Kyoto · KYOTO SAMURAI & NINJA EXPERIENCES
29 reviewed
There is a correct way to draw a sword, and dojos in Kyoto that will teach you. Ranked below: the best samurai and ninja experiences, katana lessons and kendo, ninja training the kids will retell for years, with prices, session lengths, and which suit adults over families.
Learn Bushido, wear a kimono, and practice samurai sword basics in Kyoto’s historic house, with Zen meditation to finish.
“The whole experience there was amazing. So interesting and very enjoyable. They put together a perfect couple of hours.”
Suit up in a 100-year Kyoto machiya to train in kendo and samurai etiquette with safe swords, plus instructor photo and video in 2 hours.
“We loved the historical explanations, chances to use a sword and to learn some kendo techniques. It was also great to meet other people, have some fun and have a laugh. I would highly recommend. Just note that the slicing of tatami mats doesn’t happen anymore as it’s illegal”
Kyoto Kenbu samurai class: bowing, drawing and striking with a katana-style sword, costume photos, certificate, and an optional performance.
“Very fun! Got to learn some basic katana strikes, dressed up and took some photos. Then there was a mini kenbu show which highlighted the art of the samurai vs the combat”
A one-hour guided Samurai and Ninja Museum visit in Kyoto with armor trials, shuriken throwing, and great sword-photo moments.
“A knowledgeable tour on ninjas and samurais with Shuriken throwing games / competition and the dress up of a samurai. Great experience for families.”
Learn ninja basics in a Kyoto dojo: Kuji-In breathing, stealth walking, sword skills, kunai, shuriken, and blow darts in a small group.
“Great thing to do for an hour with kids. It was fun (for the adults too) and was a nice air conditioned break from seeing shrines and temples. We learned fun skills and were able to practice with some “weapons”. Definitely worth it if you have kids.”
Forge a real kunai or shuriken in Kyoto, learn ninja history, engrave kanji, and take your homemade weapon home in a box.
“5 stars isn't nearly enough, but unfortunately it's the max I can give. This activity isn't on the same scale as the other stuff on this app, it's an absolute must. And of course the guides are also perfect. they are really knowledgeable and each one understands English well. If you're near Kyoto, book this”
Watch Kyoto Samurai Kenbu sword dancing with English narration, then try a short katana and fan lesson at Sanjo Station.
“Excellent. A lot of fun. Interactive. Learned a lot and enjoyed. Would recommend to others. We were in a small group. Length of time was perfect.”
Train in a real Kyoto dojo with modern-day Musashi: dress in samurai gear, learn katana kata basics, then watch a two-sword performance.
“Very cool actual dojo. Would recommend. We put on outfits and learned a samurai routine. Enjoy meeting the people there and asking questions about samurai and the swords.”
Kyoto ninja lesson in a small group with an English-speaking sensei. Practice Kuji-In meditation, breathing, sword and weapon skills, and wear ninja gear.
“Amazing class! Very thorough, organized and fun! Learned a lot about ninja techniques and had a great time during it. Worth the money and would recommend. Completed with husband and there was also a family with kids- great for ALL ages!”
Hands-on kenbu in Kyoto: bow, draw a katana, costume photos, and optional stage choreography. Small group, English instruction, $66.32.
“We didn’t really know what to expect but we came away thinking what a fun time we’d had. Everyone was really friendly and welcoming.”
Private matcha tea ceremony in a 300-year Kyoto samurai house, plus sake or whisky tasting and kimono/katana photo time.
“Excellent experience! The hosts and tea master were very warm and welcoming. They spoke fluent English and were wonderful teachers. They made us feel as if we were part of their family.”
Practice iaido with a safe replica sword in Kyoto, dress like a samurai, throw a ninja star, and get a free museum tour included.
“Really enjoyed the experience however I agree with other reviewers that it was a bit disjointed. First you go and do the samurai training and sword cutting, which was really great, then (in a different building about three minutes away) the museum tour, and finally up two flights of stairs to do the ninja star throwing. Everyone was really nice but I would say just keep going back and asking if there’s something you haven’t found/done yet, as it is all there. The 10 person limit doesn’t seem to be adhered to either, we were 14 which was fine but something to be aware of if that’s a concern.”
A 1-hour Kyoto guided tour at the Samurai Ninja Museum with English explanations, samurai dress-up, and shuriken throwing for $28.
“Wonderful! So interesting and so fun! It is the perfect balance between keeping the people interested and letting them interact ! It was honestly so nice”
Learn Japanese sword basics and cut rolled tatami with a real katana in Kyoto at Tozando Gion Yasaka, then shop and relax at Samurai Bar.
“Really good experience Didn’t take up the day so you can fit it in with the temple across the road . Good value too”
Do ninja training in Kyoto with shuriken and a blowgun, then visit the Samurai Ninja Museum. Outfits included.
“the instructors were nice but we were sold a 75 minute experience but it only lasted 40 minutes . Not really an authentic experience by any stretch of the imagination. Definitely not good value for money”
