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
4.8
(32 Ratings)
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Maps558412
Aug 9, 2025
Amazing samurai and kendo at NIN Studio - Incredible experience! It was truly original, listening and learning from Taka, one of the descendent of the Tokugawa clan the history of the samurai and Shogunate, as well as been thought by one of the Kendo national champions. You get the chance to wear the full kendo and samurai attire and play kendo in teams. Highly highly recommended experience with NIN Studio Kendo!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisaap8901wb
Aug 3, 2025
Excellent experience! - Went with my son and we had a great time! The instructor was a lot of fun! We thought this was an adult only reservation, but there were kids included with another family - ended up working out great regardless!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Norberto_m
Jul 22, 2025
Worth every penny - Amazing experience, we did it as a group of four. We dressed in Samurai attire, learned how to handle katanas, learned how to fight with a kendo (bamboo stick), and even had a little sparing against each other. Matsudaira Takato Sensei was our instructor and informed us on the rich history of his klan. We definitely will do this again when we come to Kyoto, Japan again.
Review provided by Viator
Johnmi5832vv
Jul 18, 2025
Unforgettable Samurai Adventure in Kyoto - My son and I had an incredible time at the samurai experience in Kyoto! Despite the rain forcing activities indoors, the session was both highly engaging and educational. We learned fascinating historical details and enjoyed hands-on practice. The instructor was knowledgeable and passionate, making it a memorable highlight of our trip. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anthonyld6660rw
Jun 22, 2025
The Right Way of the Sword - The experience was very fun. I went with my girlfriend and we loved to learn about the way of the sword and the culture surrounding it. The instructor spoke english well and was friendly. The equipment was in order and clean. It was an extremely hot day but cold towels were given to us, a nice attention. It would have been nice to have a space to train inside, but the organizers did well with what they had. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I906lxbrianb
Jun 8, 2025
Excellent and immersive Kendo experience - The Kendo experience was amazing, getting in the suit and all the more that is being explained really brings you back and gives a good indication on how it was back in the day. The rain was a bit unfortunate, but we still had a lot of fun!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
646gillm
Apr 16, 2025
Very informative - Great information given, went out of their way to help us move on to our next appointment. Even ensuring we had the full experience given we had to leave early
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adamsa3464jc
Mar 2, 2025
Well worth it - Excellent and fun experience, well worth the price. I must recommend to all considering this experience! The time flew by.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paluskat
Feb 26, 2025
Ring your bell - This was much more authentic than expected. Kengo was great. Good teacher and you really get to learn and practice kendo techniques. Hitting your annoying travel friend with a stick is a cathartic trip experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Abid_z
Jun 20, 2025
No tatami matt cutting - Our instructor Taka was a great teacher. However my only issue was that the experience was advertised as having the opportunity to cut a tatami matt at the end with a katana. We never did this even though the description of the experience said we would. The main reason I booked this experience was to be able to do that and was left disappointed.
Review provided by Viator
From $109
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).