Samurai Training with Modern day Musashi in Kyoto
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Kyoto, Japan
- 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
What's Included
- Training zinc alloy katana and training gear
- Bottled water
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 452-4 Matsugaechō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8034, Japan
We’re located next to “Red Rock Kyoto" on Rokkaku-Dori (Rokkaku Street). You’ll see signs for our dojo out front, and the entrance is behind a blue vending machine and down a spiral staircase that has the dojo name written in mirrored characters on a blue Japanese style gate.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- You must be 12 years or older to participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 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
5.0
based on 271 reviews
Carol_R, Mar 2026
This was a wonderful experience, living out a chance to take some first steps in learning this ancient martial art. The sensei and his assistants are true masters, and took us along their road, step by step, with clear instruction and wonderful encouragement. Not bad for an old lady about to become a great-grandma!
Robert_B, Mar 2026
Very practical activity. On arrival given samurai clothing to wear and your own katana to practice with. Satisfying learning the kata moves during the session. Great demonstrations by the team and good photo opportunities.
Richard_R, Mar 2026
Genuine, authentic Samurai experience with Sensei Yoshino at his dojo near Nishiki Market and major shopping district along with his able instructors Jordan and Kem. Dressed in traditional training outfit, we received technical instruction and background historical information to practice basic katana sword techniques. We were guided by instructors and Sensei in drills to ensure safe and correct methods. Instructor and Sensei demonstrated kata drills and then used actual katana sword to slice tatami omote pole. Very informative, fun and entertaining. Highly recommend if you want real samurai experience not a clown show.
kj8fvxkpsx, Mar 2026
This isn't some cheesy 'tourist trap', it is a genuine dojo with a profound atmosphere.
The entire experience was incredible from start to finish. The staff is absolutely top-notch; a huge thank you to Haruka, who was so helpful and welcoming throughout our visit.
The Sensei is a true, modern-day samurai. His knowledge and presence are commanding yet inspiring. We had an amazing lesson on how to properly handle and use a katana, which was both challenging and rewarding. To top it all off, we witnessed a breathtaking demonstration by the Master himself, his precision and skill are simply on another level. Don’t miss!
Burdette_H, Mar 2026
Super fun and unique experience! Our whole family enjoyed it. Definitely would recommend it for families visiting Kyoto.
Richard_H, Feb 2026
Very interesting and challenging experience. Learned from a true master. Not a tourist trap. Teaches real martial arts in a dojo. Teaches both Japanese locals and tourists. Also provides amazing photo opportunities.
Lauren_s, Feb 2026
Absolutely a great experience training in a real dojo! It was so much fun learning different ways to handle a sword.
Francine_S, Jan 2026
Very welcoming, fun, and interactive! The instructors were warm, knowledgable, and skilled. They went out of their way to make it a special experience.
Diana_A, Jan 2026
I have learned the safety of how to handle the Samurai Sword, the history of it and what it was used for and who was able to use the Samurai swords. The training was very informative and fun. Our senses was very friendly and informative and very knowledgeable. A lot of important information on Samurai swords and training. I loved it!!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you very much for joining our Samurai Training! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed learning about the safe handling of the samurai sword, its history, and its role in samurai culture. It’s wonderful to know that the training felt both informative and fun, and that Sensei’s friendliness and knowledge stood out to you. We truly appreciate your enthusiasm and are very happy you loved the experience. Thank you for training with us, and we hope to welcome you again!
Abra_V, Jan 2026
Five stars! Amazing instruction and attention to detail. Unique experience with real swords! Kind, fun instruction! My kids had a blast!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you very much for the five-star review! We’re delighted to hear that you and your children had such a fun and memorable experience. Our training uses iaito, which allow for safe yet authentic practice, and we’re glad you enjoyed the instruction and attention to detail. It was a pleasure to train with your family, and we hope to welcome you again in the future!
Elisa_I, Jan 2026
Absolute must do! This was expertly crafted and such a wonderful and authentic experience for our family.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re truly happy to hear that your family had such a wonderful and authentic experience with us. It was a pleasure to train with you, and we hope to welcome you again someday!
lorihowardski, Jan 2026
Absolutely a top highlight of our trip! Jordan and Sensei Yushen were friendly, fun and provided a safe, great samurai experience in an actual dojo! They spoke English and Japanese. A must do if you visit Kyoto!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you very much for joining our samurai training! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience. We always strive to provide an authentic iaido experience while ensuring everyone’s safety. We hope you have a wonderful rest of your trip in Kyoto!
