Overview
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Master Takeda and Iai-Mugairyu
Master Takeda Hougyoku is the head of the International Iaido Organization Hougyoku-kai. The largest mugairyu organization, and practices the purest, most traditionally faithful form of Mugairyu. He is recognized globally having received accolades from the Order of the Scottish Samurai and appeared in a promotion video given by Tokyo at an international convention.
You need years of experience practicing Iai before you will be able to safely wield a real sword. The use of a real katana by an inexperienced swordsman presents both the risk of injury to yourself and the participants around you and the risk of bending or damaging the sword.
Even if you have insurance, it is impossible to erase the damage of any accident that may occur. Therefore, to prevent any accidents and provide peace of mind for everyone – you, the other participants, the teachers, etc. involved, we will only use mock katana in this experience.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
In a 60-minute lesson you will: 1. Change clothes 2. Listen to an explanation of what Iaido is (given by Master Takeda and instructor) 3. Be given an overview of the flow of the experience (how to safely handle the sword (swords are imitations of the katana), how to draw and sheath the sword, how to hold it, basic patterns, etc.) 4. Try tameshigiri (tameshigiri is when a samurai practices using the sword to actually cut something) 5. Mugai-ryu Iai is known to be a practical martial art. Watch a demonstration of Iaido kata (predetermined patterns of attack) During this uniquely Japanese experience, Master Takeda Hougyoku, head of the International Iaido Organization Hougyoku-kai, will transform you into a samurai. As the heir of the ancient scrolls of the masters of Mugairyu, Master Takeda is uniquely qualified to teach Iai-Mugairyu. Don the samurai hakama and learn how to wield a sword under the experienced eye of the master who has been entrusted to carry on the 340-year old spirit of the Mugairyu style of sword play. At the end of the experience, you will have the chance to see real Iaido kata before your very eyes!
Options
Samurai Experience Mugai Ryu Iaido in Tokyo
What‘s Included
Instructor(Engish speaking)
Japanese sword rental
Rental hakama (samurai clothing)
Pick-up and drop-off at tourist attractions
Pick-up and drop-off at hotels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
43 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great Iaido experience!
Jonas N,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Thank you for a great experience! It was very interesting to see and hear about mugai ryu Iaido and I hope to do it again. The lesson is in english so it is easy to follow. Well recommended.
Fantastic experience
emb338,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience with Hugyoku sensei! Thank you so much! Definitely one for the books!
You gotta experience it yourself!
Trip57909484739,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The instructor was patient and professional to demostrate basic skills in holding a sword, and to explain the virtues and soirits of a samurai. He also showed his impressive speed and accuracy in various fighting gestures. Absolute stunning experience!
One of my best valuable memories here in Tokyo
E3518RAveronicap,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was really fascinating to learn not just technical details but also the values and the mentality of the Samurai. 100% recommend !!
A legacy of 340 years
Sebastien B,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a very nice experience. The instructors present were very welcoming, professional, with a real desire to make known their martial art and pass on their passion. The great master Hogyoku Takeda was present, and I had the honor of seeing him perform a kata. A strong moment, very martial, full of mastery and tradition. As a Kyokushin karate practitioner and instructor, I was particularly pleased with this introduction to iaïdō. The experience gave me a real desire to continue this practice and deepen this Japanese swordsmanship. I highly recommend to anyone interested in traditional Japanese martial arts. Osu Osu
Unique and Authentic Samurai Experience
martindF7872IO,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The master and his student were very professional and disciplined. I was taught a couple of techniques and managed to defeat my past self. The approach was very personal. I definitely recommend!
Bushido and swordsmanship
atillao388,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was amazing experience bridging Samurai history, swordsmanship, bushido and inner peace. The instructors were kind and helpful and the demonstrations were very good. I can only warmly recommend this for anyone who has an interest in this.
Great cultural experience!
446adrielv,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00During our honeymoon, my husband and I spent an afternoon at the Mugai Ryu Iaido dojo and it was unforgettable! The instructors were kind, patient, and made us feel part of something truly special. Getting to handle a samurai sword was the perfect mix of history, culture, and adventure.
Amazing learning experience and history of the dojo. Would recommend to anyone
Adrian V,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience felt like a samurai and learned more about the history. Would recommend to anyone especially if you want to wield a samurai sword. Couldn't endorse this place enough
The best Samurai experience in Japan!
R5135KInadias,Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As a martial arts student in the USA this demonstration exceeded my expectation! I would definitely recommend this exercise to anyone who is interested in the martial arts or Samurai fighting.
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