Private Tour
Katana Shopping with Professional Guidance in Kyoto
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Unlike typical sword shops, this shopping experience offers direct access to a dojo where real Kenjutsu is practiced and taught.
You’ll be guided by a martial arts expert and assisted by Let's ask Shogo, a popular YouTuber with over 1.8 million followers and 10+ years of Iai (katana budo) experience.
The katana you’ll see are hand-selected by a master—some crafted over 600 years ago.
Whether you’re a collector, martial artist, or simply fascinated by samurai culture, this is a rare chance to discover a katana with true soul and history.
*This experience is strictly intended for those who are seriously considering purchasing a Japanese katana. Please do not book a session if your only purpose is to meet Shogo or simply to look at katanas.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Step into the hidden world of real Japanese katana shopping—guided by true experts. You’ll visit a private Kyoto dojo led by a master who trains over 20 students in Kenjutsu, and who handpicks genuine blades, which are hundreds of years old. With Shogo from the YouTube channel Let’s Ask Shogo (1.8M+ subscribers) by your side as your translator and sword shopping guide, you won’t miss a single detail. Shogo has helped over 50 people purchase their lifelong treasure. No tourist traps, no language barriers—just a once-in-a-lifetime chance to find the katana destined for you. *This experience is strictly intended for those who are seriously considering purchasing a Japanese katana. Please do not book a session if your only purpose is to meet Shogo or simply to look at katanas.
What‘s Included
Independent Guide
Bottled water
Options
Katana Shopping with Professional Guidance in Kyoto
Reviews
17 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Trustworthy and professional Katana experts
korbink937,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have always wanted a katana and happened to come across Shogo’s instagram page. Upon getting in contact with him I knew he was sincere and genuine in his quest to help people find authentic katana. When I arrived to the dojo I was greeted warmly and felt very comfortable with the entire staff, they were all very friendly and professional. I was given a choice of 5 katana to look at and was advised on all things concerning them. They answered my questions with sincerity and were not at all on a mission to sell but a mission to inform and help me find the katana that best suited me. I quickly found the katana that seemed destined for me and was very happy to find it. I would recommend Shogo to anyone who aspires to find a katana, new or vintage, he’s the guy to go with. I’m glad for the amazing experience and would definitely go back if I ever desire another katana.
Katana purchasing with Shogo and Yushin Sensei
890lowellh,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shogo and Yushin Sensei provided an amazing experience for me. They were more than cordial, and insightful, in helping me find my katana. Or as they would say, the katana finding me! Thanks again!!!
Amazing Katana experience that I will remember forever.
K6831KPdanielp,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I booked a meeting with Shogo and Yushin Sensei to discuss purchasing an authentic Japanese Katana, a lifelong dream of mine. As such, I was as nervous and excited as a wide-eyed child. As an American person, I was concerned about proper etiquette and acting appropriately in a situation I was unfamiliar with. I was aware that Katana are precious works of art that require reverence and respect. I did not want to be rude or insensitive in any way. My concerns diminished as soon as the door opened when I was met by 2 of the most welcoming and genuine people that I have known. Shogo and Yushin Sensei created a perfect blend of ceremony and levity to ensure that I could remain comfortable enough to ask uninformed questions and still be in awe of the amazing treasures that I was honored to be allowed to hold. I am very pleased with the Katana that ultimately chose me and would recommend this experience to anyone who is searching for a meaningful sword buying adventure. I do not possess the words in English or Japanese to express my gratitude. I hope very much to return soon.
Special, personal, meaningful.
