The Tenshiyama Apartment

A chinese lion statue

The "Mountain of the Son of Heaven" is a ridge on the North side of the City of Abiko. On this hill sits the Tenshiyama Apartment, lodging for martial artists who come to Japan to further their training in the Bujinkan traditions of Hatsumi Sensei and his senior students. The apartment is located in a quiet neighbourhood with abundant flowers and greenery, and from the hill one can see Abiko Station, a 10-minute walk away. Its convenient location and the friendly, helpful atmosphere have made Tenshiyama a favorite place to stay for many visiting Bujinkan practitioners since 1999.

The Proprietor

SlumLord

Affectionately known as "The Slumlord," Shawn has been hosting Bujinkan guests in Japan since 1997. This continued after moving to Abiko in 1999, making 2009 the 10th anniversary of the Tenshiyama Apartment guesthouse. With so many visitors from different countries around the world over that time, it has been a wonderful experience and many lasting friendships have resulted. Perhaps Takamatsu Sensei had a similar experience in Nara with his inn, with friends and students in the martial arts staying with him while visiting the area for business and training.