Samurai Training in Tokyo: Swords, Bushido & Mental Discipline

Recommended by 100% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Tokyo, Japan

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

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Overview

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’ll also have the chance to practice sword movements using a wooden sword and master one authentic samurai combat kata.

Private experience: Ask your instructor as many questions as you like
Receive a certificate detailing your learned techniques—a unique souvenir
Refresh with matcha green tea and traditional snacks on your break
Your instructor will happily snap a photo with you in traditional dress

What's Included

Toilets in the building
Samurai uniform rental included
Live sword demonstration by instructor
English guide on sword skills, Bushido, and samurai history
Personalized certificate (scroll) with your name and techniques
Authentic matcha tea and Japanese sweets provided
Commemorative photo with samurai

Air-conditioned vehicle
Private transportation

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Samurai Sword Tokyo
4-chōme-2-1 Kōjimachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
A samurai will be waiting for you at the entrance of the dojo. Look for the samurai "nobori" flag as your landmark.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
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
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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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 37 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Must-Do in Tokyo!

morgan_i, Mar 2026

One of a kind experience! Incredible time and a highlight of our trip! You don’t want to miss this experience! Wonderfully kind and hospitable hosts, technical, and engaging! It is a MUST-DO!

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you so much for the amazing review! We’re truly honored that this became a highlight of your trip and that you felt it was a one-of-a-kind experience. Your kind words about our hospitality and teaching mean a lot to us—we work hard to keep it both authentic and engaging. We’d love to welcome you back anytime you’re in Tokyo again!

Authentic experience

Omid_P, Feb 2026

This was a fantastic activity. The instructors were knowledgeable, cordial and patient. This was an authentic martial arts environment with real instructors. We highly recommend it.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re truly happy to hear that you felt it was an authentic martial arts environment with real instruction. Your words about our instructors being knowledgeable, cordial, and patient mean a lot to us. We really appreciate your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you again in the future!

Brilliant, brilliant activity

Laura_P, Apr 2025

Utterly excellent, worth every penny. A whole dedicated lesson where we learnt respect, how to work with a sword, complex techniques and so much more.

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Thank you so much for joining our Samurai Experience, and for your amazing words — “Brilliant, brilliant activity.” We are truly honored. We’re thrilled to hear that you found the lesson valuable and that you were able to learn not only sword techniques but also the deeper aspects of respect and the spirit of the samurai. It means a lot to us to know that the experience left a meaningful impression on you. We would love to welcome you again the next time you visit Tokyo!

It was a lovely...

Mridul_M, Mar 2025

It was a lovely experience. The instructors and Translaors were all very welcoming and warm. Will definitely recommend if you are interested in samurai swords

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Thank you very much for participating in our Samurai Sword Training and for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you felt welcomed by our instructors and translators. Your recommendation for those interested in samurai swords truly means a lot to us! We would love to see you again if you ever have the chance to visit. Looking forward to welcoming you back! Hiro Kuroki Representative INTERNATIONAL GOSHIN-BUDO ASSOCIATION

Koryu Kenjutsu experience was a great time.

Calvin_Y, Nov 2024

What a great way to experience, Japan. Koryu Kenjutsu experience was a great time. Instructors were friendly and gave great instruction on the first form that you learn. They also had an English translator, so it was very easy to communicate. I would recommend this class to all ages.

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Thank you very much for participating in our Koryu Kenjutsu experience and for your kind words! We’re truly honored to hear that you enjoyed the instructors’ guidance and found the support from our translator helpful. Our goal is to create a class that people of all ages can enjoy, so it brings us great joy to know you had a wonderful time. We hope to see you again in the future. Please feel free to join us anytime!

A cultural experience...

sq7djpt47h, Oct 2025

A very enriching and authentic cultural experience. In the time we had, the Sensei, Oedo and Yukiji shared with dedication the essence of the Bushido philosophy, the path of the samurai warrior. They guided us to learn a training routine that connects body and mind, conveying deep values such as honor, discipline and respect. In addition, to maintain our energy during the activity, we were offered traditional sweets that helped us to follow enthusiastically. It was a simple but very valuable experience, which we recommend and which we will always remember very fondly.

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Response from Host, Oct 2025

Thank you so much for your heartfelt and thoughtful review. We’re truly honored that you felt the spirit of Bushido and connected with the core values of the samurai—honor, discipline, and respect. It means a great deal to us that the training routine and traditional sweets helped make your experience both meaningful and memorable. We, the entire staff, are proud to have shared a moment with you that became a lasting memory. We hope to welcome you again in the future!