots stretching back decades, this business demonstrates how staying true to quality and purpose can keep a company thriving through changing times.

  • CEO of Japan’s Largest Sawmill Machine Manufacturer
    This company, spanning five generations, has had to adapt to major shifts in Japan’s housing market and demographic changes. With no sons to inherit the business at one point, they’ve found ways to innovate, expand internationally, and remain a leader in their industry.

  • Green Tea Plantation in the Mountains
    Experience the heart of Japan’s tea culture with a visit to a plantation where centuries-old techniques meet modern sustainability practices. The tea industry, much like the businesses we’ll explore, exemplifies the balance of tradition and adaptation.

  • Special Guest Speaker: Alex Bennett
    As a scholar and Kendo practitioner, Alex Bennett brings a unique perspective on the overlap between martial arts principles and business strategies. His insights will connect the dots between discipline, focus, and the art of building something lasting.

NOTE: While these visits and talks are planned, we’ll tailor parts of the itinerary to fit the group’s interests and connections. If other businesses align better with the group’s dynamics, we’ll adapt to make the experience as relevant and meaningful as possible. Additionally, since the CEO's of these companies are busy some may have work emergencies last minute in which case we will do our best to find somebody of equal or higher calibre to substitute.

BONUS: Community and Family.  

There’s a fourth component to this trip and one that’s deeply personal for me. And yes, it’s entirely self-serving.


For almost 20 years of marriage, my wife Laura has resisted trying Kendo. This trip? It’s my subtle attempt to change that. 

As part of my sinister plan, this trip will be family-friendly. You don’t have to bring your family, but you absolutely can. I’ve been to countless retreats and events where I’ve had an incredible time but felt a twinge of guilt about leaving my spouse behind. 


This time, it’s different.


We’ll make it as easy as possible to bring kids and spouses along. There will be nannies, activities designed for children at the hotel and nearby, and even opportunities for them to try Japanese crafts, foods, or a quick cultural exchange with local kids their age. My five-year-old is already buzzing with excitement, although he doesn’t quite know what “Japanese” is yet. But hey, enthusiasm is half the battle!

TRIP GOALS

This trip is about more than just traveling it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a clear focus:

  1. Building Connections: Strengthen friendships and grow your network with other entrepreneurs in an immersive, shared experience.

  2. Learning with Purpose: Introduce yourself to transformative concepts that can improve your mindset, your business, and your outlook, all with a long-term vision.

  3. Immersing in Japan: Relax, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of Japan by exploring places that most visitors never even hear about.

To my knowledge, there’s nothing like this out there.

What’s Included

This is not a backpacking tour.

Every aspect of the six-day trip is designed to blend Japanese luxury, cultural depth, and entrepreneurial growth. We’ll stay in the best hotels, dine at top restaurants, and experience some of the finest offerings in the region.


Here’s what your trip will include:

  • Accommodations at top-rated hotels.

  • All costs of activities.

  • Local transportation throughout the tour.

  • All meals, with the exception of one dinner during a free evening in the city.

  • Nannies for kids and organized family-friendly activities.

  • Kendo uniforms and shinai (Kendo sword).

  • Donations to Zen temples and Kendo dojos (which operate on community support).


Every detail has been thought through to make this an unforgettable experience for you, your family (if they join), and your business. All you need to bring is your curiosity and your sense of adventure.

Price (USD)

Single occupancy (1x ticket + private room)

  • $4,750.00

Double occupancy (2x tickets + shared room)

  • $8,450.00


Family (2 adults & up to 2 children)*

  • $10,750.00

*they can accommodate more kids in one room, but I would need to ask about the price.

Deposit

We are asking for a deposit of $500 US per adult to reserve your spot. No deposit needed for children who will not participate in the activities and entrepreneur meetings.

Itinerary

This is the full daily itinerary.  Please keep in mind that some of the details may be subject to change since the exact day and time may change depending on how many people come and when we can confirm.  


Each Day Will Start With:

  • 6:30 AM: Transport leaves for Ryozenji Zen Temple (10-minute drive).

  • 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Zen Session with instruction (childcare available at the hotel).

  • Return to the Ryokan for breakfast and family time until 9.30,10 or 11 AM. depends on day

  • The Ryokan - traditional hotel  (website here) - offers:

    • Tennis, onsen (public hot spring bath), and relaxation activities.


Day 1: Monday, June 1

  • Arrival: Check-in at 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM.

    • Pick-up from Shizuoka Airport, Shizuoka Station and Yaizu City Station is included.

  • 6:00 PM: Family-oriented welcome dinner and Meet & Greet at the Ryokan.

Day 2: Tuesday, June 2

Hands-on Cultural & Historic Exploration

  • 11:00 AM: Visit Takumi Shuku – a craft center preserving traditional Japanese decorative arts. (hands on activities) 

  • 1:00 PM: Lunch with stunning views of Mt. Fuji (buffet style).

  • 2:00 PM: Historic journey:

    • Ropeway ride to a temple and museum, including the resting place of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.

  • 4:00 PM: Return to the Ryokan.

  • 6:00 PM: Evening experience:

    • Visit a Kendo Dojo (25-minute drive) where you’ll watch keio(practice) with detailed explanations.

  • 8:30 PM: Return to the Ryokan.


Day 3: Wednesday, June 3

Industry, Culture & Community

  • 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Visit one of Japan's largest tuna processing factories (adults only). (Drop by the hotel to pick up children) 

  • 1:30 PM: Lunch at the historic Fugetsu Restaurant in Shizuoka City.

  • 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Cultural exchange at a Japanese primary/middle school (age-matched for visiting children).

  • Free Afternoon/Evening: Explore Shizuoka City with provided English maps and support (Great time to buy souvenirs and gifts without paying tourist area prices.).


Day 4: Thursday, June 4

Innovation, Family Fun & Business

  • 10:00 AM: Visit the famous Tamiya Showroom for a unique experience.

  • 11:30 AM: Early lunch at a Kaiten Sushi (rotating sushi) restaurant – fun for all ages!

  • 1:00 PM:

    • Families: Cultural surprise activity at the Ryokan.

    • Business Group: Participate in a specialized business event.

  • Surprise Kendo Activity

  • Evening at leisure with dining options at the hotel.


Day 5: Friday, June 5

Tradition, Movement & Connection

  • 10:00 AM: Split into two groups:

    • Kimono Experience: Learn the art of kimono for men, women, and children (2 hours).

    • Ki & Movement: Explore the relationship between energy (Ki), physical movement, and swords (2 hours) at local dojo

  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at a local vegetable restaurant with a creative twist.

  • Afternoon: Journey to the serene tea plantation high country:

    • Connect with a unique American (Japanese national now) woman with a fascinating story.

  • Evening: Relax at a local countryside onsen followed by dinner at a nearby hotel.

  • Farewell Party: Celebrate the journey back at the Ryokan.


Day 6: Saturday, June 6

Final Zen & Departure

  • 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Final Zen session at Ryozenji Temple.

  • Return to the Ryokan for breakfast and relaxation.

  • Break-up and Departure.


How to get there:

You can fly into either Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda) or the Osaka airport, and easily get to Shizuoka in 1-2 hours by train.  This is what I did when I visited.  We’ll send detailed instructions on how to do it from each airport.  Shizuoka itself has an airport as well, but flights are limited.

You can book your spot for the tour using the link below.  We are limiting the trip to 20 people max (kids don’t count towards the total but spouses do).

If you have any question email me at [email protected]