Top Japan Swordsmanship Classes in 2026

Experience Tokyo's nightlife and club scene on this multi-venue pub crawl, and visit locations you'd miss if venturing out alone. With discounted drinks, a welcome shot at each bar, plus free entry, it's a great way to hit the town without breaking the bank. Plus, it's a great way to meet like minded travelers without resorting to the usual tourist haunts.

Seeking out the well-concealed back-alley bars of Tokyo's Shinjuku district is notoriously tricky for outsiders. Take the guesswork out of your trip on this guided tour that takes you barhopping to Izakaya bars in two different alleyways in Shinjuku with a small group. Experience the backstreets of Tokyo and authentic street food and drinks (included) while your guide shares insights into local culture in this atmospheric part of the city.

➤ Location of the meeting (trial) The activity lesson is held at Samurai Honor, a one-minute walk from Osaka-jo Koen Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line, which is the entrance to Osaka Castle. ➤ Samurai wear The Japanese sword is the most effective blade to date and can only be worn by Samurai. First, change into a Samurai costume (dogi and hakama) and become a Samurai. ➤ Experience swordsmanship related to Bushido ➤ Trial Slashing Try your hand at sword cutting with a real Japanese sword! Experience the world's best cutting performance. This time, you will try cutting a rolled straw. ➤《samurai language》 This refers to the language used mainly by the samurai class during the Warring States period. Samurai valued loyalty to their lord, discipline, and the spirit of bushido, and this spirit was reflected in their language. ➤ Photography service to capture serious figures during the activity. We will send you the photo data within both days.

Experience a side of Japanese culture that most tourists miss and learn some of the secrets of the samurai warriors during this guided Mugai-ryu martial arts experience in Tokyo. Learn the basics of how to wield a katana sword and watch a demonstration by a Mugai-ryu master. There’s no need to worry about safety; only mock katanas are used during this small-group experience.

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.

Wear a cool samurai costume and defeat your enemies! Enjoy a private lesson led by a professional sword-fighting instructor. The experienced instructors tailor the experience to your group, creating an unforgettable memory for everyone.

Train in Centuries-Old Samurai Swordsmanship This is not a show. Learn real techniques from the Sengoku era—etiquette, breathing, posture, strikes, blocks, and focus—taught by the tsurugi samurai squad. Face the Demon (Oni) — Battle Inner Darkness The Demon reflects fear and weakness within. In a dramatic finale, confront it in a symbolic clash of spirit and shadow. Live a Samurai Fantasy Story Follow four chapters: [Prologue] → [Training] → [Battle] → [Recognition]. You’re not a spectator. You’re the hero. Receive a Scroll with Your Name At the end, receive a scroll with your name and the skills you’ve gained—proof you now carry a sword in your heart. English-Friendly & Family-Ready Fully in English. Great for solo travelers, couples, and families. Wear armor, take photos, and explore real Japanese spirit. Will You Carry the Sword in Your Heart? More than a workshop—it’s a journey of self-discovery. Face fear, calm your mind, and awaken your inner warrior.

- Practice with the hankyu, a traditional half-bow used for close-range training. Your instructor will demonstrate the technique clearly, then guide you step by step as you draw and shoot under close supervision. As your confidence grows, you’ll have the chance to try different types of shoot. This makes the practice more engaging and helps you notice how small changes affect your shot. - Learn how to stand with balance, move your feet without losing stability, and hold the katana so the blade stays controlled and aligned. You’ll practice drawing and returning the sword calmly, then work through basic cuts and finishing positions with an emphasis on accuracy and follow-through. As you progress, those single techniques connect into short sequences, so you can feel how timing and body mechanics work together. Your English-speaking instructor teaches in a clear, supportive way, adjusting the pace to your experience level.

