A humble and simple Takezo abandons his life as a knight errant. He's sought as a teacher and vassal by Shogun, Japan's most powerful clan leader. He's also challenged to fight by the supremely confident and skillful Sasaki Kojiro. Takezo agrees to fight Kojiro in a year's time but rejects Shogun's patronage, choosing instead to live on the edge of a village, raising vegetables. He's followed there by Otsu and later by Akemi, both in love with him. The year ends as Takezo assists the villagers against a band of brigands. He seeks Otsu's forgiveness and accepts her love, then sets off across the water to Ganryu Island for his final contest.
三船敏郎
as Musashi Miyamoto a.k.a. Takezo
鶴田浩二
as Kojiro Sasaki
八千草薫
as Otsu
岡田茉莉子
as Akemi
二代目 尾上九朗右衛門
as Takuan
瑳峨三智子
as Omitsu
志村喬
as Court official
千秋実
as Sasuke the boatman
佐々木孝丸
as Omitsu's father
田中春男
as Kumagoro the horse thief
上田吉二郎
as Priest Ogon
沢村いき雄
as Innkeeper (uncredited)
