Top Kyoto Prefecture Active & Outdoor Classes

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.

Fans of samurai and ninja history—this one’s for you. Enjoy an immersive tour in Kyoto where a guide takes you around the Samurai and Ninja Museum. See preserved artifacts up close and enjoy hands-on experiences during your visit, such as wearing samurai armor, throwing a ninja star, and posing with replica swords.

If you’re interested in Japan’s ninja culture, then this is the experience for you. Rather than just watching ninja movies or visiting a museum, this hands-on experience allows you to forge a real ninja weapon. Safely learn how to heat, hammer, and shape your weapon, with guidance from skilled craftsmen. Then, engrave your weapon and have a memorable souvenir to take home.

Get dressed up in authentic samurai armor in Kyoto and experience a rare, hands-on look at Japan’s warrior past. This three-in-one experience includes an armor fitting, a traditional calligraphy session, and a premium matcha tea experience to help you do more in less time. Also, to ensure you have well-composed images of your time in armor, the on-site staff can help take your photos.

This is the ultimate ninja experience for the whole family. You’ll have a lot of fun, and increase your knowledge about ninjas too. You won’t have to worry about what to wear, as ninja outfit rental is included. Highlights include throwing ninja stars (shuriken), and using a ninja blowgun. At the end of your experience, a visit to the Samurai and Ninja Museum is included.

Feel like a Samurai warrior by taking part in a Samurai sword experience. Learn Samurai skills in a safe setting with a blunt sword and guidance from a trained professional at the Samurai and Ninja Museum. Dress the part and also get the chance to throw a ninja star. Take a free tour of the Samurai and Ninja Museum, too, with admission tickets included.

Begin with an English-guided tour of an 800-year-old National Treasure temple, where you can experience the historic atmosphere and gain a deeper appreciation of Kyoto’s cultural heritage. You’ll then take part in kyudo (Japanese archery) using a real yumi (Japanese bow) and arrows under careful guidance. In traditional practice, students usually spend a long time training with a rubber bow before shooting real arrows. In our experience, however, even beginners can safely enjoy the feeling of drawing the bow and releasing the arrow in an authentic setting. This is more than just an activity—it’s a unique chance to experience Japanese archery and temple culture together in a way that is both accessible and deeply memorable.

How This Experience Differs from Ordinary “Maiko Shows” •Not a staged tourist performance This is not a simplified show created for large crowds. It is an intimate cultural immersion that reflects the real rhythm and refinement of an authentic ozashiki evening. •Created by someone deeply connected to the hanamachi Years of trusted relationships in Kyoto’s most exclusive flower districts allow the creators to reproduce details that outsiders would not know. •Authentic interaction, not photo-op entertainment Guests are invited into the conversational, playful, and highly nuanced atmosphere of genuine ozashiki hospitality—something impossible to imitate without deep cultural knowledge. •Respect for traditional forms The dance, etiquette, and presentation follow the standards used in real teahouse settings, preserving their integrity. •Small, invitation-only format Unlike commercial venues, this program is intentionally limited in capacity to maintain the intimacy

Prepare for battle and learn the skills of the samurai during an interactive class studying the ancient Japanese martial art of kenbu. Learn everything from basic choreography movements to more complex actions that incorporate a sword and folding fan. After your class, participate in a photo session with your samurai costume and receive a certificate of completion and a souvenir towel.

Brush up on your martial arts skills during this kendo lesson in Kyoto. While the sport is widely practiced across the country, many instructors don’t speak English, making it harder to learn. This class is a great entry-point into kendo, as your instructor has experience teaching in English and can break down concepts in an easy-to-understand way.

・Try authentic ninja-style tools including blowguns and shuriken ・Enjoy a beginner-friendly experience in the scenic Arashiyama area ・Feel like a ninja as you dress up in a full costume and take photos ・Learn basic ninja techniques from an English-speaking instructor ・Optional ninja costume rental lets you explore Arashiyama in costume

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.

Go beyond the ancient castles and historic sites and immerse yourself in the culture of Japan's feudal era with this private kendo experience in Kyoto. Under the careful guidance of your teacher, learn how to handle a Japanese sword like a samurai in preparation for the main event: slicing a tatami mat with a sword.

