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Samurai School in Kyoto: Experience Traditional Kenbu Lessons and Samurai Etiquette
4.9
197 Ratings
Kyoto
Immerse yourself in the world of samurai at our Kyoto school. Learn traditional Kenbu and samurai etiquette, wield a Japanese sword, and capture memories in authentic costumes.
Immerse yourself in the world of samurai at our Kyoto school. Learn traditional Kenbu and samurai etiquette, wield a Japanese sword, and capture memories in authentic costumes.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Samurai Kembu Theater - Learn about the etiquette of samurai classes in feudal Japan and practice some basic Kenbu, including how to use the Japanese sword. Introduction to the basics, to learn choreographed movements with a sword and folding fan. Top off your experience of this traditional Japanese art with a photo session in costume, and take home a certificate of achievement.
- Samurai Kembu Theater - Learn about the etiquette of samurai classes in feudal Japan and practice some basic Kenbu, including how to use the Japanese sword. Introduction to the basics, to learn choreographed movements with a sword and folding fan. Top off your experience of this traditional Japanese art with a photo session in costume, and take home a certificate of achievement.
What's Included
- Lesson completion certificate
- Photo shoot
- English-speaking local guide/instructor
- Tenugui towel (Japanese traditional towel)
- Lesson completion certificate
- Photo shoot
- English-speaking local guide/instructor
- Tenugui towel (Japanese traditional towel)
What's Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Familiarize yourself with the customs of the samurai class during the feudal era of Japan and get hands-on with some elementary Kenbu exercises, including wielding a Japanese blade. Participate in an extensive Kenbu class to master prearranged routines with a sword and hand fan. Round out your immersive experience of this ancient Japanese craft with a…
Familiarize yourself with the customs of the samurai class during the feudal era of Japan and get hands-on with some elementary Kenbu exercises, including wielding a Japanese blade. Participate in an extensive Kenbu class to master prearranged routines with a sword and hand fan. Round out your immersive experience of this ancient Japanese craft with a costumed photoshoot, and receive a certificate of accomplishment to take with you.
- For safety reasons, please follow the instructor’s instructions on the day.
- Please arrive 10 minutes to 3 minutes prior to the start time.
- On the day of the event, please come to the first basement floor from the stairs on the right side of the GOZAN building.
- If participants are between the ages of 5 and 11, it is preferable that they are attending some kind of class or martial arts school.
- Please wear clothes suited for exercise and moving around. Visiting in a single hoodie or tights is not suitable for costume changes
- If you wish to cancel a reservation, you must do so yourself on Viator.
Location
Sanchōme, ３５
[Exact address]
Samurai Kenbu Theater/605-0005 Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto city 35-7 Sanchome, Higashiyama-Ku GOZAN Bldg. B1F
*It's located on the 1st basement floor of the GOZAN Bldg.(former NeoArt Bldg.)
*Please come down the stairs on the right side of the toward the GOZAN Bldg. to the reception desk.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(197 Ratings)
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Jegohi98
May 25, 2025
Top experience, although it would be 10/10 without children - The show is very picturesque, has even a touch of humor and show basics of samurai and kembu art.
The worst part was that children are allowed in, and while the function is developing they are crying, watering or disturbing the other spectators. I'd understand if they were involved in the handling of the sword, but I don't think it's a good idea to allow them to be present at the performance.
Regarding the part where you are taught the basics of kembu I have to say 10/10. They have a very fun way of teaching you, you learn fast thanks to them, they are very patient, understanding and make you part of this art very quickly. A standout for them!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Usscyrene
May 16, 2025
Samurai for an Afternoon - An education and an experience is best describe my afternoon here. I’ve come away with a memory and a fresh enthusiasm to learn more. A performance of samurai poetry followed by katana handling and learning a few moves. My thanks to the team at the Samurai Kenbu Theatre.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeanne_t
Apr 28, 2025
We were taught how to... - We were taught how to wear the samurai costume and how to use the katana. We absorbed a lot about traditional Japanese samurai culture and respectfully watched a mini show after our lesson. Terrific experience for those interested.
Review provided by Viator
David_m
Apr 28, 2025
Great Experience! Totally worth it! - We got dressed and trained in Samurai techniques for close to 1 1/2 hrs and then got to see their show. Great experience and very fun with a very patient teacher. Totally worth it!
Review provided by Viator
Lucy_w
Apr 27, 2025
Had a great time - 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.
Review provided by Viator
Samantha_t
Apr 9, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed our... - Thoroughly enjoyed our experience. Was a lot of fun learning how to use the sword and getting to have photos in samurai outfits was awesome.
Review provided by Viator
Tee_w
Apr 2, 2025
Samurai Fun - Awesome Samurai experience with great trainers. Fun and informative, with chance to wield the sword and don the outfit
Review provided by Viator
Brad_m
Dec 31, 2024
Amazing experience. Cannot recommend more. - Fantastic class. Could not recommend any more. My partner and I were the only couple in addition another group of 9 that was playing around a bit more than wanting to learn.
They noticed this and near the latter 30 minutes, pulled us aside into a separate room gave us a private 2 person course with the owner teaching us more advanced techniques. We were having a 10/10 great time before , but their politeness and expectations for the class are sky high.
We had a blast and got some great photos.
Review provided by Viator
Donna_h
Dec 10, 2024
Terrific experience - Wonderful and fun way to be educated regarding the samurai. Our group of 8 considered this a huge highlight of our trip.
Review provided by Viator
Najeeb_n
Apr 5, 2025
Beware of the show at the beginning. It's very long - The show at the beginning is too long and we thought we were booking only a 15 minute show but it was almost an hour before getting to the interesting part of actually playing with the swords. The lesson itself was great though with a great teacher!
Review provided by Viator
