Kendo and Samurai Experience in Kyoto

Experience the art of Kendo and immerse yourself in the culture of the Samurai in Kyoto. Learn from a skilled Kendo player and try your hand at cutting tatami mats with a Japanese sword.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 606-8037 - Discover the essence of the samurai with this interactive sword and kendo session. Delve into the history, techniques, and discipline of Japan’s iconic warriors in a secure and engaging environment.
    An expert instructor will lead you through fundamental sword-handling skills using a range of training tools, such as bamboo practice…
What's Included
  • Kendo uniform and equipment provided
Additional Information

Explore a lesser-known aspect of Japan that many tourists miss. This samurai sword experience in Kyoto combines cultural heritage with martial arts training. Participants can don genuine training attire, grasp the fundamentals of kendo, and wield safe, realistic swords in an environment reminiscent of authentic samurai training.
Guided by a seasoned…

Location
studio NIN
〒606-8037 Kyoto City, Sakyo Ward, Shugakuin Daidocho 16 15 minutes walk from Shugakuin Station. When you enter the narrow path, you will see a large gate. If you don't understand, please contact us.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(52 Ratings)
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Jacquelinelb6428pb
Mar 24, 2026
Great vibes, fun sense of humor - I went with my siblings and everyone's partners and it was so much fun. We had a great time learning the history and it was just an amazing time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Benjamin_c
Mar 10, 2026
Incredible experience!! Thank you Taka!! - Just WAW. It was a timeless moment, an exceptional experience. A simply great teacher with very good English what's more (not insignificant for tourists). We were fortunate to have a small group, so we had more time and some depth in the experience. Starting with the history of the samurai, the handling of the sword, before entering the practice of Kendo and ending even with sparring. Tell yourself that now I want to do Kendo in a club 😂😂 A memory forever engraved, if you hesitated, then believe me, do not hesitate and go for it you will not regret it. A huge thank you to Takato alias Taka-Sensei who is an exceptional teacher, and who masters his art perfectly.
Review provided by Viator
153fuadd
Feb 4, 2026
Birthday experience - Went with my sister yesterday as a treat for my birthday as I had always wanted to experience the samurai lifestyle. It was a great experience and I highly recommend, learn a lot about samurai history and also got to spar and wear samurai outfit. Definitely a must try when you are in Kyoto
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Spencer_b
Jan 16, 2026
Phenomenal Experience - I went to the Kyoto location, and the instructor was very knowledgeable and skillful in Kendo. I learned a learned a lot and had a wonderful time!
Review provided by Viator
Sivan_m
Jan 16, 2026
Great experience! - We had a great time! We booked as a 5-person group expecting to join others, but nobody else signed up during our time slot, so we essentially had a private class! Taka was an excellent teacher, and we all had a great time, including katana practice and kendo. This was the highlight of our trip, and I would recommend it to anyone!
Review provided by Viator
Arnonr2020
Dec 31, 2025
Great Kendo experience with Taka, descendent of a Shogun - What a great experience with Taka, a 23rd generation descendent of a Shogun and winner of many Kendo competitions. It was just the right amount of fun, learning, and history and the entire family really enjoyed the experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anniedjj
Dec 25, 2025
Amazing once in lifetime experience - Amazing experience. Great teacher of Shogun descent. Experienced how to wear the robes, how to withdraw the katana. Was taught basic kendo moves which culminated in fight sessions at the end.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Volodymyr
Mar 31, 2026
Kendo intro - Good introduction to Kendo, and basic understandings of Samurai, but don’t expect to be in a full equipment with head protection or have a kendo practice in one
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark_j
Apr 4, 2026
Disappointing Experience - Not really what we expected. The experience started very late (due to late comers, which is of course not the venues fault) however they did not go over the time allocated (2hours) to make up for this. The large proportion of the time was taken up by watching 2 videos and putting the clothes on. The actual practical time was minimal. In addition, the venue also has knife making at the exactly same time in another room which was very loud and we struggled to hear the instructor. There was not enough room in the venue either. As it was raining, we were indoors for the activity (which is fine) however, in my opinion, they are not able to facilitate this for such a a large group of people. In summary, I wouldn’t recommend the activity to others.
Review provided by Viator
Claudia_v
Jan 3, 2026
Not as described at all - Nothing at all what we expected according to description and pictures online. We weren’t able to wear the full uniform (only got to see one helmet) which was a let down. The place is very small, seems run down, dusty and not taken care of at all. There were people coming in and out with groceries leaving the door open and cold air in right by our side in the middle of the “class”. We’re a family of 4 adults and the group was 12 people that day. Space was tight and because of that we were taken outside to “practice” but it was a very cold and cloudy day. We were told to feel free to take pictures outside but the space didn’t have a good background for pictures. Again, we just felt we were in someone’s backyard and the condition of such was not good at all so not really a place where one would want up take pictures for memories of a nice experience. All in all we left very disappointed.
Review provided by Viator
From $100
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).