Japan Aikido Yuishinkai - Directions to dojos
Here are some directions to some Aikido Yuishinkai dojos in Japan, we had quite a bit of fun finding these dojos but with these directions it should be a bit more straight forward.
For newcomers to Japan the public transport system looks quite daunting, but it is surprisingly easy to use. There is a combination of Japan Rail lines, subway lines and sometimes the odd private railway as well designed to move large amounts of people around as efficiently as possible. We found Japanese people to be very helpful along the way and whilst many don't profess to speak English they do remarkably well and can often be of great help, especially if you have written destinations handy. We allowed large amounts of time to get to the dojo in time but were still almost late.
You may find more dojos listed at Aikido Yuishinkai HQ or Aikido Yuishinkai Japan
The below details were uodated Sep 2007
Aikido Yuishinkai, Nerima Kuritsu Ooizumigakuencho Taiikukan, Tokyo(Nov 2007 updated)
Instructor: Maruyama Sensei
Take the Seibu - Ikebukero Line private line, (there are actually 6 at the Seibu station) from Ikebukero and get out at Ooizumigakuen Station (3rd stop, we passed through a total 6 stations though).
Just outside the North exit get on a bus (stop no. 2) at the terminus for Asaka or Narimasu and get out at Kita-Shucchojo (you will probably need someone to point this out, helpful kanji at right)
There are signs to the Taiikukan which is left down the first street going in the direction of the bus. The sign is helpfully 10m down this street LOL, walk a few hundred meters
Class is Monday 7pm
(NO CLASS on the 2nd Monday of each month)
Aikido Yuishinkai, Heiwadai, Tokyo
Instructor: Maruyama Sensei
Take the Yurakucho subway line to Heiwadai (Y-04)
Turn right out of the station (there are two exits, so you might pass the other one as you walk) and walk several hundred meters or more.
Turn left at the Red'K' all night convenience store, there is a blue sign on this corner in English here to the Taikukan
Heiwadai Taiikukan (gymnasium) is 500m further down the road, rough a set of traffic lights
(there is probably a local map at the subway station which would show the location of the Taiikukan)
Class is Thursday 7 pm
Cost
Both of the Tokyo dojo are in Taiikukan (Gynmasiums) a small fee (~300Y) is payable via an electronic ticketting system in the entrance, you write your name on the back and give to a clerk, and you change in the amenities putting your belongings in a locker (100Y returnable fee). There is also an an instruction fee payable to Sensei's assistant (~1000Y).Sometimes the dojo goes to dinner after class,shouting sensei and splits the bill.
We stayed at the Andon Ryokan, a traditional style guest house, cheap and easy to get to from the airport, though of course numerous other places exist.Google: Tokyo subway , Google Japan Rail linesto see your way around the giant subway and train systems, though maps abound once your in Tokyo.
Aikido Yuishinkai, Osaka
Instructor: Okajima Sensei
Take the Midosuji subway line to Daikokucho station
Leave the station by Exit 4
As you come out of the exit there is a Sunkus convenience store on your right.
There is a camera shop two doors to the right of that, and the dojo is on the second floor (there is a mobile phone shop in between Sunkus and the camera shop)
Follow the sandwich board signs around the corner to the left to reach the stairs to the second floor.
Classes are 7 pm, Tuesday and Friday, 5 pm Saturday
Google: Osaka subway to get around, though maps abound once your in Osaka.
More Griffith Aikido articles
Budo Bums in Japan 2006
