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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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).
What‘s Included
Training equipment
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Ancient Katana Training in Kyoto with Local Students
Reviews
17 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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).
Shogo-senpai is incredibly welcoming, patient, and knowledgeable
David P,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As a Kyoto-resident, I was looking for a kenjutsu/iaido school that was accommodating for beginners, convenient to my work hours, and had an instruction-style that my imperfect Japanese (🙇🏻) would able to keep up with. Thankfully, I learned from a local Reddit forum that Shogo-senpai had opened a new chapter for Asayama-Ichiden-ryu, and he was very responsive to my questions. After attending one class, it was incredibly clear just how patient and knowledgeable a teacher Shogo-senpai, and the regular students were equally welcoming. Whether you are looking for a new local passion or are just passing through, I could not recommend it more.
True Japanese Budo experience
shintarot253,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There are a lot of experience classes in Kyoto but this is definitely special one. In my opinion (I'm Japanese and born and raised in Kyoto), Kobudo is quite rare experience even for Japanese. There is actually Judo, Kendo, Karate type of sports and these are actually good mindset but Asayama ichidenryu is for army. It's skills about murder and it has so much means including respect. I will learn it for my life. Let's see you in the class!
Fantastic instruction and a welcoming group!
peternA9321IQ,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00When I saw that Shogo started his own dojo I knew I had to take a class while I was in Kyoto. He was very friendly and responsive, so I was able to show up ready to train! Everyone was very friendly and I never felt like an outsider. The class ran smoothly and Shogo provided clear instruction. He made sure to break up each technique in a way where we didn’t feel overwhelmed, and helped adjust our form with details as needed. As a former instructor myself, I appreciated his skill in transmitting knowledge. Asayama Ichiden Ryu has great logic in it, and so many details had a big impact. It was serious training, but also quite fun! I highly recommend it if you’re in Kyoto and want something real as opposed to something gear towards casual tourist experiences.
Authentic iaido lessons in kyoto
yD6261ZM,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00i heard about this place from the youtube videos shogo makes. of course i had to visit when i stayed in koto. it's beginner friendly and everybody is welcome. you can join just one or two lessons as a guest, no problem. training is 3 hours and packed with a lot of information and different iaido movements. learned a lot in that short time! everybody was really friendly and nobody is going to rush you, you can learn without being overwhelmed. don't miss this place if you're in kyoto, it's such a great feeling to swing a katana.
Must Visit and Train if Visiting Kyoto, Authentic Iaijutsu and Kenjutsu Koryu
G6417XTgaryc,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00When I was going to visit Kyoto, my dojo partner in USA informed me that Shogo is running a dojo near where my hotel is. I've been a fan of Shogo since the inception of his YouTube channel, so I was excited to finally meet and train under him! After a few email exchanges, our schedule was set. On the day of our meeting, Shogo was incredibly nice and welcoming! The dojo space is a small dance studio rented out for the practice. Shogo's interpretation and transmission of Asayama Ichiden-ryu is very articulate and effective. Not only does he explain how to execute techniques and structure our form and footwork, which he does very well, he also explains why we do those techniques in those certain ways. He made me realize how practical Asayama Ichiden-ryu is, so I can see why Shogo followed their path. I am also ready to take that same path, as well as my dojo partner is. I'm glad to have made that visit, and look forward to training with Shogo soon!
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