Top Kansai Swordsmanship Classes in 2026

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Point 1, Learn Battōjutsu -This is not a modern martial art, but the sword-drawing techniques devised by samurai for actual combat. Also called Iaido, it emphasizes techniques that strike the opponent unexpectedly and decide the outcome with a “single blow” Point 2, Promoting Photo Movie Shoots - -Demonstration of Battōjutsu by a Master Swordsman- Witness the precise sequence of movements: from drawing the sword from its scabbard, cleaving an opponent in two with a single strike, to the subsequent sword handling, zanshin, and sheathing the blade. Point 3, This plan covers the entire sequence of movements - from drawing the sword from its scabbard, defeating the opponent with one strike, to the subsequent sword handling and sheathing. Sword Techniques - Repetitive practice of basic swinging motions Forms - Infusing deliberate meaning Mental Discipline - Breath control Zazen and Etiquette - Cultivating the samurai spirit. Point 4, Truly mastered real sword techniques only challenge

Why don't you try "Rokets dye craftsman experience" in Kyoto !! "Draw by yourself and dye by yourself" This is the only workshop where you can experience 100% of bucket dyeing. Enjoy a full-fledged dyeing experience easily The entire journey takes about 90-120 minutes and can be taken home on the day. If you have your own sketch Original works can also be produced.

➤ 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 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.

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.

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.

Kendo is one of the few martial arts that even beginners can experience, and involves actual combat. Experience bushido, etiquette, samurai, and Japanese culture! Experience content 1. Changing into a dogi and hakama 2. Etiquette 3. Demonstration 4. Putting on kendo equipment 5. Mini-game 6. Japanese kendo form (iaito) 7. Certificate presentation 8. Commemorative photo The sizes of kendo equipment, uniforms, and hakama range from approximately 100cm (15kg) to 200cm (120kg). Rental items such as bodysuit, hakama, and protective gear may not fit depending on the size. Kendo towels are provided as a gift.

This is not a staged samurai show, but a private opportunity to learn Japanese swordsmanship directly from an experienced sword master in a temple setting in Osaka. Rather than following a fixed demonstration, you take part in the training yourself. Practice fundamental movements while receiving guidance adapted to your experience and interests, whether you are holding a sword for the first time or already have a martial arts background. An interpreter guide stays with you throughout the experience, allowing you to ask questions and learn directly from the sword master about etiquette, discipline, and why swordsmanship continues to be practiced in Japan today. You will also watch a demonstration with a real blade and have the opportunity to view a Japanese sword up close. The combination of hands-on training, personal instruction, conversation, and the quiet temple environment offers a deeper encounter with swordsmanship as a living Japanese tradition.

-Completion of Bushido As a reaction to having come so close to death in this simulated experience, you can feel life with all five senses. Bushido does not end with the experience of wielding a sword, writing a death poem, or donning armor. You learn everything by understanding the meaning of harakiri the samurai’s ultimate act of honor. The meaning of “how to die beautifully” in Bushido is the paradox of how to live beautifully. In other words, it means to protect one’s honor, uphold one’s sense of justice, and go down with dignity. Traditional Rituals—Experiences “Water for the Dying” The ultimate purification to wash away the impurities of this world, and at the same time, a ritual to complete one’s acceptance of death. “Death Poem” Proof that one’s heart remains completely untroubled even in the face of death. It is not merely a farewell; it is a cry from a highly refined soul, left for posterity to convey “what one dedicated one’s life to and how one lived it to the fullest.

➤ 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. ➤ The Japanese sword is the most effective blade to date and can only be worn by Samurai. First, change into a Samurai costume and become a Samurai. ➤ Experience swordsmanship related to Bushido ➤ 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. ➤ A photo was taken with the armor to commemorate the Samurai. We may have seen samurai armor, but we rarely had a chance to wear it. A photo was taken with the armor to commemorate the Samurai experience. ➤《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.

Take a deep dive into the art of traditional Japanese handcrafts at the Kyoto Shibori Museum by learning how to dye silk scarf using the sekka shibori method. At the end of your private class you'll have a beautiful scarf to serve as a souvenir of your trip to Kyoto.