Kyoto Samurai Experience

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

1 hour 45 minutes

Mobile ticket

What Makes Kyoto Samurai Experience Unique

This is more than just sword training—it’s a rare chance to step into the living history of the samurai. Set in a 260-year-old samurai residence, the experience is deeply rooted in Kyoto’s warrior past.

What sets it apart is the balance of action, atmosphere, and insight. Alongside hands-on training, guests gain meaningful context about the samurai—understanding not only how, but why these traditions were practiced.

From wearing traditional attire to practicing movements with expert instructors, each step immerses you in a way of life shaped by centuries of discipline. You’ll refine your form through sword work, then cut a target with a real iaitō.

The experience ends with Zen meditation and the chance to hold an antique samurai sword—connecting body, mind, and history. Thoughtfully designed, it offers a powerful introduction to the enduring spirit of the samurai.

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 travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

If you have questions about accessibility, please send us a message and we will be happy to help.

Please wear comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear for an athletic activity

Minors must be accompanied by an adult

Rescheduling may be possible, depending on availability, but is not allowed within 24 hours of your scheduled session.

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

Experience the Way of the Samurai in Kyoto Step into the world of the samurai with an immersive cultural experience at a traditional samurai residence nestled in Kyoto’s historic heart. Wear authentic attire and explore the rich legacy of Japan’s warrior class amid the serene, timeless beauty of a centuries-old setting filled with traditional architecture and tranquil gardens. Watch a dynamic sword demonstration by expert instructors skilled in classical techniques that have been passed down through generations. Then, learn samurai swordsmanship basics with a wooden practice sword, guided by dedicated teachers preserving these time-honored traditions. Test your focus and precision by cutting a target with a real iaitō training sword—an unforgettable moment connecting you to centuries of discipline, honor, and skill. The experience concludes with calming Zen meditation, inviting you to reflect on the samurai’s inner balance and philosophy. Finally, hold a genuine antique sword, feeling history in your hands. (Younger guests may observe safely.) This unique journey offers a meaningful, hands-on insight into Japan’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.

What‘s Included

Zen meditation experience

Photos of the activity

Professional instructor

Use of a martial arts training sword

Options

Samurai Experience

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

Reviews

4.95

1,283 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1242

Wonderful experience!
MelissaKatzenstein,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
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
Amazing experience!
Sarah B,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
My husband and son attended this and said it was one of the highlights of our trip. The master swordsman was kind, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. The experience was hands-on and engaging, and my husband and son walked away having learned so much about samurai and Japanese history. They loved every minute.
Unforgettable
Stay26596563961,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Simply amazing experience, worth every penny! You learn to use a Japanese sword with a sword master and you learn about the history of samurai. It was a lot of fun.
Samurai and wielding a sword
L6904JDkirstys,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fabulous experience. Getting dressed as Samurai is a little cheesy but sets the mood right off the bat!! The staff are very knowledge and experienced. Being able to learn how to use a sword and cut some foam was an experience. Hearing about the Samurai was very interesting. The Sen meditation at the end was great. Highly recommend.
Best experince of japanese culture in Kyoto
mohammedrezas136,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was very nice, everything well planed and nice staff. Thank you for the experience. It was not only the Katana experience but history ans spiritual as well.
Great capsule tour to learn about the history of Japan
roop k,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Went with the family and enjoyed the entire show, our tour guide had a lot of energy, was knowledgeable and helpful. The experience of dress up was quite nice too with backgrounds that look very real.
An Unforgettable Samurai Experience
cc l3mon,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was such an amazing experience! I honestly can’t thank the staff enough. I saw a review saying that someone felt the experience was “not authentic enough” because there were mostly English-speaking (non-Japanese) staff present, but I personally couldn’t disagree more. The English-speaking staff are there to help with interpretation, and they absolutely did not take away from the experience in any way. There are also Japanese staff members who guide you through the entire experience, from dressing you in hakama, to explaining the history, leading the meditation session, and hosting the katana viewing. I do understand some Japanese, but the historical explanations and the technical terms for different cutting methods can be quite complex, so even I found the interpretation extremely helpful. I had never held a katana before, yet the instructions were clear and easy to follow. If you’re traveling solo (like me), you can also ask the staff to help take photos or videos. A very kind fellow participant helped me with videos, and the staff also took individual photos of everyone during each attempt. The results turned out really well. We didn’t practice cutting with tatami omote (the traditional rolled straw mats shown in the photos). Instead, we used a foam-like target, which felt much more beginner-friendly. Cutting with a katana is definitely not as easy as it looks, and I appreciated this approach as a first-timer. Overall, I highly recommend this experience to anyone who’s curious about samurai culture. A big thank you to all the wonderful staff for making it such a memorable experience.
Highlight of Our Trip to Japan!
Dman303,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I took my 14 year old son and this was definitely one of the highlights of our entire trip to Japan. You feel immersed with the dressing in the clothes, listening to the history, engaging in the sword training, listening to the music and engaging in meditation. The staff are professional and very polite. You should definitely plan to be there at least 15 mins early. We were on time and it felt like we were 30 mins late.
Well worth it.
Jedd T,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a really well organised experience which was interesting and fun. If you're in Kyoto this is a great way to spend a couple of hours and was worth booking.
An amazing experience for wannabe samurais
Isabella D,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This experience is an absolute must do in Kyoto if you have any interest in swords and samurais (or even if you don’t)!!! We learnt some real katana skills from a descendent of a real samurai and learnt fascinating history about the samurais and the building we were in. From swinging real katanas, to doing some meditation and sword appreciation at the end, the whole experience was just incredible.