Kyoto 2 Hours Genuine Kendo / Samurai Experience In Japan

Recommended by 100% of travelers

Kyoto, Japan

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Brush up on your martial arts skills during this kendo lesson in Kyoto. While the sport is widely practiced across the country, many instructors don’t speak English, making it harder to learn. This class is a great entry-point into kendo, as your instructor has experience teaching in English and can break down concepts in an easy-to-understand way.

Learn the basic rules of kendo and how to use armor in Kyoto
Immerse yourself in local culture by learning a Japanese martial art
Your equipment rental is included for a hassle-free experience
Dry off with a towel afterwards and hydrate with a bottle of water

What's Included

All Kendo Equipment
Free Kendo towel
Bottled water

Hotel pickup/drop off
Food

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Hanazono Station
Hanazonoteranouchicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8043, Japan
JR Hanazono station "North" exit（JR 花園駅北口） ※About 15minutes from Kyoto Station by JR Sagano Line（JR 嵯峨野線） ※Since we'll be wearing Kendo wear and taking sign board, our guests will be able to find us easily.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.10:00 am

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Near public transportation

Stroller accessible
Not wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0

based on 60 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Fun educational experience.

Jan_K, Dec 2025

What a fun, educational and workout experience this was!! Easy to get to on the San-In line, instructor met me at the station and the dojo is less than 5mins away. Great historical learning and an introduction to the martial art. Bring a towel as it does get hot in the outfit also water is provided.

First time Kendo lesson.

Alexandra_E, Aug 2025

I recently attended a Kendo class and had an awesome experience! During the session, we were introduced to the **basic rules and fundamental techniques**. Our instructor was very professional, explaining everything in a simple and easy-to-understand way. I would highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to try Kendo, especially if it’s their first time. .Thank you again for a great lesson.

We had a wonderful time....

David_G, Jul 2025

We had a wonderful time. The instructor (Takahiro Hayashi) was very friendly and knowledgeable. His positive attitude and vigor helped create an amazing experience for our whole family! I would definitely recommend it!

Great Kendo Experience

Shannon_C, Jun 2025

The teacher was very friendly. The progression from learning footwork, then weapons on a dummy, to a match against each other made it pretty easy and fun to follow along. One of our earlier concerns was the meeting at the train station, but it ended up being a very short walk and wasn’t at all an issue. Similarly, the instructors English was good enough that it was only very rarely an inconvenience, and the translation app worked fine. Finally the instructor recommended us a lunch place nearby that ended up being very good and cheap. Overall it was a very nice and fun experience, one I and the rest of my group definitely recommend trying. Though if you go, make sure to wear shorts as you’ll get quite hot.

Better than I Expected

Adia_J, May 2025

I expected a lot with this experience and was given so much more than I expected. After a good warm up, I was given a rich history of Kendo through bowing in practice, terminology and a tour of basic techniques. Within thirty minute, I felt like I'd taken a pilates course with the way that my muscles were learning the new movements. Sensei was patient, encouraging and even setup my phone so we could have good photos and videos of our practice. The class ended with sparring which was nothing but fun and laughs as I worked to bring everything together. This is a must do for any martial arts enthusiast and a great way for anyone looking to learn more about Japanese cultures and traditions. 10 out of 10. I would book this again the next time that I'm in Japan.

Real Japanise experience

Mauricio_C, May 2025

It's an authentic experience. The sensei is very patient and explains things very well, making you feel welcome. The best part is the battles. There were only a few of us, and I was fortunate enough to fight against the sensei. It was amazing. The best experience in Japan.

This was the first...

Sofaya_P, Apr 2025

This was the first activity we did and it set the tone for the whole rest of the week! Our instructor was Hayashi and he was very fun, and helped us take photos and videos to share.

Fantastic kendo experience

Nichole_J, Mar 2025

My husband and son had a fantastic experience leading the basics of Kendo. The instructor met us at Hanazono station and walked with us to the dojo where he teaches. It was probably one of the highlight of our trip! We’d definitely recommend this experience to anyone looking for an authentic experience in Kyoto.

Great Kendo experience

Billy_C, Aug 2024

It was a lot of fun learning the basics of kendo, and getting to use the bamboo swords. Our guide was very friendly and patient with us, so we all felt very comfortable learning with him.