THE JAPAN JUDO TOUR
July 19th to July 27th, 2025
Participants must be a resident of the United States.
Registration will close as soon as the available 20 seats have been reserved.
Overview
Fully guided package tour just for you
The 10-day trip immerses participants in Japanese culture, featuring guided tours to Tokyo's most iconic sightseeing destinations. The Judo Tour offers world-class instruction at four top universities and two private dojos. Participants will have the opportunity to build friendships with Judoka from around the world while experiencing elite-level training programs. This tour provides a deeper understanding of Judo's rich history and culture.
Experience the Ultimate Judo Journey with Nakano Sensei
Dive into the heart of judo with the Japan Judo Tour, presented by Nakano Judo Academy. This exclusive tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of judo, visiting Japan's premier judo dojos and prestigious collegiate teams.
Highlights of the Tour Include
1. Elite Judo Training: Train and interact with some of Japan's top judo clubs and university teams. Gain firsthand experience and insights from the masters of this ancient martial art.
2. Cultural Exploration: Discover Tokyo's iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods. From historic temples to modern marvels, enjoy the rich cultural tapestry of Japan.
3. Friendship and Networking: Build lasting relationships with Japanese judokas. Exchange techniques, stories, and experiences with local practitioners who share your passion for judo.
4. Judo Powerhouse Experience: Witness the essence of judo in its birthplace. Explore the rich history and evolution of judo in Japan, the country where it all began.
Join us for a journey that blends intense training with cultural enrichment, and leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for judo.
"To have been able to visit & practice at the top Universities & the Kodokan in Japan and meet the elite Judokas was an amazing experience. We got the chance to experience Japanese Judo! The opportunities given by Nakano Sensei were experiences we would not have been able to achieve if we planned a trip on our own. "
-Daniela Serrano
Participants will train at seven of the top university teams and private dojos in Japan, and participate in four specially designed private sessions with world-class instructors.
Places We Visited in 2024
NIHON-TAI-IKU UNIVERSITY:
Yosuke Yamamoto Sensei
The Nihon-Tai-Iku University Judo team is composed of nearly 130 students. Many world champions trained and graduated from the University. Toshihiko Koga, the 71 kg Olympic champions in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics is one of them. Currently, Koga's two sons are on the team. In addition, Hifumi Abe, the world champion in 66kg, is training at the university.
KOKUGAKUIN UNIVERSITY:
Daiki Sakamoto Sensei
Daiki Sakamoto Sensei is a coach at Kokugakuin University and a former member of the Japanese National Team. Kokugakuin is one of the top 8 strongest Judo universities in Japan and he personally coaches two of Japan’s current national team members. He was also the Head Coach of the Japanese Junior National Team from 2013 - 2016.
CHUO UNIVERSITY:
Yuta Sakamoto Sensei
Chuo University Judo team was established in 1905. The team has won the National Collegiate Judo Championships 3 times. The university has also produced two world champions and two Olympic champions. The judo team's professor, Mr. Isao Okano, was the 80 kg champion at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He also graduated from the university in 1964.
TOKYO-JOSHI-TAI-IKU UNIVERSITY:
Aiko Sato Sensei
The Tokyo-Joshi-Tai-Iku University was established in 1902, and the women's judo team was formed in 2012. The head instructor Aiko Sato, was the 57 kg champion at the 2010 Tokyo World championships, and a Olympian team member in 2008. They have unique training programs, and the team has been one of the strongest women's judo team in Japan.
ASAHI DOJO:
Dai Asahi Sensei
The Asashi Dojo is one of the best dojos in Japan, winning gold countless times at the national dojo championships. Currently, the dojo has more than 130 active members and is overseen by its head coach, Dai Asahi Sensei. Asahi Sensei attended Meiji University and has coached many world and international players.
His program emphasizes character development and disciplined training. Asahi Sensei specializes in traditional judo fundamentals. He will lead a special session on competition drills during our visit.