Jennifer_R, Dec 2025
loved the history and attention to tradition … nice routine and caring teachers… also liked the traditional dress and katana
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for joining our samurai training! We aim to offer an authentic introduction to the art of iaido, its historical background, and its use by samurai in the past. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the experience and hope to welcome you again!
Grace_S, Dec 2025
This was the genuine experience at an actual dojo we were looking for. Yushin sensei and Jordan were both very personable and professional; they created an environment where we could enjoy ourselves and engage seriously. Class was taught with patience, precision and humour. Learning about the history, basic kata and etiquette of Iaido left us with a deeper appreciation of samurai legacy. We also got to witness breathtaking live demos. Easily one of the most memorable experiences we had in Japan. Thank you to Yushin sensei and Jordan, your dedication to the art and desire to share it really came through.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. It truly means a lot to us that you felt the dojo was a genuine place to learn and experience iaido. We were very happy to share the art, history, and etiquette with you, and your appreciation of the practice, demonstrations, and atmosphere is deeply appreciated. Knowing that this became one of your most memorable experiences in Japan is a great honor for us. Thank you again for training with us, and we hope to welcome you back someday!
Erekle_c, Nov 2025
If you want authentic, fun, and informative experience go for it.
Real dojo, real techincs to learn. Best time.
Luke_J, Nov 2025
An excellent experience. I was hoping for a real glimpse into kenjutsu and that's exactly what we got. Yushin-sensei and Jordan taught us a lot of information in a short period of time, but it never felt rushed. They took the time to correct our forms and answer any questions we had. Highly recommend.
ninapuddefoot, Nov 2025
Hubby and I have been involved in MAA and Karate for 20 years. We booked up for this experience with little expectation, for a bit of fun, but to our delight, it turned out to be as close to the real deal that we could have hoped for. We loved it and training with an experienced Japanese Semsai (Master), of many years. Great experience.
W_M, Oct 2025
Our whole family loved this - teenagers and parents. Excellent hands on instruction and information/demonstration on the art of samurai and katanas.
Habib_B, Oct 2025
V Nice and memorable to anyone who h s children interested on learning basics about handling a katana.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
This is John from Yushinkan International, Kyoto.
Thank you very much for coming to train with us and of course for leaving a wonderful review!!!
All the best
Bianca_V, Oct 2025
Great experience and great people. It was very easy to find with their description. I would go again.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
FAAAAAAM!!!
You would come again!?
Woooooooow
Now that's the kind of experience we want to impart on everyone!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your time with us.
All the best from us here at Yushinkan International, Kyoto.
John
Kingsley_D, Oct 2025
We booked this hoping for a more authentic approach to a samurai experience and we were beaming when we left at the end! Yushin, Jordan and John took their time explaining what being a samurai is all about and what it was centuries ago too. What made it more special was it was done in a genuine dojo where they have a community that learn the ways of a samurai together, and it felt like they really appreciated the art as it should be appreciated. You get to learn some moves, dress up in some training gear and watch the pros cut mats with a genuine katana. We loved every bit of their energy and professionalism! Thank you again guys
Response from Host, Oct 2025
YOOOOOOOOOO brother Kingsley!!!
Dude, I totally almost responded with your government name... literally your FULL NAME!!!
Thank you so much for the smiles and great vibes the other day...
You guys are beautiful and we all sincerely wish you the best!!!
Brother Kingsley... man... mad thanks!!!
John
Yushinkan International, Kyoto.
alan_m, Oct 2025
The Samarai experience so much fun! My family and I learned a lot, and had a blast while doing so…even my wife and daughter loved it. It took place in a real dojo, and Sensei and other instructors were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hello, this is John from Yushinkan International, Kyoto.
Thank you for training with us, and for leaving a great review!
Megan_K, Oct 2025
We had an amazing time! The experience feels very authentic as you are training in an actual dojo! You can see all of the names of the students on the back wall on wooden plaques. Do not get sucked into the tourist trap experiences… come train with Yushi! After the lesson we got to watch Yushi demonstrate three different cuts, and he showed us a real samurai sword, showing us the different parts and telling us about how they are made. Fun and educational :)
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for the glowing review!
John
Yushinkan International, Kyoto.
senmarcus, Oct 2025
Fantastic experience, learned much more than I anticipated and had many more questions than I thought I would. Sensei Yushin, the head of the dojo gave us not only instruction on a short kata but gave use plenty history of the Samurai's as well as information on Samurai swords, how and where they are made. Jordan and John were were also great instructors (they are students of Sensei Yushan) and helped to answer our questions. My wife and I spent over two hours with them and can feel their enthusiasm. An experience well worth the time and money, being taught within a dojo made the experience more enjoyable and less like a "quick show" for tourists. Very much appreciate the time that was spent with us and highly recommend.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Heeeeeeey again!
