Kendo and samurai experience in Kyoto
Recommended by 93% of travelers
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Kyoto, Japan
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Go beyond the ancient castles and historic sites and immerse yourself in the culture of Japan's feudal era with this private kendo experience in Kyoto. Under the careful guidance of your teacher, learn how to handle a Japanese sword like a samurai in preparation for the main event: slicing a tatami mat with a sword.
- Learn the basics of kendo in a no-pressure environment
- Enjoy your teacher's full attention in a private class
- Learn the tips and tricks for properly handling a sword
- Get an experience of samurai culture you want get anywhere else
What's Included
- Kendo uniform and equipment
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- studio NIN 修学院16 Shūgakuin Daidōchō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8037, Japan
〒606-8037 Kyoto City, Sakyo Ward, Shugakuin Daidocho 16 15 minutes walk from Shugakuin Station. When you enter the narrow path, you will see a large gate. If you don't understand, please contact us.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 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
Reviews
4.7
based on 55 reviews
Mark_J, Apr 2026
Not really what we expected. The experience started very late (due to late comers, which is of course not the venues fault) however they did not go over the time allocated (2hours) to make up for this.
The large proportion of the time was taken up by watching 2 videos and putting the clothes on. The actual practical time was minimal.
In addition, the venue also has knife making at the exactly same time in another room which was very loud and we struggled to hear the instructor.
There was not enough room in the venue either. As it was raining, we were indoors for the activity (which is fine) however, in my opinion, they are not able to facilitate this for such a a large group of people.
In summary, I wouldn’t recommend the activity to others.
Spencer_B, Jan 2026
I went to the Kyoto location, and the instructor was very knowledgeable and skillful in Kendo. I learned a learned a lot and had a wonderful time!
Sivan_M, Jan 2026
We had a great time! We booked as a 5-person group expecting to join others, but nobody else signed up during our time slot, so we essentially had a private class! Taka was an excellent teacher, and we all had a great time, including katana practice and kendo. This was the highlight of our trip, and I would recommend it to anyone!
CLAUDIA_V, Jan 2026
Nothing at all what we expected according to description and pictures online. We weren’t able to wear the full uniform (only got to see one helmet) which was a let down. The place is very small, seems run down, dusty and not taken care of at all. There were people coming in and out with groceries leaving the door open and cold air in right by our side in the middle of the “class”. We’re a family of 4 adults and the group was 12 people that day. Space was tight and because of that we were taken outside to “practice” but it was a very cold and cloudy day. We were told to feel free to take pictures outside but the space didn’t have a good background for pictures. Again, we just felt we were in someone’s backyard and the condition of such was not good at all so not really a place where one would want up take pictures for memories of a nice experience.
All in all we left very disappointed.
Richard_C, Dec 2025
Note: This experience does NOT include tatami mat cutting. The listing says it does, but there's been a recent law change in Japan that means they're no longer allowed to offer it legally. Obviously not their fault, but if you're reading this Taka then best to update your listing so guests aren't disappointed!
Despite this, we really enjoyed the class. Good exercise and lots of fun. We were taught how to wear kendo outfits, explained some parts of tradition and culture, practiced drawing and sheathing out samurai swords with proper technique, then did some kendo drills and ended with some sparring (modified for complete newbies). Taka is a very friendly and good teacher. Great experience overall, but probably slightly overpriced, although not enough for us to regret it.
jennygaryalex, Nov 2025
The instructor was well qualified and spoke very good English. The dojo was a private home. The activity was overpriced.
Norberto_M, Jul 2025
Amazing experience, we did it as a group of four. We dressed in Samurai attire, learned how to handle katanas, learned how to fight with a kendo (bamboo stick), and even had a little sparing against each other. Matsudaira Takato Sensei was our instructor and informed us on the rich history of his klan. We definitely will do this again when we come to Kyoto, Japan again.
Abid_Z, Jun 2025
Our instructor Taka was a great teacher. However my only issue was that the experience was advertised as having the opportunity to cut a tatami matt at the end with a katana. We never did this even though the description of the experience said we would. The main reason I booked this experience was to be able to do that and was left disappointed.
Mathew_B, Dec 2024
The instructor is very patient; takes his time to explain things; and gives you plenty of time to ask questions and take pictures etc.
Kristie_N, Dec 2024
The experience was incredible! One of our highlights of visiting Japan for sure 🤩 we learnt so much about the history of samurai and got time to practice our newly learnt skills too! Lots of photo ops as well hehe - our Sensei was the best!!!