Visit Mt. Fuji and other area highlights in one day, without the hassle of arranging multiple stops and activities, on this day tour from Tokyo. Enjoy the ease of comfortable transportation and a guide who accompanies you to Mt. Fuji's 5th Station. Ride the Hakone Ropeway for aerial views of the area, then take a short boat cruise on Lake Ashi before returning to Tokyo by bullet train. Upgrade to include a traditional lunch.

Own a Real Katana from Kyoto, with Expert Guidance! Have you ever dreamed of owning a real katana, a timeless treasure from Kyoto, but felt unsure about authenticity or language barriers? At Yushinkan Kyoto, we are here to help you every step of the way. We will personally assist you in selecting the perfect katana and help with translations throughout the process. Each katana is carefully chosen by a Kyoto dojo sensei who teaches real cutting techniques, ensuring the highest level of quality and tradition. We have also successfully shipped over 50 katana internationally, so you can purchase with confidence no matter where you live. *Katana are expensive items. *Shipping may not be possible depending on your country. *After requesting a reservation, the host will send you a message. Please be sure to reply.Your reservation will be confirmed after consultation.

Beyond AI Searches: Access a secret samurai experience that algorithms and basic guidebooks can’t reveal to standard tourists. Direct Master Guidance: Learn authentic "Sword and Zen" techniques directly from an assistant master of Gorin Kenjutsu. Grave Visit and Spiritual Connection: Pay homage at Miyamoto Musashi’s actual grave alongside an expert historical guide. Mind-Over-Force Martial Art: Experience energy flow, distance, and mental focus rather than simple physical sword swings. Immersive "Zanshin" Ritual: Master the ancient art of lingering awareness to seamlessly apply samurai mindfulness to daily life.

Learn the art of the Japanese sword from a professional during this samurai lesson in Asakusa, Tokyo. In addition to dressing the part in a traditional samurai costume, you'll learn to bow, draw a sword, and strike in a small-group setting. Get live feedback from your instructor and take home souvenir photos of the experience.

・Experience sword (katana) training and calligraphy in one compact session ・Safe sword (katana) cutting guided by an expert instructor ・Create and take home your own Japanese calligraphy artwork ・Small groups, easy English, and support for great photos and videos ・Matcha and sweets treat for guests who agree to leave an OTA review

First-time visitors to Tokyo who want a comprehensive overview of the city will love this handy private walking tour that utilizes the public transport system. Experience both modern and ancient Tokyo at attractions like the Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, and more. Foodies will be kept satisfied with lunch at the Tsukiji Fish Market, and shopaholics will love Asakusa. Select the "customizable tour" option and contact your guide two weeks in advance to create a fully personalized itinerary.

Experience authentic Japanese sword culture through Yushin-ryu, a martial tradition rooted in Edo Yagyu Shinkage-ryu, one of Japan’s historic samurai schools connected to Yagyū Munenori. In this 60-minute hands-on experience, you will train inside a real dojo where students practice daily. After changing into traditional Japanese hakama attire, you will learn how to handle and draw a sword using a safe practice sword. You will also witness demonstrations of authentic sword techniques performed by practitioners trained under the current headmaster, often called “The Last Modern Samurai.” Yushin-ryu members continue to preserve ancient Japanese martial traditions so they are never lost to history. We also perform ceremonial sword demonstrations at historic shrines and temples in Japan. These sacred performances are traditional offerings to pray for community safety, prosperity, and good harvests. In 2025, we also performed at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

Love samurai culture but also obsessed with anime? Ever wanted to fight like your favorite anime character? This experience combines authentic sword basics with cinematic anime action. In just two hours, you'll learn proper sword handling, simple strikes, and blocks before mastering an epic anime-inspired signature move and performing a choreographed fight scene. We'll teach you how to move safely, perform confidently on camera, and make every moment look as dynamic and cinematic as possible. After the experience, your footage will be professionally edited with cinematic pacing, anime-inspired visual effects, dynamic sound effects, and epic music to create your very own action sequence. The final result always surprises guests!

