SAMURAI & NINJA SESSIONS IN KYOTO · Japan
The 15 samurai & ninja sessions in Kyoto to book right now, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is there for a reason; start at the top.
Kyoto Samurai Experience includes kimono try-on, Bushido lessons, hands-on sword basics, and Zen meditation in a historic samurai house.
“Great experience to all family - adults and children. Highly recommended ! Attentive staff. We learnt alot.”
Practice kendo in full samurai gear in a 100-year-old Kyoto machiya, learn sword etiquette, and leave with instructor photos and videos.
“I had so much fun. It was a small group and sensei was so happy and positive that made the whole experience amazing. I learned more about the Japanese culture and try on the uniform even got to practice kendo. I will definitely come back again in the future. It was also a pleasure to meet the hime, the dojo princess.”
Learn Kyoto samurai sword basics in a 90 to 120 minute class. Practice kenbu bowing, katana movements, then dress up for photos.
“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 guided, skip-the-line style visit to Kyoto’s Samurai and Ninja Museum with armor dress-up and ninja star throwing, in about an hour.
“Learning history of Samurai was good but that’s it. The costume to wear wasn’t good , old cloth and broken Katana , rush through when it’s crowded. Not recommended if you expect more.”
A 1-hour beginner ninja lesson in Kyoto dojo with Kuji-In meditation, ninja breathing, and hands-on sword and weapon practice for up to 6.
“The whole family had a great time at this ninja experience. We learned the whys and hows of different ninja weapons and had lots of laughs as we practiced. My kids said it was the highlight of our trip so far.”
Forge your own ninja weapon in Kyoto with real steel, kanji engraving, and a take-home box. English guidance, 150 minutes, near Hieizanguchi Station.
“Wow 🤩 Such an incredible experience! A high handed quality workshop. Highly recommended ❤️”
Kyoto Kenbu sword dancing show with English narration, samurai stories, and a short katana lesson plus photo time after. 1 hour, $32.
“Very informative and interactive I would recommend you go and check it out”
Train in a real Kyoto dojo with Seto Yushin, dress in samurai gear, learn katana kata basics, then watch a rare two-katana performance.
“V Nice and memorable to anyone who h s children interested on learning basics about handling a katana.”
Small-group ninja lesson in Kyoto with English sensei, breathing and meditation, weapon practice, and rental gear for two hours.
“My wife and I and our two kids aged 7 and 9 loved this class. It was a highlight of our trip in Kyoto. The instructor was super knowledgeable and fun. Our kids had a blast. It was very hands on and we learned so much. I would definitely recommend everyone take this lesson.”
Kyoto samurai sword training plus museum ticket and ninja star throwing, with flexible start times and a safe blunt replica experience.
“We arrived about 20 min early so they rushed us upstairs to complete our “training”. It was nice (hence 3 stars) as it was just us, but it was so short and rushed I do wonder if we missed what the larger class did? We put on outfits, and were told how to hold a d swing the fake sword. Then we sat and were given instructions on how to use the real one. We each got 2 turns to swing and cut the bat. That was it. We changed and went downstairs where our “group” (others for our time slot) were trying on the gun costumes and taking photos.…”
Kyoto Samurai Ninja Museum guided tour with an English guide, samurai dress-up, real helmet, replica sword, and shuriken throwing in 1 hour.
“The tour was fantastic and Akiko explained everything so beautifully. It was interactive and my teenage boys loved the the ninja and dress up activities. Well worth it!”
Walk Kyoto with Samurai Joe Okada, visit craft shops and the Imperial Palace Forest, then watch a katana demonstration with a hands-on moment.
“if you are the sort of person who likes individual characters, then i think you will not be disappointed with this tour. Samurai Joe will introduce you to his friends as you stroll down the streets of kyoto, immersing you in a little japanese culture and tradition. With wit as sharp as his sword, Samurai Joe will convey you on a journey from times when the japanese slept in unheated homes on thin mats, to present times, now the japanese sleep in heated homes, still on thin mats. Then if you put that sword into someone's hand, the facial grin becomes indescribable! Thank you for the memories samurai joeRead more”
Train at Kyoto’s Myokaku-ji in kimono, learn sword cuts, watch samurai chambara, then get pro photos and video of your moves.
“Amazing class and actos. Amazing class and movie shoot experience. Highly recommended”
Forge a tin ninja weapon in Kyoto, from mold to polish, and take home your own handmade shuriken, kunai, or oni mask.
“What a unique experience for our boys (ages 9 and 7)… they came away with serious bragging rights. Not to mention an amazingly cool souvenir. Would highly recommend for families!”
Train kendo in Kyoto with full armor, etiquette lessons, and a safe practice fight. 2 hours near JR Hanazono, English support.
“Loved learning the etiquette and loved learning the techniques but the best was getting in all the gear. The instructor was lovely and was really informative despite not speaking much english”
Pick the kind of day first. The tour comes second.
