Top Asia Swordsmanship Classes in 2026

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.

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

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.

Experience the samurai experience in a museum-like place with lots of armor on display! You will choose your favorite kimono and hakama, change into a samurai costume, and learn how to use a sword from a samurai. You will learn how to draw a sword, hold a sword, swing a sword, and retract a sword. After learning basic sword usage, they practice a simple chambara (sword fight). Then we will try to exterminate bad guys to the music! You can take videos with your smart phone, take pictures with the samurai, and have a great samurai time. The teachers are authentic teachers who have appeared in major Japanese dramas and movies. Since you have come all the way to Japan on a trip, you will have a wonderful experience of Samurai culture! The dojo has many weapons on display, including swords and spears. You will also find armor on display. Samurais are waiting for you in a space that does not seem modern. ・One person can also join the tour. ・Same-day reservations are also possible.

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.

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.

・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.

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.

Experience Matsumoto’s Celebrated Samurai Culture! Constructed at the end of the Warring States Period, Matsumoto Castle is the grandest symbol of the city’s feudal origins and samurai heritage. During your experience you will be provided with further insight into the feudal domain that was once ruled by the daimyo and his samurai. To this day, residents of Matsumoto remain proud of that heritage, that can be experienced firsthand through historic activities available in the city. Among those activities, traditional ‘katana’ (sword) fighting and ‘hankyu’ (archery) are two of the most popular on offer, both of which can be enjoyed during this experience. Samurai employed both close combat and long-range weapons including archery. Following-on from your katana experience, you will be guided in use of a hankyu bow inside a room designed for the experience. Learn the art of the ‘Katana’ Sword and extend your skill with ‘Hankyu’ Archery during this half-day samurai experience!

Kendo is a Japanese form of fencing that developed in the samurai era. Learn about this unique Japanese martial art from an English-speaking guide with 20 years of kendo experience. You'll get to dress in rented kendo armor and practice combat while learning about samurai culture and kendo etiquette. Embrace your inner samurai and get a hands-on experience of this cultural, physical, and spiritual art.

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.

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.

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.

➤ 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Highlights Feel the weight of a real sword in your hands — and discover why every movement in Iaido begins with stillness. Learn directly from an 8th-dan grandmaster — the pinnacle of Iaido mastery, and one of very few in Japan. Slip into a practice kimono and feel the shift — something about the cloth and the silence changes how you carry yourself. Walk onto a centuries-old Noh stage and perform — the kind of moment you will struggle to explain until you show someone the photo. Overview Go beyond the museum display and experience the samurai tradition firsthand by learning Iaido, the Japanese martial art of the sword draw. In this experience, your instructor will guide you through the fundamentals and help you discover the stillness and precision of Iaido. Practice the techniques, then perform the sequence on the traditional Noh stage. No prior experience is required. Just bring your curiosity and experience the unique connection between swordsmanship and the Noh stage.

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.