Samurai Experience Mugai Ryu Iaido in Tokyo

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

Cancellation Policy

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

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!

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

Options

Samurai Experience Mugai Ryu Iaido in Tokyo

Reviews

5.00

39 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A legacy of 340 years
Sebastien B,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It 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
5.00
The 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
5.00
It 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
5.00
During 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
5.00
Awesome 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
5.00
As 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.
Excellent!
abrarh644,,Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an incredible experience for us. Would definitely recommend for first timers! We had a private lesson and demonstration at the end.
Samurai and a family!
Navigate33610814339,,Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent and real hands on experience. If you are in Japan you have to do this activity. Friendly. English speaking and fully AC. Meet a master and see a great presentation. Get your certificate at the end of the activity.
Brilliant fun.
n1kko88,,May 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing experience, had a great time and learnt a lot! Would definitely recommend to any friend or family! Would do again.
Learning the samurai sword technique.
peterhR3647VV,,Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a wonderful time learning the techniques of swinging a samurai sword. Dressed up in authentic clothing with real swords that thankfully was not razor sharp. We also experienced the master showing us his skills which was very impressive. A truly Japanese moment and a memory for life. Highly recommend anyone to take part in this experience.