H9694SHemilm,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Truly a one of a kind experience! Shogo San and Yushin Sensei were friendly and accommodating. They clearly have deep experience with iaido and katana use, history, collection, and preservation. Based on exchanging information before the visit, Shogo San selected five different historical katana for me to consider, and had done research on the history, manufacture, and construction of each. The experience is located in Yushin Sensei's dojo, which was easy to locate, and showcases their practice space. It's a very personal and intimate experience, and they're there to help you find the katana that's meant for you. I will say you can make the most of your experience by coming prepared. Take the time to learn some katana terminology, and what to appreciate and you'll benefit from seeing some fine historical specimens. In addition, understand the price range for historical nihonto, so you'll know what to expect. This is truly a rare opportunity to find experienced and trustworthy masters willing to share their history and culture. If you're serious about buying a katana in Japan, there's nowhere better to do it!
Kyoto's Katana SME!
Passport44826404550,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I've followed Shogo's YouTube channel for a few years now. This year, he started posting videos of Katanas sold via his shop. They can be purchased online and shipped to the US. The website is self explanatory and easy to navigate for purchasing historic Katanas. A few months back, I decided to give it a whirl and purchased a Katana from the site. So far, the process has been extremely smooth. Shogo answered all my questions (even the dumb ones). He is easy to work with, responds quickly via email and is always, always professional. We are planning a trip to Japan in 2026 and 2027. For both, we will spend time in Kyoto and visit the shop and share Sake/Tea in person (can't wait!!). For me, I'm hoping this is start of a great relationship; in which, I purchase a historic Katana every year via Shogo's guidance and expertise.
What an amazing experience
Toan T,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shogo is very professional and knowledgeable about katanas. He’s responsive and accommodating. I reached out to him a month prior to my trip to Japan but my schedule changed and he was able to accommodate me last minute. The selection was great and the experience was amazing. They allowed me plenty of time to view the collection and answer any questions that I had. This was a personal, intimate, and meaningful experience. The master swordsman (I feel bad I forgot this name) was very kind, patient, and personable. They offered my family water and chairs for them to sit while I was making my selection. We took pictures of my selection and posted on their wall. I would love to come back and purchase another katana from Shogo on my next trip to Japan. Thank you for a memorable experience for me and my family.
Clearly, the best path to your perfect katana!
Navigator280273,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shogo is the best. Friendly, professional, everything you could ask for. He told me he would help me find the katana that was perfectly suited for me. I have to admit I was skeptical. I told him a little about myself. And then he surprised me by doing exactly what he said he would do. I was astonished. You will be too. Trust me.
Buy from Shogo!!!
X8179WHsantiagos,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shogo is a truly wonderful individual in what he does. His passion for culture, learning and teaching while helping others is evident in his prompt and courteous responses and attention to every detail. He made my Authentic Japanese Katana purchase seamless and a true pleasure through and through. I highly recommend his services and will most definitely use his services and purchase again. - Santiago
How I found my Katana - Or did it find me?
Stefan H,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Somehow, Shogo managed to find the perfect katana for me. It met every single one of my criteria — and even more. The fuchi, kashira, and menuki perfectly reflected my hobbies and my zodiac sign. After seeing a few swords that just didn’t feel right, it was a strange but powerful moment to see this one. I instantly knew — this was my katana. My wife said she could see it in my eyes and in my smile — that this was the one! After returning from Japan, it took about eight long weeks until it finally arrived at my home. Eight weeks filled with anticipation, excitement, and a bit of nervousness, hoping everything would go smoothly. When I finally held it in my hands, I felt pure joy and an incredible sense of relief. Since then, the katana has been proudly displayed in our living room, a constant reminder of that unforgettable experience and our amazing trip to Japan. Even now, every time I draw it from its saya, I’m filled with a deep sense of awe, reverence, and honor. It’s truly a masterpiece — a work of art in every sense. Thank you so much, Shogo, for this wonderful experience. I hope we’ll meet again someday!
Katana Shopping with Experts
timothytJ462UC,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shogo and Yushin were so knowledgeable, patient, and kind! They made the shopping experience fun and exciting! They truly understood this was a lifelong dream for me as well as a huge investment in a piece of Japanese art!! I've already recommended them to my friends!
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