Top Japan Swordsmanship Classes in 2026

Skip the tourist traps and immerse yourself in an authentic samurai experience at a dojo just outside Tokyo. Learn proper technique while dressed in traditional training clothes, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the blade by learning about samurai history. Then, you practice your skills by slashing, sparring, and using the bow and arrow in a 3-hour class.

Experience the samurai experience in a museum-like place with lots of armor on display! You will choose your favorite kimono and hakama, change into a samurai costume, and learn how to use a sword from a samurai. You will learn how to draw a sword, hold a sword, swing a sword, and retract a sword. After learning basic sword usage, they practice a simple chambara (sword fight). Then we will try to exterminate bad guys to the music! You can take videos with your smart phone, take pictures with the samurai, and have a great samurai time. The teachers are authentic teachers who have appeared in major Japanese dramas and movies. Since you have come all the way to Japan on a trip, you will have a wonderful experience of Samurai culture! The dojo has many weapons on display, including swords and spears. You will also find armor on display. Samurais are waiting for you in a space that does not seem modern. ・One person can also join the tour. ・Same-day reservations are also possible.

Immerse yourself in samurai history and culture with this small-group samurai experience at a traditional samurai house in Kyoto. Under the guidance of an expert sword instructor, learn the philosophies of Bushido, the "Way of the Warrior;" handle a real martial arts sword; and take part in a Zen meditation session.

Step back in time to the old days and experience Japan like a ninja. This small-group class (maximum six people) introduces you to such ninja techniques as ninja meditation (Kuji-In) as well as the use of samurai weapons, including the sword. Get insights into Japanese fuedal times as you practise.

Why Choose Our Experience: ★ Train in an authentic dojo with a master who has over 20 years of experience ★ Enjoy a more personal experience with small groups—only 6 participants per class (Disclaimer: There may be more than 6 participants if there are only a small number of parties) ★ Witness a powerful two-katana performance by the master—something you won’t see anywhere else

Find out what's it's like to be a ninja. This small-group beginners class in a Kyoto dojo introduces you to the basics of ninja training. You'll learn how to breathe, walk, and meditate like a ninja, practice throwing ninja weapons, and learn how to use ninja swords. It's a unique Japanese experience for all ages.

Get a first-hand experience of traditional Japanese culture with this small-group samurai experience in Asakusa. You'll have the opportunity to put on a traditional samurai outfit, including armor and helmet, pose for photos, and learn how to (safely) wield a katana just like a real samurai. The experience includes a tour of the Samurai and Ninja Museum.

Japan is known for its martial arts and samurai history, but anyone interested in exploring the traditional Japanese swordsmanship (known as “laido”) has to contend with disappointing tourist traps that only skim the surface. With this private lesson, you’ll get hands-on instruction from a seasoned master. Practice basic movements and techniques, and real sword practice as you cut targets under supervision. Along the way, understand the importance of samurai philosophy to Japan.

Experience the world of samurai and ninja with Shidenryu, a renowned Japanese sword performance group active both in Japan and abroad. This immersive activity invites you to step into the heart of traditional martial arts—learning the elegance, discipline, and spirit behind real Japanese swordsmanship. Under the guidance of Shiden Hiryu, the head of Shiden‑ryu, participants of all ages—from children to adults—can enjoy an authentic introduction to Japanese martial arts and culture. Dress in a traditional kimono and hakama, try handling a real katana (safely supervised), and explore artistic traditions such as calligraphy. At the end of your session, you’ll take home photos and videos of the techniques you learned, along with a souvenir fan. Solo travelers are welcome—feel free to book even if you’re joining on your own.

Ninja culture is not something visitors to Japan can just easily immerse themselves in, but this 2-hour, hands-on lesson offers an exclusive experience. In a small group of no more than six people, learn ninja techniques including ninja breathing, ninja meditation, and how to wield a ninja sword. Dress in ninja clothing too, for great photos of the experience.

Kendo, a Japanese martial art, descends from the ancient fighting methods of samurai. In this small-group class, immerse yourself in the world of samurai through practicing kendo in a real dojo. You'll even get to wear an authentic uniform as you learn proper form and practice striking with a bamboo sword. The dojo also doubles as a museum with a variety of samurai artifacts and memorabilia.

Learn traditional samurai fighting techniques against the scenic backdrop of Myokaku-ji Temple in Kyoto. Instead of a nondescript classroom, get striking souvenir photos and videos taken of yourself dressed in a samurai costume on temple grounds. The session is limited to six participants so you receive more personalized attention from your instructor.

