Kyoto · KYOTO SAMURAI & NINJA EXPERIENCES
17 bookable options
Some sessions are museum-led introductions; others put you into a dojo for kendo, sword movement or ninja skills. Compare physical intensity, age limits, costume time and the amount of instruction.
Train with a Kyoto samurai sword instructor, wear a kimono, learn Bushido, and end with Zen meditation in a small-group session.
“Truly enjoyed this experience with my friends! The entire staff was amazing and so knowledgeable. Highly recommend!”
Train in full kendo gear inside a 120-year Kyoto machiya. Safety-first instruction with English support, plus photos and videos.
“Takato have really good vibes ! His English is verry nice too. The activity was funny ! I recommend this activity Thank you Takato”
Practice Kenbu in Kyoto with a samurai master. Learn bowing, drawing, and strikes, then dress up for photos and a short show.
“What a variety of activities! Hands on learning, practising, dressing in traditional costume and a kendu display - fabulous experience. Highly recommended”
A 1-hour guided Samurai and Ninja Museum Kyoto tour with armor trials, ninja star throwing, and great sword photo moments.
“My husband and sons really enjoyed the activity. They described it as educational, hands-on, and fun.”
1-hour hands-on ninja lesson in Kyoto dojo, learn breathing and walking, sword and weapon throws, plus outfit rental in a small group.
“Had a lot of fun learning about ninjas, their methods and trying out their tools. Worthwhile experience to try if you're into ninjas.”
Hand-forge a real shuriken or kunai in Kyoto, customize kanji, and take it home in a beautiful box. English guides, 150 minutes.
“Everything was super cool. The team was really helpful.”
Watch Kyoto Kenbu sword dancing, learn samurai discipline, then try a brief katana and fan lesson in an hour.
“Such a beautiful performance! We enjoyed the atmosphere, the brief teachings of Kenbu and enjoyed learning how to handle a katana!”
Train with modern-day Musashi in Kyoto, dress in samurai gear, learn katana basics and kata, then watch a two-katana performance in a real dojo.
“My kid had a great experience learning about basic moves regarding samurai art . This is done in actual samurai martial art school .”
Train with a Japanese ninja master in Kyoto, with small-group practice, ninja clothes, and hands-on weapons and techniques for about 2 hours.
“My 10yo son and myself (mom) had so much fun!! We both were dressed in traditional ninja clothes. We were able to learn about meditation practices & most common weapons ninja used were professionally demonstrated. We were also allowed to try each of the weapon ourselves on targets!! They also took pictures for us and emailed it same day.”
Train with a samurai master in Kyoto, learn katana basics and sword handling, take costume photos, and earn a completion certificate.
“This is an interesting event if you want to learn about the Samurai culture and be one for a couple of hours! The demonstration was educational, informative and fun. It is a must do if you want to learn more about Japan's antique traditions and culture.”
Private Kyoto tea ceremony in a 300-year-old samurai house with Uji matcha, plus optional sake or whisky tasting and kimono katana photos.
“Great tea ceremony experience. From explanation of ceremony, to the actual ceremony. Very informative and pleasant. After ceremony took pictures of ladies with kimono and husband with samurai swords. Then to the saki tasting, great explanation of the the different types. Would highly recommend!”
Dress as a samurai, learn iaido basics with a safe replica sword, throw ninja stars, then tour the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto.
“Katana class instructor was fun, interactive and gave great instruction. The museum and ninja star contest offered insight into Samurai and Ninja culture while being very engaging and interesting. Note there is no longer any really katana handling/cutting of bamboo test mats which is misrepresented on the photos.”
A 1-hour Kyoto guided visit to the Samurai Ninja Museum with dress-up, shuriken throwing, and an English guide. Small-group value for $28.
“Sayo was a great guide and we’re very happy with the quality of the tour, and explanations provided by Sayo. Definitely recommend this tour!”
Family-friendly ninja training in Kyoto with costume rental, shuriken and blowgun practice, sword moves, then a Samurai and Ninja Museum visit.
“Communication was poor regarding meeting place; they also failed to mention that the museum visit ( which is a different location to the experience) is included in our tickets. This meant that some of us lost out.”
Watch Kembu sword performances in Kyoto, then try sword and fan moves for photos. A short, memorable evening near Gion.
“As much as I loved the Kenbu performance, and think I would prefer to something a little more interactive next time.”