A rare opportunity to experience traditional Japanese Kendo, a martial art rooted in samurai culture. An authentic hands-on experience where you can learn Kendo techniques while wearing real protective armor and uniforms. A cultural journey that introduces the spirit of Bushido through training with an experienced Kendo master.

Train in traditional Kobudo at a historic dojo founded by Yoshio Sugino, the swordsmanship master of Seven Samurai. This rare martial arts experience has been carefully preserved by his family. The dojo is located in Kawasaki, a local city just about 30 minutes from central Tokyo. Despite its easy access, this sacred dojo remains a quiet place where tradition is still alive. You will meet your guide at the station and walk together to the dojo. After changing clothes, please bring comfortable innerwear and shorts to wear under the dojo uniform. The experience then begins with a short talk about the history of the Sugino Dojo, how its teachings were passed down, and why they continue today. Next, you will practice basic kata, learning calm and focused sword movements. At the end, you will try a special kata used in Seven Samurai. Learn directly from skilled instructors in a sacred dojo where real tradition lives — a truly unique experience found only here.

A spectacular experience of becoming a Shogun! A special tour where you can wear traditional armor and walk around Morioka Castle with a Japanese sword in hand. Professional photography is included, making it a memory that will last a lifetime! Available in English and Chinese. Step into history at Morioka Castle, a masterpiece of Japanese architecture featuring grand stone walls and beautiful gardens. Walk in the footsteps of a real shogun and experience the samurai way of life! Dress as a Samurai & Wield a Katana Wear authentic samurai armor and hold a real Japanese sword as you explore the castle, immersing yourself in Japan’s warrior tradition. Professional Photography Included A skilled photographer will capture cinematic shots of you in full samurai gear, creating unforgettable memories. Learn the Way of the Samurai Master basic katana techniques and discover the fascinating history of shoguns and samurai warriors. English & Chinese Support Available

There are many samurai experiences in Japan, but this one is led by a laido instructor who inherited their teachings from of one of the most powerful samurai in Japan. Learn about the famous samurai, Miyamoto Musashi, dress in traditional attire, and use a sword during your experience to practice martial art skills.

Why Choose This Experience: ★ This is NOT an activity for tourists but real katana training done for local students ★ Train in an authentic dojo with a master who has over 20 years of experience ★ Witness a powerful two-katana performance by the master—something you won’t see anywhere else

Iaido is a Japanese art form that involves drawing a sword, and rather than learning from online videos, this special hands-on experience allows you to learn from the largest Iaido organization in Japan. No need to worry about what to wear, as an Iaido uniform is provided. You can then learn essential skills, such as how to draw and hold your sword, as well as how to strike a dummy.

I have provided one of the most popular samurai experience at Japan. Over 5,000 people have enjoyed with rating 4.99 stars during 8 years!! Also appearing on the official Olympic channel You will gain more awareness about your body and mind, through practicing swordsmanship, physical exercises from ancient Japanese tradition, meditation. It will be held in the most beautiful natural setting in Japan. Sounds play a critical role in this program. All things, including humans and objects, are said to emit vibrations and sounds. We will shower you with healing sounds. The healing sounds will purify you, while the sounds of flute and energizes you. There also will be playing music improvised on the spot for you along with authentic sword dance, that will reach your soul and ignite your heart.

You will not only learn how to skillfully handle a sword, but also gain an understanding of the philosophy and fundamental principles behind it. While the training is authentic and rooted in traditional practice, one of its great appeals is that it is accessible to people of all ages and genders, allowing each participant to train at their own comfortable pace. You are welcome to join the training alone or with friends or family. Whether you’re aiming to embark on a samurai’s path or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, the practice can be enjoyed in a way that’s meaningful to you. For those who wish to continue after the initial experience, ongoing training is available online. You can even progress through the official ranks and levels of the Shinkage-ryu Association as a formal student.