Experience Matsumoto’s Celebrated Samurai Culture! Constructed at the end of the Warring States Period, Matsumoto Castle is the grandest symbol of the city’s feudal origins and samurai heritage. During your experience you will be provided with further insight into the feudal domain that was once ruled by the daimyo and his samurai. To this day, residents of Matsumoto remain proud of that heritage, that can be experienced firsthand through historic activities available in the city. Among those activities, traditional ‘katana’ (sword) fighting and ‘hankyu’ (archery) are two of the most popular on offer, both of which can be enjoyed during this experience. Samurai employed both close combat and long-range weapons including archery. Following-on from your katana experience, you will be guided in use of a hankyu bow inside a room designed for the experience. Learn the art of the ‘Katana’ Sword and extend your skill with ‘Hankyu’ Archery during this half-day samurai experience!

Train inside a working dojo and learn kendo—“the way of the sword”—from swordsmen who teach the discipline as it’s practiced in Japan today. This session strengthens focus, posture, and timing while giving travelers a direct encounter with a living martial art. It’s a purposeful break from passive sightseeing, offering hands-on insight into how Bushido principles guide real movement and judgment under pressure.

Tennen Rishin-ryu swordsmanship, which began in the Edo period, has been carried on to this day, and students of Tennen Rishin-ryu practice at the Tennen Rishin-ryu Hino Dojo to hone their swordsmanship skills. You can learn the essence of Tennen Rishin-ryu at the actual dojo. The swordsmen who practiced the Tennen Rishin-ryu in Hino City formed the Shinsengumi, said to be the strongest group of swordsmen, at the end of the Edo period and were known as the Last Samurai. You can feel the history and culture of the Last samurai by experiencing swordsmanship in Hino City, the hometown of the Shinsengumi. Masao Inoue, the chairman of the Tennen Rishin-ryu Hino Dojo and a descendant of the Shinsengumi executive Genzaburo Inoue, will lead the experience program. You can actually handle a Japanese sword, which is said to be the soul of the samurai. The experience of touching the soul of the samurai will surely transform you.

Master the way of the Samurai in Tokyo with a group sword experience available at 10:30 A.M. or 3:00 P.M. Suit up in a traditional kimono, then follow expert instruction as you learn the basic moves of samurai sword fighting from the professionals and try drawing a sword yourself. Gain deeper insight into traditional swordsmanship and ask plenty of questions. Wrap up your session with a photoshoot.

While lots of tours teach you the history of Japan’s ancient samurai, not many let you experience authentic training techniques. In this private experience, don traditional attire, and learn samurai etiquette and the philosophy behind Bushido while you take part in meditation exercises. You also have the chance to practice sword movements using a wooden sword and master one authentic samurai combat kata.

Discover how to fight like a ninja–and take part in an upbeat, hands-on lesson–on this small-group wire action experience, including choreography to perfect the moves. Learn from the experts, step into a harness yourself, and try out new ninja skills. As you perform three wire action steps, your moves are filmed and edited into a video souvenir.

Bring out your inner warrior with this ninja training experience in Tokyo. After watching a demonstration, you’ll train in an authentic uniform and learn about proper fighting techniques and meditation. A small class size of up to 6 people gives you more face time with your instructor and lets you ask questions.

Take a deep dive into the world of Japanese seafood during this tour of the outer Tsukiji Fish Market. See where Michelin-starred chefs shop for ingredients at this iconic market for all things aquatic. Investigate stalls selling fish, shellfish, and everything in between, and feast on top-quality food including high-grade Wagyu beef skewers, fish cakes, sushi or seafood bowl, and seasonal fruit. Plus, enjoy other samples along the way.

Live like a samurai with this private experience near Osaka Castle, where you’ll learn all about samurai culture and be professionally photographed in your own suit of armor. A workshop on the martial art of Iaido will teach you about Japanese swordsmanship and let you try some cool moves. You’ll also draw calligraphy and experience a samurai tea ceremony.

Kendo is a Japanese form of fencing that developed in the samurai era. Learn about this unique Japanese martial art from an English-speaking guide with 20 years of kendo experience. You'll get to dress in rented kendo armor and practice combat while learning about samurai culture and kendo etiquette. Embrace your inner samurai and get a hands-on experience of this cultural, physical, and spiritual art.

Discover Tokyo's must-see landmarks on the deluxe coach tour including a Matcha experience, admission to Skytree, and a Tokyo Bay ferry(sometimes no cruise). Stroll the natural scenery at Meiji Shrine and drive past Akihabara, Ueno and other major attractions en route to the Imperial Palace. Then explore Asakusa with historical temples, shopping, matcha tea and Japanese Izakaya Lunch! In the afternoon, enjoy a 360° panoramic view from Tokyo Sky Tree and relaxing at Tokyo Bay Cruise. Return to Shinjuku while enjoy the view of the Tokyo city. ・Discover Tokyo's the most iconic landmarks on the coach tour efficiently ・Try Authentic Matcha experience & IZAKAYA Lunch at Historical place, Asakusa ・Benefit from skip-the-line admission to skytree which is the tallest broadcasting tower in the world ・Get a light breeze of Tokyo Bay Ferry (sometimes no cruise) ・A Professional English-speaking guide attend this tour ・Also, multilingual audio guidance is available in EN, FR, IT, ES, DE, PT, UK