The purpose of this study was to review Japanese and English research papers on budo tourism and clarify the issues regarding the definitions of budo tourism, tourist behavior, destination management, and authenticity. In Japan, budo tourism is defined in two ways: for core users and for casual users, while in Europe, learning and human development are emphasized. The travel motivations of the tourists are divided into five categories: 1) acquire knowledge and skills of budo, 2) form and strengthen social networks with budo practitioners and researchers, 3) grow oneself mentally and morally, 4) experience a different culture, and 5) learn budo in an authentic location and experience the sacredness of the birthplaces of budo. In addition to reciprocal visits, European budo tourists often visit the birthplaces of budo in East Asia and elsewhere to learn budo in an authentic location and experience their sacredness.

A host city develops a promotion system and tourist facilities with support from the government and develops programs for budo and indigenous culture experiences on the basis of touristsʼ preferences and needs. The budo shown to the tourists lose their indigenous and combative characteristics and become invented traditions with entertainment value and ease of understanding. Thus, objective authenticity of budo weakens and staged authenticity is produced. As tourists consume the staged authenticity and existential authenticity accumulates, the authenticity of budo is redefined.