Unlike typical sword shops, this shopping experience offers direct access to a dojo where real Kenjutsu is practiced and taught. You’ll be guided by a martial arts expert and assisted by Let's ask Shogo, a popular YouTuber with over 1.8 million followers and 10+ years of Iai (katana budo) experience. The katana you’ll see are hand-selected by a master—some crafted over 600 years ago. Whether you’re a collector, martial artist, or simply fascinated by samurai culture, this is a rare chance to discover a katana with true soul and history. Upon confirmation of your booking, we will send you crucial details about the experience. A reply is strictly required. *This experience is strictly intended for those who are seriously considering purchasing a Japanese katana. Please do not book a session if your only purpose is to meet Shogo or simply to look at katanas.

* Authentic Zen meditation guided by a Rinzai-trained host * ☕ Freshly roasted Nepalese specialty coffee * Peaceful traditional Kyoto machiya & small group (max 4 guests)

This is the only every morning yoga session by the river in Kyoto which is operated in English. As you enjoy yoga, you can enjoy the sounds of nature and beautiful air. It may help you to enjoy your time in Kyoto even more. Also, you can meet new people and enjoy communicating with people from all over the world.

Samurai are most renowned for their military might and prowess while embracing a strong sense of honor, grace, and poise. Experience the artistic side of the samurai through this Kenbu experience. Kenbu, literally meaning 'sword dance', is a Japanese traditional performing art that uses a katana and folding fan to convey the culture and spiritual nature of the samurai via swordplay, dance, and poetry. In this experience, learn and practice aspects of the etiquette of samurai classes, try on traditional samurai costume, and enjoy a show performed by expert Kenbu masters. Take an opportunity to hold a katana and experience the literal weight of being a samurai. Guests will also get to take a commemorative photo of their experience.

Unleash your inner warrior in this samurai experience in Kyoto, where you’ll don traditional clothing and wield a katana. This experience offers more than just a photo opportunity–you’ll learn about the history of samurai, too. Watch a demonstration of how to properly swing a sword before trying it for yourself.

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 6 participants so you’ll receive more personalized attention from your instructor.

Tomoyoshi, the instructor, will give you a short lecture on how the ancient swordsmanship of Samurai developed into Kendo. He will share the heroic stories of ancient Samurai including his great-grandfather, Yoshishige Hayashi. He will also share the controversial influence of Bushido values on this nation and his family into extremism, especially during the period of WW2. He will end his story on how redemption came and led him to the current inner peace and the life of a pacifist. After the lecture, you will wear the full Kendo armor and learn the basic Kendo movements. In the end, you will get to do a Kendo match with each other. Upon completing the workshop, you will receive a beautifully designed “Certificate of Experience”. If the date you want isn't available, please contact us to inquire about availability.

Step into the world of real samurai training in Kyoto! Join the Kyoto Branch of Asayama Ichiden Ryu Hyōhō, a 400-year-old Kobudo (classical Japanese budo) tradition still practiced today. Unlike tourist sword experiences, this activity lets you train alongside actual students under authentic guidance. Feel the spirit of Japan’s warrior culture as you learn the fundamentals of Iaijutsu (quick-draw katana techniques) and Kenjutsu (Japanese swordsmanship) using bokutō (wooden katana). If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing true samurai discipline in a traditional Kyoto dojo, this is your chance. *Please note that this is not a tourist activity, but a genuine training session with actual students. As a general rule, we do not accept participants with no prior budo experience. However, if you are very eager to join, please feel free to contact us for a consultation.

This exclusive cultural experience is made possible by GEISHA JAPAN, an organization with over 12 years of deep-rooted ties to Kyoto’s traditional arts. Thanks to our network, we can host multiple Maiko and Geiko in one gathering — an extraordinary opportunity rarely available to the public. The tour includes a meal and Maiko Dance show, traditional games with Maiko, interact by asking questions, and take photos. Highlights Kyoto's Traditional Food Maiko dance performances Ozashiki game experience Kyoto-certified interpreter guide Take photo with maiko Unlimited drinks for 2 hours Perfect for first-time visitors or smaller groups, this intimate experience with a charming maiko offers an authentic taste of Kyoto's geisha culture at an accessible price point. The experience tour is available with a minimum of two participants.