Taichung Butokuden

Located in the West District of Taichung, Butokuden is the only existing Japanese martial arts gym in Taichung, which dates back to 1937. A renovation was called for after a fire in 2006, and the Butokuden has been managed by a private foundation ever since then. Now, it is a cultural center dedicated to the “new” Six Arts: tea ceremony, Chinese zither, archery, traditional swordsmanship, seal carving, and Origami (traditional paper folding art). The charming Japanese-style architecture and garden makes it a hotspot for local photography enthusiasts. Tea and snack are also available here. Imagine yourself enjoying the company of an old banyan tree while sipping a cup of fine tea on the Japanese porch with the breeze caressing your face — tea connoisseurs will surely love it here.

In the group of Japanese-style buildings, visitors will have a chance to experience six different traditional arts. Inside Weihe Hall, an auditorium are used for lectures and presentations as well as for the practice of Kendo (traditional swordsmanship). Lessons in the tea ceremony are held and tea instruments are offered for sale at Xinxing Hall, a perfect spot to simply sit back and relax for the whole afternoon. Behind the building complex is the shooting range, where visitors can try their hand at archery, and the outdoor stage under the banyan tree hosts a variety of cultural events such as tea demonstration. There is so much to do/see/enjoy here that you will never get bored at Taichung Butokuden!