Top Japan Swordsmanship Classes in 2026

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.

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, 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.

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.

Free Rental of Dogi and Hakama Participants can experience Iaido wearing authentic Dogi and Hakama (a suit for Samurai Sword Training), provided for free by the Musashinokuni Mugaikai. It's an opportunity to feel like a real samurai. Mugairyu: Strongest Swordsmanship School The enduring strength of Mugairyu as a martial art can be understood from its historical significance. By the end of the Edo period and into the mid-Meiji era, two of the three renowned swordsmen known as 'The Three Greats of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police' were practitioners of Mugairyu, highlighting its long-standing reputation as a dominant swordsmanship school. Mugairyu in Popular Culture Mugairyu has been featured in many films, including 'After the Rain,' the last screenplay written by the famous Japanese director Akira Kurosawa. Its protagonist, Misawa Ihei, is a Mugairyu swordsman. Numerous novels, movies, and TV dramas have focused on this swordsmanship style.

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

Seeking out the well-concealed back-alley bars of Tokyo's Shinjuku district is notoriously tricky for outsiders. Take the guesswork out of your trip on this guided tour that takes you barhopping to Izakaya bars in two different alleyways in Shinjuku with a small group. Experience the backstreets of Tokyo and authentic street food and drinks (included) while your guide shares insights into local culture in this atmospheric part of the city.

・Experience sword (katana) training and calligraphy in one compact session ・Safe sword (katana) cutting guided by an expert instructor ・Create and take home your own Japanese calligraphy artwork ・Small groups, easy English, and support for great photos and videos ・Matcha and sweets treat for guests who agree to leave an OTA review

Train in traditional Kobudo at a historic dojo founded by Yoshio Sugino, the swordsmanship master of Seven Samurai. This rare martial arts experience has been carefully preserved by his family. The dojo is located in Kawasaki, a local city just about 30 minutes from central Tokyo. Despite its easy access, this sacred dojo remains a quiet place where tradition is still alive. You will meet your guide at the station and walk together to the dojo. After changing clothes, please bring comfortable innerwear and shorts to wear under the dojo uniform. The experience then begins with a short talk about the history of the Sugino Dojo, how its teachings were passed down, and why they continue today. Next, you will practice basic kata, learning calm and focused sword movements. At the end, you will try a special kata used in Seven Samurai. Learn directly from skilled instructors in a sacred dojo where real tradition lives — a truly unique experience found only here.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The Japanese katana is often idealized as the deadly weapon of samurai. What might be not as well known is that the katana is not only a weapon but that it symbolizes “protection” both against physical and immaterial foes. At Fusahiro’s studio, a special type of katana, the “mamori gatana” is produced, which is a talisman sword used in particular for spiritual protection. In fact, these swords were traditionally enshrined in Japanese homes to ward off evil and were part of various ceremonies and rituals for protective measures. These days, there are approximately only 150 swordsmiths in Japan due to the difficulty in getting a national certification and the aging population. Witness the creation of this powerfully symbolic sword with Fusahiro, one of the last remaining Japanese swordsmiths.

Characterized by a one-sword deathblow, the Higo old-style naginata(Long Sword), which uses weapons as long as 8 shaku (approximately 2.4m) was developed in Kumamoto before the mid-1700s. Since the end of the Meiji era when there were no male instructors, female instructors have preserved the tradition, and currently, Ms. Hirata is the 15th head of the school. When using a heavy and long weapon that is eight shaku (about 2.4m), there are few movements and moves, the form is simple, and although there is no ""flashy"" movement, training in body handling and foot handling is required to move quickly. This is a 90-minute plan where you can experience the authentic Higo old-style naginata directly from Ms. Hirata, the head of the family. Experience the Higo Koryu style straight from the female master who will pass it on to the next generation. Learn the spirit of the samurai through a samurai swordsmanship experience.

•Train in an authentic dojo This is the same space where real ninjas practice their craft, far removed from the typical tourist traps. •Learn from a true master Your instructor is not just a performer but a highly respected ninja master with decades of experience and accolades. •Discover the ninja spirit Go beyond the surface and explore the deep philosophy and samurai-inspired mindset that shaped the ninja way of life. •Earn your certificate At the end of your training, you’ll receive a Level 3 Yin-Yang Shinobi Certificate, a testament to your newfound knowledge.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Private training with a Modern-Day Samurai: Learn the ancient art of Hyoho Taisharyu swordsmanship from a dedicated practitioner who embodies the heart and mind of a samurai. Zen Temple Dojo: Experience the serene atmosphere of an ancient Buddhist Zen temple, a place where samurai once sought wisdom and honed their skills. This sacred space will serve as your dojo, enhancing your connection to the samurai spirit. Uncover the Secrets: Delve into the techniques and philosophies that underpin Hyoho Taisharyu, gaining insights into the samurai’s unwavering focus, discipline, and unwavering spirit. Meet the Grandmaster: Engage in a rare encounter with the Grandmaster of Hyoho Taisharyu, a living embodiment of the samurai tradition. Learn from their wisdom and experience the profound connection to this ancient martial art. Discover Your Inner Warrior: Through guided practice and meditation, awaken your inner strength and cultivate the mental fortitude that defines a true samurai.