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Top 10 Samurai Experiences in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and More
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Learn how to handle a sword like a Japanese samurai! These selected samurai experiences in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagano offer insights into the way of the samurai, delivered by professional martial arts trainers.
Written by
Travel writer and assistant editor at MATCHA with extensive travel around the Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama areas. A Kansai insider who knows their Akashiyaki from their Takoyaki, Iain enjoys getting authentic stories from traditional craftspeople and interesting creators. Particularly fond of temples and shrines, Iain delves deep into the crossroads of tradition and modernity in his eight-plus years living and writing about Japan.
Samurai Experiences in Japan
With period dramas such as FX’s "Shogun" gaining so much popularity, the cutthroat but often romanticized history of feudal Japan has become a prized experience for any Japan trip.
Whether you’re looking to learn more about the ruthless warlords or hoping to live out your understanding of these warriors’ beauty, elegance, and honor - there’s an experience here catered to all tastes.
Japan's Top 10 Samurai Experiences
1. Tokyo: Samurai Ninja Museum
2. Tokyo: Authentic Samurai Experience and Training at a Dojo
3. Tokyo: Authentic Japanese Archery (Kyudo) Experience
4. Tokyo: Samurai Sword Academy Operated by the Last Band of Samurai
5. Tokyo: Immersive Samurai Reenactment
6. Kyoto: Samurai Training with a Modern-day Musashi
7. Kyoto: Samurai Kenbu Sword Art Dance Performance and Photo-op
8. Kyoto: Samurai Sword Experience (Family Friendly) at the Samurai Museum
9. Osaka: Samurai Training Kendo Experience
10. Nagano: Matsumoto Castle Tour and Samurai Experience
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1. Tokyo: Samurai Ninja Museum Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket
Photo courtesy of GetYourGuide
What could be better than visiting one of the country’s premier museums on samurai history? Getting to skip the long line, of course!
Discover the rich history of samurai and ninjas at the Samurai Ninja Museum, where you can delve into their mysterious and revered position in Japanese culture.
Embark on a guided tour to explore authentic equipment and artifacts, while learning fascinating insights about ancient practices and traditions.
Immerse yourself further with interactive experiences, such as practicing your aim with ninja stars and dressing up as a samurai to wield a genuine metal sword.
Capture memorable moments through photos as you step into the shoes of these legendary figures from Japan's past.
2. Tokyo: Authentic Samurai Experience and Training at a Dojo
Photo courtesy of GetYourGuide
If you’re ready to learn the disciplined techniques of the samurai, why not try this amazing training experience at a real dojo in Tokyo?
Immerse yourself in an authentic samurai dojo experience designed not for entertainment, but to impart genuine training.
Classes begin with a lecture on samurai culture and traditional training attire before diving into three distinct lessons: Iai sword handling, gekken techniques for attack and defense, and test cutting with a real katana on practice dummies.
Receive personalized guidance from instructors to refine your skills and achieve a clean cut, making this a truly immersive journey into samurai martial arts.
3. Tokyo: Authentic Japanese Archery (Kyudo) Experience
Photo courtesy of GetYourGuide
Folks often forget that one of the samurai's most revered weapons was their bow. This experience introduces the elegant mastery required to wield it.
Immerse yourself in the art of Kyudo, sometimes referred to as "Dynamic Zen Meditation," where hitting the target becomes a moment of profound connection.
Skip the usual months of preparation and dive straight into shooting practice with traditional Kyudo attire and personalized bow selection.
Receive expert guidance to refine your technique and experience the spiritual depth of Kyudo, all while striving to master a sense of inner calm and focus with each arrow shot.
4. Tokyo: Samurai Sword Academy Operated by the Last Band of Samurai
Photo via Viator
The Shinsengumi, the most famed group of swordsmen active at the end of the Edo period, were said to be the "last samurai."
The ways of these samurai lives on through their legacy of swordsmanship.
Shinsengumi's signature technique, dubbed "Tennin Rishin-ryu," can still be studied in Hino city, Tokyo.
The Tennin Rishin-ryu Hino Dojo is still an active dojo, headed by a descendant of one of the Shinsengumi's executive members. Masao Inoue, who traces his family history back to Genzaburo Inoue, leads this experience.
Guests will practice with a wooden bokken before advancing to a realistic trial where they will slice through bamboo poles with real samurai katana.
