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Okinawa 2-Hours Genuine Kendo/Samurai Experience in Japan

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Naha, Japan
Great choice
5+ bookings last month.
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Kendo is a Japanese form of fencing that developed in the samurai era. Learn about this unique Japanese martial art from an English-speaking guide with 20 years of kendo experience. You'll get to dress in rented kendo armor and practice combat while learning about samurai culture and kendo etiquette. Embrace your inner samurai and get a hands-on experience of this cultural, physical, and spiritual art.
  • Learn about Japan's samurai culture
  • Guided by an English speaking kendo instructor with 20 years of kendo experience
  • Try your kendo skills in rented kendo armor
  • Includes a complimentary kendo towel gift

What's Included

  • Rental all Kendo equipment
  • Bottled water
  • Free kendo towel
  • Lunch
  • Hotel pickup/drop off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 52 Ōnoyamachō, Naha, Okinawa 900-0026, Japan

    Entrance Of Okinawa Prefectural Budokan in Onoyama Park

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.1:00 pm

What To Expect

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller 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
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 5 travelers

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 30 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

It is a great...

Kasia_O, Mar 2026
It is a great introduction to the basics of kendo. The lesson gives the participants an overview of the characteristics and guides them through the rules and principles. We had a wonderful time trying out this exceptional art. Many thanks to our teacher Taiji Yamakawa.

Fun Experience

JeanLouis_V, Jan 2026
Excellent and attentive teacher. Ex Okinawa champion. Made the whole experience fun and informative.

Our instructor was great!...

Hannibal_D, Nov 2025
Our instructor was great! He was patient, funny, and attentive. He made our first Kendo class a fun experience! I highly recommend!

Learn the Art of Kendo

Kalai_T, Nov 2025
Fantastic experience with Taiji Sensei! Although his English is limited, his directions were very clear. I really enjoyed this experience and would do it again!

An Unforgettable Experience!

Lori_G, Feb 2025
The Kendo lesson in Okinawa was one of the absolute highlights of our trip! The experience was not only incredibly fun, but also a wonderful introduction to traditional Japanese martial arts and culture. Our instructor Taiji Yamakawa was fantastic—he explained everything clearly in English, making it easy to understand the techniques and philosophy behind Kendo. His passion for the art was contagious, and his encouraging and patient teaching style made the session both engaging and rewarding. It was no surprise to learn that Taiji was a Kendo champion a few years ago! Beyond learning a few of the basic strikes, footwork, and etiquette, we also gained insight into the discipline, focus, and spirit that make Kendo such a revered practice in Japan. It was a full-body workout—challenging, yet exhilarating! We left feeling energized, accomplished, and with a newfound appreciation for this centuries-old martial art. This was unlike anything we’ve ever done before, and my brother-in-law was inspired to continue Kendo for exercise back home. If you're looking for a unique, cultural, fun, and physically engaging experience in Okinawa, we highly recommend booking this experience. It’s an amazing value and an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture!

I loved it

Levi_S, Oct 2024
This was awesome. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to try it. If given the opportunity again, I would definitely do it.

Such a unique and fun experience!

Andrew_D, May 2024
We had such a wonderful time with our instructor, Taiji, who was VERY patient with us. We learned a lot about Kendo, and tried our best to fight each other without laughing. We highly recommend this unique experience.

Awesome experience

Benjamin_M, Mar 2024
Such and awesome and interesting experience, had so fun . The kendo teachers would very helpful and full of knowledge which made the class so fun. Would definitely do again . And highly recommend this experience. And any skill level can experience this.

From $116.01

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 26 days in advance.

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