Kyoto Samurai Experience

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

1 hour 45 minutes

Mobile ticket

Experience the Way of the Samurai in Kyoto

Step into the world of the samurai with this authentic experience. Dress in traditional samurai attire and explore the history of the warrior class, before watching a captivating demonstration by our expert instructors.

Next, you’ll have the chance to practice your swordsmanship with a wooden sword, progressing to a genuine katana. Learn the art of cutting through a rolled tatami mat to refine your technique and precision.

The experience concludes with a Zen meditation session, designed to calm your mind and center your focus.

This immersive and rewarding experience offers a deeper understanding of the samurai culture and traditions, perfect for anyone looking to connect with Japan’s rich martial heritage.

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‘s Included

Zen meditation experience

Photos of the activity

Use of a genuine katana

Professional instructor

What To Expect

This is an excellent chance for visitors to get a firsthand look into the world of the samurai. Learn more about the history of Japan's warrior class and try your hand at wielding a real katana. Afterwards, practice some inward reflection with Zen meditation, used by the samurai to calm their minds during battle.

Options

Samurai Experience

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

Reviews

4.95

1,082 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1046

Highlight of Kyoto
Jonathan S,
Jul 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Top of the line experience led by knowledgeable and fun instructors. Sword technique, zen meditation with intense and bowls and a musical demonstration were part of it. Along with the history of the house and samurai overview. Very cool. Highly recommend - highlight of our trip.
Love it!
Ms K,
Jul 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00
It is a must see and do. It was so much fun. If doing this activity in the summer don’t wear a lot of clothes and bring water
Great experience!
branny18,
Jul 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Really friendly staff and an amazing experience! This 2hr journey was unforgettable, holding a 130 year old real samurai sword and actually cutting into a large tatami mat with it is a must. Wearing the traditional samurai outfit through out made it even more unique and especially as this old tradition and skill is no longer practiced in Japan and is getting forgotten with the generations, a real shame. To top it off the location is an actual samurai house with an amazing history, a unique find! Thank you for the knowledge and unforgettable experience.
We went as a family. We...
shelley g,
Jul 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We went as a family. We got a synopsis of samarai history and then learned about samarai culture and how to use a katana. We were then able to use the katana ourselves. A great experience, staff were very friendly.
This was one of the best...
Crystal R,
Jul 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00
This was one of the best experiences during our visit to Japan. We got to learn the history of the samurai in the home that a real samurai once lived in. The history of how the home is set up was so intriguing! It was such an honor to learn about the tradition of the samurai and actually get to use a real sword. The meditation was wonderful and the music was an unexpected surprise and delight! We loved every minute of it! We will definitely be honoring the knowledge we learned by doing our best to incorporate zen meditation into our lives.