Kyoto · KYOTO SAMURAI EXPERIENCES
Somewhere between a lesson and a performance, depending which one you book. The 15 below cover the sword-handling classes, the armour fittings and the dojo sessions, with prices, group sizes and what you get to hold.
Learn Bushido, wear a kimono, practice swordsmanship, and meditate in a historic Kyoto samurai house during this 1-hour-45-minute tour.
“Wonderful! The best tour we had in Tokyo hands down. Communication was great, hands on, including other experiences such as sound bath and music. Loved it”
Train in kendo, wear samurai gear, and learn sword etiquette inside a 120-year-old Kyoto machiya with an English-speaking instructor.
“Amazing activity!! Taka did an amazing job with the explanation and the experience! He has a great energy and explains everything with patience and happiness! 100% recommend coming here and doing it!”
Learn samurai bows, sword draws, strikes, and Kenbu in Kyoto, with costume photos, a performance, towel, and certificate included.
“It was a pleasure! The staff were very service minded and made sure all of the participants got pictures taken. It was also really cool to learn about and use a katana. Sensei Kashin was very humble and patient with us. Great experience!”
Kyoto’s Samurai Ninja Museum offers a lively one-hour tour with armor, swords, shuriken throwing, and clear cultural context.
“The tour was way overbooked. It was so crowded you couldn't even get all the people on the tour in the room. Too many people made this experience horrible”
Kyoto’s one-hour Samurai Kenbu show blends elegant sword dance, samurai stories in English, and a hands-on katana lesson for $32.
“it was very interesting hearing the samurai historie. it was a bit difficult to understand what was told, but the performance was incredible. It was fun that the man who was the one supposed to die was also adding some humor into the story it maid the final touch of the performance. It was a good experience to get teaching in holding a samurai sword and learn some og the movements and shouting the words. this was also done with some humor.”
Train in a real Kyoto dojo with Yushin Sensei, learn samurai etiquette and kata, wear hakama, and watch a two-katana performance.
“The Samarai experience so much fun! My family and I learned a lot, and had a blast while doing so…even my wife and daughter loved it. It took place in a real dojo, and Sensei and other instructors were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommend.”
Learn samurai sword skills, dress in traditional costume, and watch kenbu in Kyoto during this hands-on 90-minute class.
“We didn’t really know what to expect but we came away thinking what a fun time we’d had. Everyone was really friendly and welcoming.”
Review of Kyoto’s private tea ceremony and sake tasting in a 300-year-old samurai house, with matcha, photos, costumes, and practical booking tips.
“So much tradition in this experience. Gracious hosts who welcome you into their home that is 300 years old. We thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend it.”
Dress as a samurai, learn basic iaido, throw ninja stars, and tour Kyoto’s Samurai Ninja Museum in this hands-on two-hour experience.
“Riku provided the best experience I’ve encountered thus far on my Japan Visit. I feel like I went through actual training to become a Samurai. I am grateful for the knowledge this museum had to offer. Thank you also to Riu for taking us on a guided tour and allowing us to interact with the history through artifacts.”
Review of Kyoto’s one-hour Samurai Ninja Museum tour, with English guidance, armor dress-up, sword handling, and ninja star throwing.
“Fantastic tour with Taka - he was very informative and lots of fun”
Learn Kyudo in Kyoto with Yamaguchi-sensei, a master instructor offering patient, hands-on archery practice in a small four-person group.
“Incredibly unique experience with Yamaguchi-sensei. So grateful for the time and thoughtfulness he gives in his instruction. The small group and warm atmosphere made this activity the most memorable of our trip!”
Kyoto’s family-friendly ninja experience includes shuriken, blowguns, costumes, sword skills, and a Samurai Ninja Museum visit.
“This was a fun experience! Our kids had a blast! Who doesn’t love throwing stars and blow darts. It was fun to learn more about ninjas and Samurai’s.”
Kyoto’s one-hour Kembu show explains samurai culture through sword movements, poems, fan work, and a hands-on photo session.
“This was a fun show. The show used both swords and hands to teach about the samurai. After the show we got to practice both fan movements and sword movements. It is a fun night out for adults not I would also recommend it for families.”
Learn samurai swordplay, wear a kimono, and film your own chambara scene at Kyoto’s Myokaku-ji Temple in a small group.
“Excellent activity, very fun and hosts were very entertaining! Would thoroughly recommend”
Make matcha in a 100-year-old Kyoto machiya, enjoy wagashi, craft a latte, and pose in samurai armor in a small group.
“I had lots of fun! Maya was a very fun host. I highly recommend visiting here! You will not be disappointed and will learn how to make matcha the proper way!”
