Top Kyoto Sports Lessons

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Test your skill and precision, if you hit the target 3 times out of 16 arrows, you'll earn the honor of writing your name in traditional Japanese calligraphy, proudly displayed in our 160-year-old dojo. Train in a historic setting with expert instruction and enjoy a fully immersive seated archery experience.

Take control of your Kyoto sightseeing and visit only the sights you wish to see on this private walking tour. Ideal for first-time visitors, this tour lets you customize a half-day or full-day itinerary. Opt to visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nijo Castle, or to stray from the beaten path to see an alternative side of Kyoto. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Start your day with tranquility at a traditional machiya café in Kyoto, where guided Zen meditation unfolds in a serene atmosphere. Under the guidance of a host trained in a Rinzai Zen Temple, this session provides an authentic introduction to Zen practices. Engage in mantra chanting, followed by a focused 20-minute zazen meditation, and wind down with casual conversations over a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Perfect for beginners, this intimate experience is limited to just four participants, ensuring personalized attention and a peaceful setting.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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. Have lunch there, then return to the city to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Your expert guide shares important details about Hiroshima's heartbreaking history and remarkable recovery throughout this unforgettable tour.