Kyoto Samurai Armor Experience: Matcha, Calligraphy, Photoshoot

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Our armor staff are trained directly by a master craftsman who works on major festivals, films, and TV dramas in Japan.

This allows guests to enjoy an authentic and precise armor-wearing experience.

The matcha we serve, “Katana,” is a high-grade tea offered to world leaders at the Hiroshima G7 Summit and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony.

Our matcha session follows the unique “Buke-cha” (Samurai Tea) style, held only in spaces decorated with samurai armor.

At our facility, you can enjoy matcha inside a grand hall displaying over twenty suits of armor from the Sengoku and Edo periods—a one-of-a-kind experience found nowhere else in the world.

During the session, our staff will take photos and videos, which will be delivered within a few hours after the experience.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

KYOTO SAMURAI WALK in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, offers a unique experience where you wear samurai armor and walk through Kyoto like a real warlord. ▼ Flow 1. Calligraphy — Gun-sen (Samurai War Fan) Write your name or a phrase in kanji on a gun-sen. Your fan is yours to take home. 2. Armor Fitting Staff dress you in authentic armor from our 30 sets. We have armor for children, women, and larger guests. 3. Matcha Experience Enjoy matcha in a hall surrounded by 20 real armors—an experience found only here. We serve “Katana,” the tea offered at the Hiroshima G7 Summit. 4. Samurai Walk Shout a battle cheer and walk to Sanjo Riverside. People will take photos of you—you’ll feel like a celebrity. 5. Photos Staff take group and individual photos. We can also use your smartphone. ▼ Duration Approx. 90 minutes. ▼ What to Bring Nothing—just come as you are.

What‘s Included

Large suitcases cannot be stored, but we do have lockers available for your valuables.

Admission fee

You may take the war fan and tabi socks home with you after the experience.

Matcha and sweets for the matcha experience

Options

Kyoto Samurai Armor Experience: Matcha, Calligraphy, Photoshoot

Reviews

5.00

19 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Samurai walk
953ragnar,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience fun and educational will reccomend to others so they can also experience it and have fun.............
When the Armor Awoke Something Lost
ukaszd598,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The most memorable part of the experience was the moment I put on the samurai armor. It wasn’t just wearing a costume — it felt like a small ceremony, like reclaiming something I had lost a long time ago. As each piece of the armor was put on, I felt a sense of courage returning to me. It was as if I wasn’t experiencing it for the first time, but rather reconnecting with something familiar, something that had always been a part of me. Price: The price was fair and absolutely worth the experience. Duration: A bit too short — I would have loved to spend more time walking around in the armor. Crowd: There were very few people; I was practically alone, which made the experience calm and immersive. Staff: The staff was incredible — extremely kind, well-prepared, and attentive. They guided me through every step with clear instructions and created a warm, almost ceremonial atmosphere. I felt truly taken care of from beginning to end. Best For: Anyone looking for an immersive, meaningful, and almost ceremonial samurai experience — not just a simple costume try-on.
“It was a once-in-a-summer experience I’ll never forget.”❤
Venture67404335263,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
"It was such a memorable experience — something I don't usually get to do. It totally blew away the summer .　Thank you so much
Must do Samurai Experience
joshaO3590AW,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This experience is unlike anything I have seen! You get to put on REAL Samurai armor, learn about some of the history, go through a whole incredible experience (I won't spoil it), learn calligraphy, have a tea ceremony, and go outside and have a Samurai walk. This is definitely the coolest thing I have done in Kyoto and think EVERYONE interested in Samurai should definitely partake in this awesome experience. As a 23 year old male, it was so cool.
I felt like I had become a Sengoku warlord.
Relax48309949568,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Inspired by the Sengoku period dramas on TV, I went with a friend to try it out. It started with choosing from a variety of armor, and the excitement never stopped. With the help of the staff, we donned the armor, and the weight of it is an experience only those who have experienced it can truly appreciate. We drew our favorite characters on a military fan with a brush, enjoyed some matcha tea to calm our excitement before heading out to battle, and then it was time to set out! Walking through the streets of Kyoto, basking in the gazes of locals and tourists alike, was a special experience. I'd love for my friends to experience this experience too. Kyoto is the best! SAMAURAIWALK is the best!
The World of Real Samurai
Quest55605764086,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The staging leading up to the moment of battle was meticulously crafted, naturally heightening the sense of excitement. Donning the armor and stepping into the perspective of a samurai of that era was truly an otherworldly, non-ordinary experience. It was not merely sightseeing, but a genuine and authentic samurai experience.
Extraordinary experiences
Passenger24678866155,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Walking around the city of Kyoto in a samurai armor was an extraordinary experience, and it was a very valuable experience. It became a good memory of my trip to Kyoto.
Wonderful experience
marthapM8868JI,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The accompaniment of the team makes it an experience of history, culture and emotions, very chevere and even very fun. Dressing you in those royal armours was new, plus the tea, photos and the street outing completes the magical realism of the samurai experience. Don't miss a spectacular memory during your trip to Japan
One of a kind experience
Journey23933653061,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had a lot of fun dressing and acting as Samurai! One of a kind experience for sure!! 👍 Recommending it to everyone who looks for unique thing to do in Kyoto.
Awesome Samurai experience
819eduardoo,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
So nice! Staffs was guiding me kindly, explained all in English about samurai history, culture and traditions. The place was clean, warm and friendly. I recommend this experience about not just samurai but Japan culture.