OMIGAWA DOJO:
Michihiro Omigawa Sensei
Omigawa Dojo is headed by Omigawa Sensei. Omigawa Sensei graduated from the International Budo University. After graduating he participated in MMA, taking part in PRIDE, UFC, Sengoku and Dynamite. The Dojo has more than 100 members. He teaches students from 3 years old to adult.
THE KODOKAN INSTITUTE
Kodokan Judo was created in 1882 by Kano Jigoro. The Kodokan Institute started with 9 members and 12 mats, but is now an eight-story building, and the headquarters of the worldwide judo community. The Kodokan has 1,300 mats and 150 instructors, across the five main dojos. The Kodokan also has an extensive library with over 7,000 books pertaining to judo and four research labs focusing on the history study of judo as well as the psychological, technical and physiological study of judo.
PRIVATE SPECIAL SESSIONS
Aiko Sato Sensei:
World Champion in 57kg at the 2010 Tokyo, The Olympian in 2008.
Dai Asahi Sensei:
A current Coach of the Japanese Junior National Team.
Daiki Sakamoto Sensei:
A Coach of the Japanese Junior National Team from 2013 - 2016.
Michihiro Omigawa Sensei:
A former member of the Japanese National Team.
Experience the Best of Tokyo Sightseeing
Fees, Terms and Conditions
Price: $2,750 per person
*$2,500 for Nakano Judo members.
Price includes the guest house, applicable dojo fees, sightseeing, trains and buses while in Japan, and a final celebration dinner. Price does not include meals, and travel to and from Japan.
Participation is limited to 20 Judoka. Judoka must be over 15 years old and at least 2 years experience on the mat. Parents of participants are welcome to attend for $2,250 per person.
FAQ
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Should I arrive at Narita or Haneda airport in Tokyo? If you are arriving at Narita, Nakano Sensei will be there to escort you to the guest house. If you come to the guest house by yourself, we will refund the money per person to cover the transportation fees.
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How do I get to the guest house? The guest house is located at the Nihon Tai-Iku University Guest House at 6 Chome-23-9 Fukasawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 158-0081, Japan. You can also copy the address in Japanese to show local transportation. Name: 日本体育大学 世田谷ゲストハウス Address: 〒158-0081 東京都世田谷区深沢６丁目２３−9.
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Can I do laundry at the guest house? The guest house is equipped with free 6 washer dryers.
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Will there be internet access? The guest house has free WI-FI.
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Should I bring more than one Judo-gi? Bring 2 Judo-gis. You will alternate between them to allow time for drying.
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Will there be free time during the tour? Yes.
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Am I going to be able to survive the training? Yes. You decide how much of the training to participate in. You can also just observe the training.
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Can I use credit card in Japan? Yes. Visa and Master card are the most common. It is better to have cash on hand when you plan to eat out at restaurants.
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Participants must be a resident of United States, and must be a current member of USJF, USJA or USA Judo.
Cancellation Policy
1. When you make a $1,000 down payment, you are booked.
2. Cancellation Policy
-From time of reservation $1,000 Per person
-Two months before the tour date
After May 19 - June 18, 2025 50% of total price
-A month before the tour date
After June 19- July 8, 2025 75% of total price
-10 days before the tour date
After July 9, 2025 100% of total price
Remarks:
Please read the terms and conditions below carefully.
-If you come to the guest house by yourself, we will refund the money per person to cover the transportation fees.
-This tour is a group tour which requires a minimum of 10 participants. If the minimum has not been reached by 2 months prior to the tour date, we will notify you of the tour cancellation. The tour is fully refundable in this case.
-Insurance is not included, recommended to purchase.
-Schedule is subject to change due to any unexpected circumstances.
-Please contact us for more information or details.
*Please fill out "Japan Judo Camp and Tour" in the subject box
"I've always wanted to go to Japan to train or experience judo, but I don't have any connections or just don't know how to reach out to the best dojos or university Judo teams."
-Yes, we will help make your dream a reality.