Top Tokyo Swordsmanship Classes in 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

・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)

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.

You will experience the spirit and karma of Iai Heiho, an ancient martial art that has been handed down for over 500 years since the Muromachi Period, in a fun and safe way. The sword used is a mock sword. Kimonos and hakama are available for those who wish to wear them. However, there are size and quantity restrictions. Yari (spear) and naginata (halberd) are also available. The instructor has 37 years of martial arts training and 30 years of teaching experience. He currently holds the rank of Hanshi 8-dan. He strives to teach in an easy-to-understand and polite manner. The content of the experience includes an introduction to the Japanese sword and other weapons, etiquette, sword handling and swinging, and learning basic kendo.

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.

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.

Live some historical culture in Tokyo with this samurai and shogun experience, and learn more about "bushido" (the way of the samurai) and the Edo era in Japan than you would do from a standard history tour. You’ll have the chance to dress in traditional samurai costume, see a typical samurai sword-fighting display, and practice using a Japanese sword yourself.

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.

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.

Iaido is a Japanese art form that involves drawing a sword, and rather than learning from online videos, this special hands-on experience allows you to learn from the largest Iaido organization in Japan. No need to worry about what to wear, as an Iaido uniform is provided. You can then learn essential skills, such as how to draw and hold your sword, as well as how to strike a dummy.

Learn the art of the Japanese sword from a professional during this samurai lesson in Asakusa, Tokyo. In addition to dressing the part in a traditional samurai costume, you'll learn to bow, draw a sword, and strike in a small-group setting. Get live feedback from your instructor and take home souvenir photos of the experience.

・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