5. Tokyo: Immersive Samurai Reenactment
Photo via Viator
Ever wanted to live out your fantasies as a modern-day Toranaga or contemporary Yojimbo? This theatrical experience will allow you to star in your own samurai epic.
Embark on an immersive samurai adventure in Tokyo, complete with authentic costumes and hands-on sword training.
Learn the art of drawing, holding, and swinging a sword from experienced instructors, and engage in a thrilling sword fight against imaginary foes set to dramatic music.
Capture memorable moments with photos and videos alongside the samurai guides, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience of Japanese samurai culture.
6. Kyoto: Samurai Training with a Modern-day Musashi
Photo via Viator
Shogo Yamaguchi’s "Let's Ask Shogo" YouTube and social media channels help fans of Japanese culture learn about the land of samurai from anywhere in the world.
Now, his viewers have the chance to experience real-life samurai training with Shogo in Japan at Yushinkan Kyoto.
In this 120-minute session, learn to draw, wield, and sheath a katana from a modern-day Miyamoto Musashi, one of history's greatest swordsmen. The popular content creator guides the session.
Experience unforgettable moments as you practice with a real katana and receive clear instructions on samurai techniques and martial arts.
7. Kyoto: Samurai Kenbu Sword Art Dance Performance and Photo-op
Photo via Viator
Theater, acrobatics, and the historical techniques of the samurai all collide in this amazing 1-hour performance.
Experience the artful manner of the samurai during a Kembu show at Kyoto’s Samurai Kembu Theater.
Witness traditional and new-style Kembu performances that celebrate the legendary stories of Japan’s feudal period.
A fascinating pre-show talk and post-show experience await visitors, who will be able to take photos with the performers while holding a samurai sword and fan.
8. Kyoto: Samurai Sword Experience (Family Friendly) at the Samurai Museum
Photo via Viator
This samurai and ninja experience promises fun for the whole family as you don the armor of fearsome warriors and learn the stories behind their history and techniques.
Experience the thrill of wielding a katana while wearing traditional samurai attire in Kyoto's unique children-inclusive samurai sword experience.
Unlike simple costume play, this hands-on lesson lets you feel like a real samurai, complete with wearing hakama, samurai armor, and a helmet.
Pose in front of samurai-themed backgrounds and pose like a war-hardened swordsman while learning about their rich history.
9. Osaka: Samurai Training Kendo Experience
Photo courtesy of GetYourGuide
With this unique experience in Osaka, immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of Kendo, a mock swordfighting sport using a wooden katana.
Begin with a lecture on Kendo's history, the all-important Reiho (refined behaviors), and the Bushido Spirit.
Then, suit up in full Kendo armor, including Dogi/Hakama, Men, Kote, Do, and Tare, and practice striking with a Shinai (bamboo sword).
Engage in brief practice sessions, pair striking exercises, and a match to test your skills.
Capture the moment with photos in your Kendo gear, and take home a Japanese hand towel as a souvenir.
10. Nagano: Matsumoto Castle Tour and Samurai Experience
Photo courtesy of GetYourGuide
What better place to have a samurai experience, than in a city with an authentic castle from the feudal era?
Explore Matsumoto Castle, one of five Japanese castles designated as National Treasures. The castle has over 400 years of history and is the oldest standing five-tiered, six-story castle tower, an iconic architectural feat.
During the tour, learn about Matsumoto's Samurai lords, city history, and the castle's defensive strategies.
Step into the shoes of an apprentice Samurai with a live sword fighting activity, where a master samurai will teach you ancient techniques and stances.
Enjoy a Samurai Experience in Japan
Whether you’re in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, there are many great experiences that invite visitors to travel back to Japan's feudal era. Through shows and immersions, guests experience the techniques, histories, and legends of these extraordinary warriors.
There are unique tours and experiences available for all ages, including children. You’ll be amazed at just how much samurai culture remains for you to try out in modern-day Japan.
Read also
Main image courtesy of Viator
Travel writer and assistant editor at MATCHA with extensive travel around the Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama areas. A Kansai insider who knows their Akashiyaki from their Takoyaki, Iain enjoys getting authentic stories from traditional craftspeople and interesting creators. Particularly fond of temples and shrines, Iain delves deep into the crossroads of tradition and modernity in his eight-plus years living and writing about Japan.
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