Top Kyoto Sports Lessons

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Take control of your Kyoto sightseeing and visit only the sights you wish to see on this private walking or driving tour. Ideal for first-time visitors, this private tour lets you customize a half-day or full-day itinerary, with a guide to provide commentary and insights. Opt to visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nijo Castle, or stray from the beaten path to see an alternative side of Kyoto. Entrance fees extra.

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.

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.

Most visitor to Kyoto go to Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine to snap a photo of the red torii gates then leave, This guided tour offers a much richer experience, with insights into the origin of the shrine and its connection to local culture.

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.

・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

Travel round-trip from Kyoto by high-speed bullet train to take in Hiroshima's historic sites, including exhibits about the 1945 atomic bomb that devastated the city. Start your visit on a lighter note, traveling by boat to Miyajima, a famously beautiful island that is home to the revered Itsukushima Shrine. Return to the city to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum and hear important details about Hiroshima's heartbreaking history and remarkable recovery.

Discover Kyoto’s celebrated cuisine on a small-group guided tour of the city’s top food spots. Begin at the 400-year-old Nishiki Market, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” where hundreds of shops and stalls showcase the flavors of the region. With your guide leading the way, learn about Kyoto’s rich culinary history and taste specialties you might otherwise miss. Enjoy the chance to explore the surrounding neighborhood with confidence, without worrying about navigating the busy streets on your own.

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.

Sightsee through Kansai’s most scenic areas, seeing iconic landmarks in Nara and Kyoto in one day, without the hassle of changing trains or getting lost. With pickup times in either Osaka or Kyoto, board a convenient tour bus to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kinkaku-ji and Todaiji Temple as well as 1000 vermilion gates of Fushimi-Inari Shrine and scenic Nara Park.

Honey J Travel invites you to test your skill and precision through this premium seated archery experience. Step inside a historic 160-year-old dojo and immerse yourself in a unique Japanese tradition blending concentration with martial discipline. During this hands-on archery workshop, receive expert instruction to master traditional form. Take on the exciting challenge of firing 16 arrows—if you hit the target 3 times, earn the honor of writing your name in Japanese calligraphy to be proudly displayed on the dojo walls. While generic tours offer a surface glance, Honey J Travel connects you deeply to a rare living heritage. Gain a profound appreciation for the history, calm mindset, and refined craftsmanship behind this classical martial art. Honey J Travel is a Licensed Class 1 Travel Agency. We arrange seamless access with an English translator, ensuring you comfortably understand the master's instruction for a memorable, authentic dojo adventure.

Studio Tomi offers basic karate training and exciting performance experiences. Authentic karate uniforms are available for rent at the studio. We begin with basic training by putting on the sleeves of the gi and tightening the obi. After learning about breathing and the spirit of etiquette, a professional trainer will perform a dance. We also have a performance called “Saiwari”. This is done by breaking the board with your bare hands. Since it uses the power of energy to break, even women and children can easily break it. At the end of the experience, we plan to take a commemorative photo wearing the gi. The experience is completely private and limited to one group per lesson, so One of the attractions is that you can participate only with close partners. The trainer who teaches the training has 25 years of experience in karate. He is a talented former kickboxing champion, so participants can enjoy a meaningful karate experience even in a short amount of time.