Ancient Katana Training in Kyoto with Local Students
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Step into the world of real samurai training in Kyoto!
Join the Kyoto Branch of Asayama Ichiden Ryu Hyōhō, a 400-year-old Kobudo (classical Japanese budo) tradition still practiced today. Unlike tourist sword experiences, this activity lets you train alongside actual students under authentic guidance.
Feel the spirit of Japan’s warrior culture as you learn the fundamentals of Iaijutsu (quick-draw katana techniques) and Kenjutsu (Japanese swordsmanship) using bokutō (wooden katana).
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing true samurai discipline in a traditional Kyoto dojo, this is your chance.
*Please note that this is not a tourist activity, but a genuine training session with actual students. As a general rule, we do not accept participants with no prior budo experience. However, if you are very eager to join, please feel free to contact us for a consultation.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
You can join the regular training of the Kyoto Branch of Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu Hyōhō. We will practice Reihō etiquette, Iaijutsu (katana drawing), and Kenjutsu (katana swordsmanship) alongside Shogo and the regular members of the dojo. *Please note that this is not a tourist activity, but a genuine training session with actual students. As a general rule, we do not accept participants with no prior budo experience. However, if you are very eager to join, please feel free to contact us for a consultation. Asayama Ichiden Ryū Hyōhō is a budo tradition with a proud history of over 400 years, preserving techniques from the era when samurai fought while wearing armor. Training primarily focuses on sword arts such as kenjutsu and iaijutsu, but it is a comprehensive martial system that also includes kama-jutsu (sickle techniques), bōjutsu (staff), jōjutsu (short staff), tanbōjutsu (short stick), kusarifundōjutsu (chain and weight), and shurikenjutsu (throwing darts).
Options
Ancient Katana Training in Kyoto with Local Students
What‘s Included
Training equipment
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
24 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Discover the Art of the Katana at Asayama Ichiden-ryu Hyoho Kobudo Dojo in Kyoto
johnburn71,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Asayama Ichiden-ryu Hyoho Kobudo Dojo in Kyoto and had a wonderful and very insightful time. The instructor and students are incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming. They took the time to delve into the history and significance of the katana, explaining the reasons behind this schools specific movements. if you’re slightly concerned about language barriers then don’t be, Shogo speaks perfect English. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, the training caters to all skill levels. The sessions are both challenging and rewarding, combining in-depth instruction with practical sword usage. This approach helps participants develop a deeper understanding of technique and form. I highly recommend this dojo to anyone interested in learning about the art of the katana. It’s a fantastic way to connect with Japanese culture while honing a unique skill. If you’re visiting please don’t miss out, if you live here, then you have something very special on your doorstep and you’re very lucky.
Kenjutsu Experience with Shogo Senpai
LoreleiMckelvey,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shogo Senpai provided a relaxed and focused training environment for his students, particularly for those who had not done it before. His passion for kenjutsu is clearly evident, and his energy reflects onto his students. I recommend Shogo Senpai’s class for everyone, from the first-timer wanting to experience wielding a katana to the experienced martial artist looking to expand their martial toolbox.
First Steps
Mirosaw A,May 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I have a pleasure to take a traning with Shogo this evening. It was my first steps with Budo but due to Great Teacher it went smoothly but to move fluently it's really hard. I'm Very thankfull also to students who also gave me a lot od tips during training. Great Expirience to start new sport.
Authentic training experience
ebababi,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic experience training with Shogo in Kyoto. This is not a tourist activity, it truly feels like a real first day of training. Shogo is an excellent teacher: calm, patient, and very clear in his explanations. He guided us step by step, helping us understand not only the movements but also the mindset behind the art. I did this together with my 13-year-old son, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. It’s rare to find something that is both beginner-friendly and genuinely authentic. If you’re looking for a real experience rather than a staged one, this is absolutely worth it. Highly recommended!
Deeply knowledgeable, welcoming and engaging katana instructor
S4588LJstefanr,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shogo was very welcoming and speaks perfect english. The other students also were very friendly and great training partners. Everyone was focused, but the atmosphere still was lighthearted and sometimes even filled with laughter. Training with the group was exciting and a lot of fun. With a group size of six students and the teacher, there was a lot of time for advice for each student. The corrections and advice given by Shogo enabled me to quickly correct my mistakes and learn a great deal. We trained for three hours, first learning the formal etiquette to begin the lesson, then continuing with drawing techniques using the provided Iaito-type metal swords. We also trained partner exercises with wooden swords, learning techniques to attack and defend, and even got to try two longer, more complicated partner exercises (Kata), which combine several techniques and footwork. The technical and background knowledge of Shogo was very impressive, he is a great teacher that helps you to challenge and improve yourself. His clear and precise movements set an example for everyone that wants to try Asayama Ichiden Ryu. The experience will be unforgettable for me and I will visit again if I have the opportunity. Definitely worth your money!
Authentic Japanese Swordsmanship
Safari35780052074,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing experiance with a great teacher. If you have interest in Japanese swordsmanship, this is the event to attend.
Thoughtful, Practical, and Culturally Rich Martial Arts Training
Wander38142781621,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I recently trained here in Iaido and Kenjutsu, and it has been a genuinely rewarding experience. One of the things I appreciate most is that the instructor teaches in both English and Japanese, which makes the classes accessible while still preserving the cultural depth of the art. Beyond simply showing movements, the teacher takes time to explain the background and reasoning behind why things are done a certain way within this tradition. That context adds a lot of meaning to the practice and makes each session feel like more than just physical training. Some techniques — especially drawing and sheathing the sword — are quite different from what I have seen in other styles. At first the differences surprised me, but the more they were explained and practiced, the more they made practical sense. The methods are not arbitrary; they are built on clear logic and intention. Overall, the style feels very practical and grounded, which I personally value a great deal. The atmosphere is respectful, focused, and welcoming, making it a place where both beginners and more experienced practitioners can learn with confidence. I’m very glad I decided to begin training here.
An incredible experience with a katana master as friendly as professional, in very small committee.
VERITE Y,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible, to be with a katana in your hands and touch the ancestral art of the samurais
Boy do I love katana
Robert L,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Learn to handle a katana, basically. Everyone was really friendly and welcoming to me, and the teacher and material were beginner-friendly enough to not feel lost. I recommend this for an authentic learning experience.
Crab Pinch leads to the Saya
andrewsG1264GG,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience that left me more to practice and think upon. The class is a good reminder that traditional swordsmanship has many nuances missing from the various types of sports fencing (Kendo included).
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