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‘s Included

Zen meditation experience

Photos of the activity

Professional instructor

Use of a martial arts training sword

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.

Options

Samurai Experience

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

Reviews

4.96

1,222 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1182

Our favorite experience in Japan
tiffany m,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This experience was one of our favorite parts of our whole Japan trip. Absolutely worth it, just go.
Unforgettable and unique experience
LJHMA,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The samurai experience was a highlight of the trip to Kyoto. It was so interesting to learn about the history of samurai and a unique opportunity to get an introduction to the martial art Iaido with a Katana.
Great katana experience!
TasosP903,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Incredible experience in an authentic samurai house! We got to hold and cut with actual katanas after we were shown the proper technique and we even got to hold some swords that were 400-600 years old! Highly recommended for anyone that loves katanas/samurai.
Excellent activity
O606BAnicholasc,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing experience, lots of multilingual staff and all very friendly. Was a very immersive session split into a few sections. A introduction and explanation about what was going to happen and the history of the house we were in. An iaido and cutting demonstration by the sword master, a guided zen meditation and sword inspection of a 600-800 year old blade, and cutting of a soaked foam block of some kind. 4 cuts, one on each downward diagonal and 2 horizontal, and everyone was able to succeed. Very immersive venue, and great teachers
Don’t Miss This
Marshall A,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The whole experience there was amazing. So interesting and very enjoyable. They put together a perfect couple of hours.
History, great experience and fun!
M3572QWcarlosa,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a great experience and also loved learning more about the history from a japanese local (there was someone who translated in English) We also got dressed in samurai which added to the experience!
Great experience, must go!
speedylights,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience, what makes it even more special is the location and the further meditation and sword viewing, definitely recommended!
Unreal experience, definitely must go
altw2015,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such an amazing experience! Definitely the highlight of our Japan trip! Staff is very friendly and welcoming, the samurai demonstration was epic, and then getting to hold a real katana and then use it is unreal. Would recomend to anyone interested in samurai history and would come back without thinking twice.
Outstanding
159rickp,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I was a little sceptical when our agent booked this experience for us but it turned out to be one of the highlights of our holiday. We felt privileged to be able to handle antique weapons and learnt a lot during our morning.
one of my favorite moments of my trip to Japan
ajient2025,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Finally got to hold a real old samurai’s katana. Very scary how sharp these things are especially during the cutting part of the experience