[Aikido × Travel] The Start of the Kochi Seminar and First Keiko at Nakamura Dojo (Day 1: First Half)
As a couple who both practice Aikido, people often ask us, “So, at which dojo did you meet?”
The answer always surprises them—because our story didn’t begin in a dojo at all.
We first met 25 years ago on a roadside in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia.
Back then, I wasn’t practicing Aikido yet.
It was only after we got married that Mike, who had already been training for six years, encouraged me to step onto the mat.
His very first dojo was with the Kochi Aikido Group, and ever since, we’ve often said to each other, “Someday, let’s go back there together.” But like many dreams, the years slipped by and it never seemed to happen.
Then in January 2024, during a casual get-together after training, our friend A mentioned, “Oh, I’ve practiced at a dojo in Kochi before.
” That sparked something, and before we knew it, the conversation turned into “Let’s all go together!” Still, as with many big ideas, it didn’t happen right away.
But the following year, at the very same gathering, the topic resurfaced with new excitement—and this time, the plan finally began to take shape.
When A looked into it, we discovered that in late March, the Kochi Aikido Group would be hosting a seminar with Morito Suganuma Shihan, Director and Dojo-cho of Aikido Shoufukan.
That was the sign we were waiting for. Our “Aikido Journey: Kochi Edition” was officially on.
Travel Itinerary
Friday, March 21 – Practice at Nakamura Dojo (Shimanto City, Nakamura Aikikai)
Saturday, March 22 – Sightseeing on the way back from Shimanto City to Kochi City
Sunday, March 23 – Join the seminar with Suganuma Shihan, hosted by Kochi Aikido Group
Monday, March 24 – Sightseeing for just the two of us after parting ways with A
Tuesday, March 25 – Return to Tokyo
Of course, we contacted both Nakamura Dojo and Kochi Aikido in advance and received their kind permission to join training.
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Preparation
With the schedule set, the first step was booking flights and hotels. This time, balancing cost and convenience, we went with JAL.
👉 Compare low-cost flights (Kiwi.com)
Booking flights early usually means you can snag “hayawari” (early bird discounts). But I once forgot this lesson—on a past trip to Izumo, I waited until just one month before departure to buy tickets.
The result? I ended up paying nearly double the discounted price. A painful but unforgettable lesson.
For accommodations, we skipped the luxury hotels and instead prioritized good reviews and reasonable prices:
Shimanto City (Nakamura) → Nakamura Daiichi Hotel (BBH Group)
Book Your Stay in Shimanto City with Trip.com
Kochi City → Comfort Hotel Kochi
Check the Best Hotel Deals in Kochi City on Trip.com
Traveling from Kochi City to Shimanto City by train is possible, but it takes a long time and makes it harder to enjoy sightseeing along the way.
To give ourselves more freedom and flexibility, we chose to rent a car instead.
Rental Car → Toyota Rent-A-Lease
Find rental cars on EconomyBookings
Search hotels & flights in Kochi Prefecture on Traveloka
(By booking through the above links, you’re also supporting Aikido Travel activities—thank you!)
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The Journey Begins – From Haneda to Kochi Ryoma Airport
March 21, 2025. With two dogi and a hakama packed into the suitcase, we headed to Haneda Airport.
I couldn’t help but remember how empty the airport had felt during the pandemic, compared to the lively, bustling scene of today. Time changes so much.
After picking up souvenirs, we met A at the gate. The flight departed on time, and soon a clear blue sky stretched before us, with Mt. Fuji rising proudly above the clouds.
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A Hearty Lunch at Nishimura Shoten
After arriving at Kochi Ryoma Airport, we grabbed our rental car and made our way to our first stop: Nishimura Shoten.
The reviews weren’t wrong—the parking lot was full. But thanks to Mike’s uncanny “superpower” of always finding a spot, we managed to park without a hitch.
While waiting, we browsed the menu posted outside and checked the daily special. The more we looked, the hungrier we felt, and the anticipation made everything more exciting.
Once seated, I ordered the “Aradaki” (braised fish head), which arrived in a bowl so large I had to ask myself—is this really meant for one person?
The tender fish, rich with deep flavor, was simply outstanding.
Driven by the Japanese “mottainai” spirit of not letting food go to waste, I did my best. But in the end, I could only make it halfway through before admitting defeat.
Even so, my heart was full of happiness. It’s strange how travel meals leave behind more than flavors—they leave behind little stories of abundance, humility, and joy.
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Visiting Tosa Shrine and Zenrakuji Temple
With some time before keiko, we explored Kochi City. First stop: Tosa Shrine.
The quiet, tree-lined grounds seemed to clear the mind, and walking along the corridors of the shrine, we admired the historic ritual objects on display.
Our omikuji fortunes—chu-kichi (middle blessing) and sho-kichi (small blessing)—were gentle reminders that we still had much room to grow.
Right next door, we visited Zenrakuji, the 30th temple of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage.
Bathed in the warmth of early spring sunshine, we offered our prayers and felt a sense of good fortune for the journey ahead.
With light hearts, we set off toward Shimanto City.
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👉 Coming up next: The road to Shimanto City and our first keiko at Nakamura Dojo.