Martial Arts Trip to Japan

A convenient and polished Tokyo base that combines excellent transport connections with quieter residential neighborhoods, restaurants and waterfront areas. Shinagawa provides easy access to the rest of Tokyo while offering a welcome break from the busiest districts.

A historic Shinto shrine dating back to the 12th century, tucked away from Tokyo’s major tourist routes. Climb the small replica of Mount Fuji and enjoy a peaceful introduction to Japanese shrine culture.

(optional dinner) — A lively Brazilian churrasco restaurant where freshly grilled meats are carved directly at the table. A great option for hungry travelers—and particularly well suited to the appetites of a BJJ group!

A traditional neighborhood bathhouse known for its distinctive natural black mineral water and open-air bathing. An excellent way to relax tired muscles and experience Japanese bathing culture after the journey to Tokyo.

One of central Tokyo’s largest green spaces and a popular gathering place for locals. Its broad paths and relaxed atmosphere provide a refreshing contrast to the energy of nearby Harajuku and Shibuya.

One of Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrines, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The peaceful walk through its enormous forest and towering torii gates feels remarkably removed from the surrounding metropolis.

The colorful heart of Harajuku’s youth culture, packed with fashion boutiques, sweets, character shops and wonderfully eccentric Tokyo trends. Expect crowds, sensory overload and plenty of photo opportunities.

A relaxing café experience where visitors can take a break from sightseeing while spending time with a variety of friendly cats. A fun optional stop in the middle of energetic Harajuku.

A pedestrian-friendly backstreet linking Harajuku and Shibuya, known for independent fashion, sneakers, vintage stores and stylish cafés. It offers a much more relaxed shopping experience than nearby Takeshita Street.

Tokyo’s elegant, tree-lined fashion avenue, sometimes compared to the Champs-Élysées. Flagship designer stores and striking contemporary architecture make the street itself as interesting as the shopping.

Perhaps the world’s most famous pedestrian crossing and one of the defining images of modern Tokyo. When the lights change, hundreds of people simultaneously pour into the intersection beneath Shibuya’s giant video screens.

Optional BJJ / MMA gym to train at.

We make our way to Life Jiu Jitsu Academy for the special training seminar with Igor Tanabe. The seminar itself takes 2 hours.

Optional training gym offering walk-in classes.

Take to Tokyo’s streets in a small go-kart and experience Shibuya from an entirely different perspective. A high-energy optional activity and an unforgettable way to see the neon side of the city.

(optional dinner) — A Tokyo institution famous for beautifully tender Japanese breaded pork cutlets served with rice, cabbage and tonkatsu sauce. Straightforward, satisfying Japanese comfort food that works particularly well after an active day.

Experience one of Japan’s favorite nights out with private-room karaoke in the heart of Shibuya. Grab some drinks, choose your songs and discover which members of the group should—or definitely should not—be given a microphone.

We make our way to Life Jiu Jitsu Academy for the special training seminar with Shinya Aoki. The seminar itself takes 2 hours.

The residence of Japan’s Imperial Family sits at the historic heart of Tokyo, surrounded by moats, stone walls and extensive gardens. The palace grounds provide a fascinating link between modern Tokyo and the former site of Edo Castle.

More than just a railway hub, Tokyo Station is a landmark in its own right, famous for its beautifully restored red-brick Marunouchi façade. Beneath and around the station lies a huge world of restaurants, shops and underground passages.

The historic commercial heart of Tokyo and the point from which Japan traditionally measures road distances. Today, centuries-old businesses and traditional food shops sit alongside department stores and modern architecture.

The world renowned NINJA RESTAURANT! (optional dinner) — An immersive themed restaurant where secret passages, ninja performances and theatrical dishes turn dinner into an experience. A particularly fitting—and slightly ridiculous in the best possible way—evening for a martial arts group.

All IBJJF events take place at the Chiba Port Arena, just east of Tokyo. For those competing, this is a full day event.

