Top Japan Active & Outdoor Classes

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.

Satisfy your curiosity about sumo wrestlers and how they train on this small-group tour. Go behind the scenes with a guide to a sumo dining room, bath, and practice area. Then, finish with the chance to learn some moves and enjoy a delicious sumo lunch.

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.

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.

Kyudo is a Japanese martial art based on shooting an arrow from a Japanese bow to a target to reach a complete focus of mind and body. The main difference of kyudo and western archery is that, in kyudo, every movement follows a traditional routine that pays respect to the equipment and to the opponent. You will come to the archery range and dress in an authentic kyudo uniform, which will include dogi—the upper wear—and hakama—the lower wear. I'll give a brief explanation about the art of kyudo as well as instructions and demonstrations. With the knowledge you'll gain, you will learn to shoot arrows at the target. You'll also understand the fun and challenging aspect of the sport, particularly while wearing the traditional hakama and armor. Usually in kyudo, you are not allowed to pull the arrow unless you master the basics. But during our lesson, you will be able to enjoy the real kyudo experience even as a complete beginner. It will be a great time if you are looking for a nice photo or movie to show to your friends.

We are the largest international sports community in Osaka and Kansai. Come meet local Japanese and foreigners living in Osaka; we love to play sports and meet new friends. You can come alone or with friends, we will make you feel welcome!

Learn the basics of martial arts with this hands-on karate class in Tokyo, led by a former All-Japan champion with 20 years of experience. Begin with a series of stretches, then learn key techniques including punches, kicks, and blocks. Perfect for beginners, it’s a fun and active way to add something unique to your Tokyo trip.

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.

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

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.

Follow in the footsteps of a real-life ninja during an authentic samurai and ninja experience in Takayama. This hands-on experience is more immersive than visiting a museum, as it allows you to don a costume and try your hand at moves during a training session—it’s ideal for kids and adults alike.

Learn about Japan’s fascinating samurai and ninja history through a museum tour, where you’ll see real clothing and equipment used by these legendary figures. Don’t struggle to understand the explanation plaques, as you’ll get a guided tour in English. Get the chance to dress up in samurai costume (or typical women’s dress if you prefer), learn how to use a samurai sword, or experience non-martial traditional activities.

Authentic Dojo Environment in a Convenient Location: Train in a traditional dojo setting that transports you back in time, all while being easily accessible from the heart of the city. ！Children under 7 can not enter the samurai venue.！ ！There will be up to 15 guests per session !

Skip the tourist traps and experience the Tokyo nightlife just like a local. This small-group experience takes you on a tour of the Shinjuku district's many *izakayas*, informal Japanese watering holes. Enjoy a range of classic Japanese dishes at several different izakayas in Golden Gai and Shinjuku, accompanied by drinks, and experience Shinjuku at its most atmospheric: after dark.

Bring out your inner warrior with this ninja training experience in Tokyo. After watching a demonstration, you’ll train in an authentic uniform and learn about proper fighting techniques and meditation. A small class size of up to 6 people gives you more face time with your instructor and lets you ask questions.

Dive into the fascinating world of sumo wrestling with this interactive experience led by retired sumo wrestlers. Learn about sumo history, techniques, and daily life, watch live sparring matches, and even step into the ring yourself for a friendly skirmish. Complete your experience with a delicious meal of Tonkatsu and Chanko Nabe, prepared by the wrestlers, with vegetarian and dietary accommodations available upon request.

Make your visit to Japan more seamless by securing your private airport transfer from Narita Airport in advance. This service is flexible, letting you choose from destinations including Tokyo, Osaka, Mount Fuji, and Yokohama. Your driver has the know-how to navigate traffic in the area efficiently, and you can tailor the private experience to your needs.

See two of the top attractions near Nagano on this full-day excursion. Explore the tranquil grounds of the 1400-year-old Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan's most important temples. Enjoy a guided sake tasting at a nearby brewery and a hearty lunch at a local restaurant. Then, head to the Snow Monkey Park, located down a beautiful forest trail, to witness a group of local macaques known for their willingness to live in the snow and bathe in the local hot springs.

While lots of tours teach you the history of Japan’s ancient samurai, not many let you experience authentic training techniques. In this private experience, don traditional attire, and learn samurai etiquette and the philosophy behind Bushido while you take part in meditation exercises. You also have the chance to practice sword movements using a wooden sword and master one authentic samurai combat kata.

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!

This is a traditional dojo where the 63rd Yokozuna, Asahifuji, trained his disciples for 33 years. In this authentic training space, where four Yokozuna and over ten Sekitori (elite wrestlers) have sweated and trained, you can actually experience practice and bouts with the sumo wrestlers. Sumo, Japan's national sport, has a history spanning 1,500 years. Out of this long history, only 75 wrestlers have ever achieved the rank of Yokozuna, and only about 70 of the roughly 1,000 active wrestlers are Sekitori. We offer a precious opportunity for you to stand on such a special Dohyo (sumo ring) and interact with the wrestlers trained by the 63rd Yokozuna, Asahifuji. After the training, enjoy a special time savoring Chanko-nabe (a hearty stew), the source of the sumo wrestlers' strength, together with them. Please enjoy a unique sumo experience, found nowhere else in the world.

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.