Navigating the Journey: Traveling to Japan for the Seiwakai Gasshuku

On Monday, July 4th, 2022, Independence Day in the United States, we officially began our journey to the Seiwakai Gasshuku. Departing from California, we connected through LAX and boarded our long-haul flight across the Pacific, destined for Narita International Airport.

Arrival Logistics: Customs, JR Passes, and the Narita Express

We touched down in Japan on Tuesday evening, July 5th, at approximately 5:00 PM. Factoring in the 17-hour summer time difference between Tokyo and California, adjusting to the schedule immediately is critical. For martial artists planning a similar trip, it is important to factor in airport logistics. It typically takes about two hours to navigate customs, retrieve luggage, activate your Japan Rail (JR) Pass, and secure a ticket on the Narita Express (NEX) train into central Tokyo.

Because of this timeline, attempting to travel straight through to our final destination in Omagari, Daisen, is impractical. Instead, we strategically opted to stay overnight near Tokyo Station, allowing us to rest and briefly become a common tourist for the day.

Exploring Tokyo and Visiting Shureido

Having traveled back and forth to Japan approximately 60 times over the years, I often bypass Tokyo entirely to head straight for the dojo. However, having a free morning presented a rare and welcome opportunity to traverse the city. Naturally, I had to make a pilgrimage to my favorite store in the entire world: Shureido. For traditional practitioners, visiting this premier supplier of world-class dogi and karate equipment is an absolute must.

After a restorative night in Tokyo and a successful shopping trip, our itinerary for July 6th takes us north into the Akita region, where we will finally reunite with the rest of our group to begin intensive Seiwakai training.