One of the best places to experience the atmosphere of old Tokyo, with traditional streets, temples, shops and street food surrounding Senso-ji. It provides a striking contrast to the skyscrapers and neon of modern Tokyo.

The iconic Thunder Gate marks the entrance to Senso-ji and is instantly recognizable by its enormous red lantern. From here, Nakamise shopping street leads through traditional stalls toward Tokyo’s oldest major temple.

Rising 634 metres above the city, Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest structure and offers extraordinary panoramic views across the Tokyo metropolis. On a clear day, you may even spot Mount Fuji on the horizon.

Optional extra training for those keen.

All IBJJF events take place at the Chiba Port Arena, just east of Tokyo. For those competing, this is a full day event.

Home to Kamakura’s famous Great Buddha, a monumental bronze Amida Buddha dating from the 13th century. Sitting peacefully in the open air, it is one of the most memorable and iconic sights in the Kamakura area.

A scenic stretch of coastline overlooking Sagami Bay, with views toward Enoshima and, in clear weather, Mount Fuji. It’s a relaxing seaside contrast to Tokyo and a great place to slow down during the Kamakura excursion.

(optional evening) — High above Shinjuku, this sophisticated bar became internationally famous through Lost in Translation. Expect sweeping nighttime views of Tokyo, cocktails and live music in one of the city’s most cinematic settings.

All IBJJF events take place at the Chiba Port Arena, just east of Tokyo. For those competing, this is a full day event.

A wonderfully old-school covered shopping arcade where neighborhood stores, food stalls and everyday Tokyo life remain largely untouched by mass tourism. It offers a glimpse into a quieter, more nostalgic side of the city.

One of the biggest public parks in Tokyo with beautiful greenery and depending on the season, diverse flower blossoms.

Located within Ueno Park, this major museum hosts a changing program of Japanese and international exhibitions. The visit offers a cultural pause from Tokyo’s streets and a look at both established and contemporary artistic traditions.

A charming traditional shopping street filled with small food shops, crafts, cafés and local businesses. The surrounding Yanaka neighborhood is one of the best areas to experience the slower atmosphere of Tokyo’s older shitamachi districts.

A peaceful Buddhist temple in historic Yanaka with centuries of history and a large seated Buddha. Its tranquil grounds provide a quiet counterpoint to Tokyo’s busier sightseeing spots.

Optional BJJ / MMA gym for training.

All IBJJF events take place at the Chiba Port Arena, just east of Tokyo. For those competing, this is a full day event.

One of Tokyo’s most international districts, combining contemporary architecture, major art museums, restaurants and nightlife. It’s an excellent area for seeing Tokyo’s sophisticated modern side.

A major contemporary art museum located high inside Roppongi Hills’ Mori Tower. Its exhibitions often explore global contemporary culture, while the surrounding complex provides spectacular views over Tokyo.

One of Japan’s largest exhibition spaces, housed inside an extraordinary wave-like glass building designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa. Rather than maintaining a permanent collection, it hosts a constantly changing program of exhibitions.

Tokyo’s classic red-and-white communications tower has been a symbol of the city since 1958. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, it remains one of the most photogenic landmarks on the Tokyo skyline.

All IBJJF events take place at the Chiba Port Arena, just east of Tokyo. For those competing, this is a full day event.

A fashionable but relaxed neighborhood known for excellent restaurants, cafés and bars. Less frantic than Shibuya or Shinjuku, it’s a great place to experience the more grown-up side of contemporary Tokyo.

One of Tokyo’s most stylish neighborhoods, characterized by low-rise architecture, independent boutiques, design stores and excellent cafés. Its quiet streets feel almost village-like despite being just minutes from Shibuya.

The historic home of Kodokan Judo, founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882 and one of the most important sites in the history of modern martial arts. For a BJJ group, this is a particularly meaningful visit to the birthplace of the art from which Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ultimately developed.