This is John from Yushinkan International, Kyoto.
Big thanks to both you and your wife for coming out and experiencing the samurai training!
Your wording is so spot on! We are indeed not a "quick show for tourists", but an actual dojo that strives to provide the world with an authentic way to
learn more about samurai.
(Oh, and I'm an interpreter and volleyball player... no swordsmanship for me!)
jacqueline_k, Sep 2025
Yushin Sensei and his skills were mightily impressive as was John. The activity takes place in a dojo and felt as authentic as it possibly could have been . Opportunity to video and take photos as you learn the kata. A great experience.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
This is John from Yushinkan International, Kyoto.
Mad thanks for mentioning us all by name!!!
We really appreciate the review, and come join us for the an actual practice!
Keep swingin'
Edward_D, Sep 2025
Very cool actual dojo. Would recommend. We put on outfits and learned a samurai routine. Enjoy meeting the people there and asking questions about samurai and the swords.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hello Mr. Dipreta!
This is John, the guy from Oklahoma!
It was great to have you and your party come through! Sincerely, thank you so much for the review, the fantastic questions, and all the laughs while you were here with us!
Please tell Mr. S, Ms. L, and of course Mrs. D that we all say hey!!! And definitely show those fun photos off to your friends. Please know that you are always welcome back!!!
John
Yushinkan International
Matthew_W, Sep 2025
This experience was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Jordan and John were incredibly friendly and made the day fun, while Yushin Sensei brought so much knowledge and authenticity that made everything truly special. The balance of guidance, learning, and enjoyment was perfect, and the whole activity felt both welcoming and memorable. I would recommend this to anyone—it’s a five-star experience we’ll never forget!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hello Mr. Wilson, this is John from Yushinkan, Kyoto!
To quote you: "... absolutely fantastic from start to finish"!?
"... the whole activity felt both welcoming and memorable"
Fam... WOW!
We are so pleased that we could help provide you with the type of experience that is the stuff of memories!
We also thank you for the laughs and will continue to improve, so that when your friends and family join us here, they'll have an even better experience!
From all of us here at Yushinkan International,
Please always feel free to reach out!
John
JAMES_M, Aug 2025
This Samurai Katana Dojo (officially a martial arts training centre) is located in the basement level of a complex in central Kyoto. The session was run jointly by the Musashi who runs and owns the centre, and one of his English trainee students. A very authentic Dojo (complete with Shinto shrine) where they taught us as much about the history, background and honour code of Samurais as much as we got to learn and practice techniques and train ourselves. Well recommended for a visit!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for your honest and detailed review!
We here at Yushinkan International will continue to improve and hope that when you or your loved ones visit us next time, that we will be able to earn those 5 stars!
All the best from all of us here at Yushinkan International
Chris_C, Aug 2025
My family and I loved this samurai training experience in a real dojo that was taught by a real sensei. My five children (ages 17-9) all were dressed as samurais and used real (although less sharpened) katana swords and were taught actual katas or practice routines used by samurais in their training. Overall, this was a wonderful authentic experience.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hello, this is John, and I am a new translator here at Yushinkan International.
We really appreciate your review!
And yes of course, we use real katanas here, but the super sharp katanas are generally reserved for adults only!!!
Again, much appreciation and all the best to you and your beautiful family!
John
Yushinkan International
Eric_P, Jul 2025
If you are visiting Kyoto, you must book this amazing experience! You will have a blast learning samurai techniques, practicing them with a master and trainer, and watching both the master and trainer show off their skills and knowledge. My wife and I had an absolute blast! Yushin and Jordan were knowledgeable, incredibly talented, engaging, fun, funny, and really good teachers! Do yourself a favor and sign up for this experience! You will love it!!!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hello, this is John and I am a new translator here at Yushinkan International.
Yushin sensei is a master swordsman and Jordan in all honesty, is literally living out his dream of coming to Kyoto (the veritable cradle of Japanese history, society, culture, martial arts, etc...) and is practicing martial arts with a sensei who is the only living person who can do some of what he does!
These guys have great chemistry together and we are all trying to improve daily!
Thank you for the glowing recommendation!
Know that you are always welcome back.
Best regards from all of us here at Yushinkan, Kyoto
John
From $128.37
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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