Kikuchi,  Kumamoto Prefecture is famous its hot springs and Kikuchi Gorge. Kikuchi is known for its natural beauty, but it also boasts a long history. The city is named after the Kikuchi clan, a samurai family who were active in this region from the 11th to 16th centuries.
In this article, I'll introduce a couple activities related to the Kikuchi family. Activities all take place in the heart of Kikuchi, and reservations can be made through the tourist association website.

I visited Kikuchi Shrine, located on a small hill with a great view of downtown Kikuchi. This shrine is devoted to three generations of the Kikuchi family, and there is also a  museum on the grounds that houses artifacts and cultural assets of the Kikuchi clan.

Located south of the shrine, Kikuchi Park is a popular spot to enjoy autumn leaves and cherry blossoms. Right next to Kikuchi Shrine is the Kikuchi Kanko Produce Market, where you can purchase locally grown vegetables and specialty products. Next to the products hall is the Kikuchi Tourist Association, which provides tourist and activity information.

You can apply for this activity through the Kikuchi Tourist Association's website and check in at the association desk on the day of the tour. Just make sure to avoid wearing loose clothing that will get in the way when putting on the armor - no other special preparations are necessary to enjoy the experience. There are also options available for kids 3 years old to early elementary school age. You can also dress up as a court lady, but there are overwhelmingly more women who want to try wearing armor.

First, choose which of the two suits of armor you want to try on. I chose the dark navy one. Although it's only a replica inspired by the warriors of the Kikuchi clan, when you hold it, you can feel the weight and imagine what it was like for the warriors of that time to wear such armor.

The armor was made for battle, so they can be worn even when you've got long sleeves and pants on underneath. When I put on the chest plate (the heaviest piece), it was heavy on my shoulders but became much more comfortable when I added the upper belt.

Kuroda-san from the Kikuchi Tourism Association helped me get dressed and after a bit of small talk, I was ready to go! Once you've got your sword, you really feel like a warrior.

The last piece is your helmet, completing your transformation into a mighty warrior straight out of the Warring States period. My dignified stance exudes confidence, right? Inside, there's a photo spot designed to resemble a samurai headquarters.

Since it is a full-body suit of armor, you won't feel cold even when going outside in this outfit. I tried taking a photo with the small hill where Kikuchi Shrine is located in the background. If you walk just a short 100 meters from the tourist association, you can take some great photos that look like something out of a historical movie. I also managed to take a photo with the statue of Kikuchi Takemitsu of the Kikuchi clan at Kikuchi City Square.

Gyokushoji Temple, located on a hill overlooking Kikuchi, was established by Kikuchi Tamekuni, 20th-generation head of the Kikuchi clan, as the Kikuchi family temple. In addition being the site of the grave of the 21st-generation head Kikuchi Shigetomo, it houses Kumamoto Prefecture designated cultural assets such as the Densho and Bonsho bells, and 16 arhat statues.

To experience zazen meditation, apply first on the Kikuchi Tourist Association website, then head directly to the temple on the day of the experience. First, you'll learn about the history of Gyokushoji Temple and the lifestyle of the Soto Zen sect. A temple bell cast 520 years ago is still used regularly, and even a light tap produces a sound that resounds throughout the temple grounds.

Before the meditation session begins, there is a study session on correct breathing and posture. Something called "tanden/dantian breathing" forms the basis of zazen meditation, and involves focusing on your tanden, the energy center of the body. Your tanden is the lower part of your stomach that sinks in last at the end of a complete exhale. Brainwave monitoring experiments have shown that the brain is activated by tanden breathing, and it supposedly helps relieve tension and improve concentration.

The thinking of Chief Priest Kashiwagi is focused on calming the mind rather than being bound by rules. Some styles of zazen involve getting painfully hit with a stick when you lose concentration, but this is not the case with zazen in Kikuchi. The essence of zazen is focusing on one's breathing to release one's mind. First, you find a position where you are comfortable breathing. You will be taught the basic sitting posture using a zazen cushion. If sitting in the traditional Japanese style or cross-legged is difficult, you can also use a chair. It's also okay to change your posture during meditation if you get tired.

Sitting facing a wall, I listened to the voice of the priest and let go of my thoughts. I could hear sounds but couldn't really listen, felt the wind but could not really sense it, and I entered a state where I didn't pay attention to my senses. This state of consciousness is called "mindfulness," and some people practice it during a break at work or at home. The materials used during the activity can be taken home and utilized there as well.

If you're going to Kikuchi, you should definitely stop by Kikuchi Onsen. Kikuchi Onsen is known for its beautifying waters that are abundant and leave your skin feeling supple and smooth. The temperature is a perfect 45C, with many of the hot springs here being fed directly from the spring source without extra heating, cooling, or added tap water.