samurai training journey; knight errantry
Historical term for a warrior's travels to hone martial skills and gain experience, often associated with the Edo period or earlier. The concept is similar to European knight errantry.
The young samurai set out on a training journey.
He traveled the provinces on a warrior's pilgrimage, refining his swordsmanship.
修行 is a general term for ascetic training or discipline, often religious or martial, while 武者修業 specifically refers to a samurai's traveling training.
武者修行 is a variant spelling with the same meaning and reading; 修業 emphasizes practical training, while 修行 can imply spiritual discipline.
Compound of 武者 (warrior) and 修業 (training, pursuit of knowledge). The term reflects the historical practice of samurai traveling to test and improve their skills.