Ronin_B, Nov 2024
Fun class! The instructor made sure everyone had a good time.
We learned the basics of Kendo, and the samurai way. I would definitely recommend this to anyone visiting Kyoto.
MARK_W, Oct 2024
Let’s start with number one the instructors were very funny and personable. They speak very good English if that’s a barrier. They also understanding instructors as I was late because of missed trains and didn’t feel like I missed 30 minutes at all. Will come again!
Alexandre_B, Sep 2024
We absolutely loved our experience ! A lot to learn and to do : traditions, names, origins, rules, outfit, and a lot of practice as well!! We trained Kendo and even cut tatami.
I cannot recommend this enough!!
Okini Hayato-San.
MarieAnne_B, Jul 2024
Great time with Kengo! We had a lot of fun learning the basics of kendo and this will be one of the highlights of our stay in Kyoto.
Seanna_D, Jul 2024
Learning how to swing a sword and cutting a tatami mat! It was so much fun. I love that it’s based More on technique and less on strength. The sensei was very helpful and awesome!
Andrea_G, Jun 2024
Kendo is an amazing sensei. Talking about the differences and similarities of the martial arts we practice, and trying the basics of kendo was very interesting.
The tameshigiri was the best part of the experience.
Maricel_Z, Apr 2024
I initially got lost because the place is located in the outskirts of Kyoto and there were barely any people on the streets to ask for direction. But as soon as I found the place and met Kengo, the Kendo instructor, I completely forgot that I almost quit looking for the place. Kengo is very nice and very knowledgeable about kendo. He also tried to contact me when I didn’t reach the place on time. Kengo has been very encouraging and took nice photos and videos for the experience. I got to hold a real katana and was able to cut a tatami mat with it in one stroke! Quite an experience that I will never forget! I have dreamed of doing this as I have been a fan of the anime Samurai X. I believe this experience is a must for those who wanted to experience more of the Japanese culture!
Aurlien_P, Apr 2024
The place was a bit far and a bit hard to find but we are happy that we made it there! Kengo was very friendly and we could feel his passion for kendo. He was a good teacher. However, his English wasn't very good and communication was a bit laborious. So except to use Google translate.
We learned about kendo tradition, how to take the sword in and out, proper posture and how to cut efficiently. Unfortunately, while the experience is supposed to be 2hours, a lot of time was spent on small talk/taking photos/ getting dressed. And not enough in practicing the sword. I felt like with the time we had, we could have practiced more techniques, for example learning how to fight. Or different way of cutting. For that price, a bit more could be expected.
Chris_K, Apr 2024
Being introduced to the art of Kendo in such a peaceful and pleasant environment on the outskirts of Kyoto was truly a wonderful experience; and an excellent to escape the crowds in the city. Even with near to no knowledge of the matter at all, the professional hosts and kendōka laid out the basics of the sport und offered an understanding to the underlying culture in a very inviting and light spirited manner. Of course staged photos with dressing up and spectacular sword scenes were an essential part of the action. But a part from that you really got to dive into a different world in the atmosphere of an old Japanese dojo with many a story to tell. For me this is definitely a highly recommended activity, totally worth the time and the money.
JoseAntonio_E, Apr 2024
It was an incredible experience! We had the opportunity to capture some fantastic photos, dress in traditional kendo armor, and perform authentic katana cutting exercises. The staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive, making it a truly delightful experience. 😊
Benjamin_C, Mar 2026
Just WAW.
It was a timeless moment, an exceptional experience.
A simply great teacher with very good English what's more (not insignificant for tourists).
We were fortunate to have a small group, so we had more time and some depth in the experience.
Starting with the history of the samurai, the handling of the sword, before entering the practice of Kendo and ending even with sparring.
Tell yourself that now I want to do Kendo in a club 😂😂
A memory forever engraved, if you hesitated, then believe me, do not hesitate and go for it you will not regret it.
A huge thank you to Takato alias Taka-Sensei who is an exceptional teacher, and who masters his art perfectly.
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Alexandre_B, Nov 2024
Expérience au top, nous avons pratiqué du Kendo et nous avons appris à manier le katan. Explications super, je recommande !
Olga_M, May 2024
Der Lehrer hat verschiedene Aspekte des Kendos näher gebracht und dabei auf die Details und korrekte Bewegungsausführung geachtet ohne dass es langweilig oder zu viel war.
Der Lehrer war sehr nett, zuvorkommend und aufgeschlossen.
Wären wir länger in Kyoto, hätten wir das Event bestimmt noch mal wiederholt.
From $102.67
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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