Top Tokyo Swordsmanship Classes

Get a first-hand experience of traditional Japanese culture with this small-group samurai experience in Asakusa. You'll have the opportunity to put on a traditional samurai outfit, including armor and helmet, pose for photos, and learn how to (safely) wield a katana just like a real samurai. The experience includes a tour of the Samurai and Ninja Museum.

Skip the tourist traps and immerse yourself in an authentic samurai experience at a dojo just outside Tokyo. Learn proper technique while dressed in traditional training clothes, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the blade by learning about samurai history. Then, you practice your skills by slashing, sparring, and using the bow and arrow in a 3-hour class.

Step back in time to the old days and experience Japan like a ninja. This small-group class (maximum six people) introduces you to such ninja techniques as ninja meditation (Kuji-In) as well as the use of samurai weapons, including the sword. Get insights into Japanese fuedal times as you practise.

Instead of just watching samurai films, enjoy the opportunity to take part in a hands-on workshop that lets you experience samurai techniques firsthand. Learn basic sword movements using wooden training swords in a safe setting, led by a former action actor. It’s the perfect way to master the basics, and upgraded options offer the flexibility of a private experience just for your personal group.

Master the way of the Samurai in Tokyo with a group sword experience available at 10:30 A.M. or 3:00 P.M. Suit up in a traditional kimono, then follow expert instruction as you learn the basic moves of samurai sword fighting from the professionals and try drawing a sword yourself. Gain deeper insight into traditional swordsmanship and ask plenty of questions. Wrap up your session with a photoshoot.

Train inside a working dojo and learn kendo—“the way of the sword”—from swordsmen who teach the discipline as it’s practiced in Japan today. This session strengthens focus, posture, and timing while giving travelers a direct encounter with a living martial art. It’s a purposeful break from passive sightseeing, offering hands-on insight into how Bushido principles guide real movement and judgment under pressure.

・Classic Samurai Experience Highlights: Learn the principles of Samurai Bushido and ancient martial arts through expert lectures. Experience hands-on training in both unarmed combat (Taijutsu) and swordsmanship (Kenjutsu). Get up close with authentic historical equipment, including real swords, armor, and matchlock guns. Capture the moment with a commemorative photo session in traditional martial arts attire. Duration: 90 minutes (includes preparation and changing time) ・Samurai Experience Advanced Course Highlights: Deepen your skills with the Koshu-ryu beginner course in both Taijutsu and Kenjutsu. Participate in a traditional transmission ceremony to receive your official samurai name (Azana). Receive a formal completion certificate for the Koshu-ryu beginner course. Includes all activities from the standard course, such as handling real weapons and a professional photo session. Duration: 120 minutes (includes preparation and changing time)

Experience the world of samurai and ninja with Shidenryu, a renowned Japanese sword performance group active both in Japan and abroad. This immersive activity invites you to step into the heart of traditional martial arts—learning the elegance, discipline, and spirit behind real Japanese swordsmanship. Under the guidance of Shiden Hiryu, the head of Shiden‑ryu, participants of all ages—from children to adults—can enjoy an authentic introduction to Japanese martial arts and culture. Dress in a traditional kimono and hakama, try handling a real katana (safely supervised), and explore artistic traditions such as calligraphy. At the end of your session, you’ll take home photos and videos of the techniques you learned, along with a souvenir fan. Solo travelers are welcome—feel free to book even if you’re joining on your own.

Discover Tokyo's must-see landmarks on the deluxe coach tour including a Matcha experience, admission to Skytree, and a Tokyo Bay ferry(sometimes no cruise). Stroll the natural scenery at Meiji Shrine and drive past Akihabara, Ueno and other major attractions en route to the Imperial Palace. Then explore Asakusa with historical temples, shopping, matcha tea and Japanese Izakaya Lunch! In the afternoon, enjoy a 360° panoramic view from Tokyo Sky Tree and relaxing at Tokyo Bay Cruise. Return to Shinjuku while enjoy the view of the Tokyo city. ・Discover Tokyo's the most iconic landmarks on the coach tour efficiently ・Try Authentic Matcha experience & IZAKAYA Lunch at Historical place, Asakusa ・Benefit from skip-the-line admission to skytree which is the tallest broadcasting tower in the world ・Get a light breeze of Tokyo Bay Ferry (sometimes no cruise) ・A Professional English-speaking guide attend this tour ・Also, multilingual audio guidance is available in EN, FR, IT, ES, DE, PT, UK

Take a deep dive into the world of Japanese seafood during this tour of the outer Tsukiji Fish Market. See where Michelin-starred chefs shop for ingredients at this iconic market for all things aquatic. Investigate stalls selling fish, shellfish, and everything in between, and feast on top-quality food including high-grade Wagyu beef skewers, fish cakes, sushi or seafood bowl, and seasonal fruit. Plus, enjoy other samples along the way.

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.

Discover how to fight like a ninja–and take part in an upbeat, hands-on lesson–on this small-group wire action experience, including choreography to perfect the moves. Learn from the experts, step into a harness yourself, and try out new ninja skills. As you perform three wire action steps, your moves are filmed and edited into a video souvenir.

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.

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!

Step back in time to ancient Tokyo during this exploration of the city’s historic Yanaka district. Discover a different side of the sprawling Japanese capital that dates back to its Edo period of the 16th through 19th centuries, admiring the area’s charming mix of temples, springtime cherry blossoms, and timeless ‘reien’ (cemetery). A guide accompanies you on your visit, providing additional details about Japanese history and local culture.

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.

Japan is known for its martial arts and samurai history, but anyone interested in exploring the traditional Japanese swordsmanship (known as “laido”) has to contend with disappointing tourist traps that only skim the surface. With this private lesson, you’ll get hands-on instruction from a seasoned master. Practice basic movements and techniques, and real sword practice as you cut targets under supervision. Along the way, understand the importance of samurai philosophy to Japan.

Enjoy sightseeing near Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji, including a Lake Ashi cruise and a visit to Mt. Komagatake, during this full-day trip by coach from Tokyo. See the celebrated Mt. Fuji during a stop at its famous 5th Station, then take a laid-back boat cruise on beautiful Lake Ashi before touring Mt. Komagatake’s ropeway and summit, offering amazing views of nearby Hakone National Park. Opt to include a Japanese lunch.

Combine the cultural delights and delectable bites of Tokyo on this food-focused evening walking tour. Delve into the culinary scene of the city by visiting several bars and restaurants popular with locals. Sample traditional snacks, from grilled skewers to sake, with your local guide on hand to translate menus and interpret. Deepen your knowledge of Japanese cuisine and enjoy a fun evening out in Tokyo.

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.

Train one-to-one with Koshiro Minamoto, founder of BUGAKU and a martial artist with 40+ years of experience Enter a private temple setting in Tokyo, not normally open for public activities Wear dogi and hakama, and learn samurai-inspired posture, etiquette, balance, and sword movement Practice with a safe training sword through beginner-friendly guidance tailored to your level Discover how Japanese martial arts connect body, awareness, discipline, and beauty Take home memorable photos and video from your private samurai experience

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.

See the highlights of Kyoto on a full-day tour from Tokyo. Learn about the history of the region from your guide as you visit top attractions including Fushimi Inari Taisha, Sanjusangen-do Hall, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Enjoy a delicious lunch in Kyoto, and take a round-trip ride on the super-speed bullet train.