Samurai Experience - Learn Bushido through Kendo, in Tokyo
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Tokyo, Japan
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Train inside a working dojo and learn kendo—“the way of the sword”—from swordsmen who teach the discipline as it’s practiced in Japan today. This session strengthens focus, posture, and timing while giving travelers a direct encounter with a living martial art. It’s a purposeful break from passive sightseeing, offering hands-on insight into how Bushido principles guide real movement and judgment under pressure.
- Step off the beaten path and into a local dojo
- Exchange sightseeing for an immersive physical experience
- Learn an important cultural practice still used in modern Japan
- Build practical skills you can continue after your trip
What's Included
- Kendo attire rental, Bamboo sword (shinai) rental, Japanese cultural experience tools rental
- Bottled water
- souvenir
- Guide
- Snacks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Japan, 103-0024 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashikobunachō, 2−９ Sec日本橋ビル
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 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 tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Supplied by
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 110 reviews
Randolph_B, Apr 2026
This was a really fun thing to do. Takes a little effort as they gear you up in the full outfit so you can have a sparring match but if you don’t mind just a little effort and want to experience a sparring match with bamboo swords then this will be fun while giving you just a little knowledge and insight into the practice.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for joining us at Kendo Spirit and for your thoughtful review! I’m glad you enjoyed the experience, especially stepping into the full gear and trying a real sparring match. You approached the session with a great attitude, and I hope it gave you a genuine feel for kendo training and samurai culture here in Tokyo. Wishing you all the best, and hope we can train together again someday!
Antwaine_P, Mar 2026
The experience was was great. I would recommend. Very friendly and and knowledgeable of kendo. I highly recommend
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Antwaine, thank you for joining us at Kendo Spirit and for your kind review! Your calm focus and strong spirit really stood out during the training, and I liked how you stepped forward confidently during the match. I hope this kendo experience gave you a deeper look into samurai culture here in Tokyo. Keep your samurai spirit strong!
Joseph_G, Mar 2026
Excellent and authentic martial arts experience in Tokyo! I highly recommend this course! Daichi and Makoto were great instructors! They did great explaining and sharing their knowledge of Kendo. The course starts with Kendo knowledge and progresses to the culmination where you get to engage in Kendo sparring matches!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Joseph, thank you for joining us at Kendo Spirit and for your kind review! I’m really glad you enjoyed learning about kendo and progressing all the way to the sparring matches. It was also great talking with you about martial arts and Tang Soo Do. Your calm focus and strong spirit during our match made it a fun and intense training. Thank you for sharing this experience with us in Tokyo. Keep your samurai spirit strong!
Michael_C, Feb 2026
This was a fun experience. A nice break from all the sightseeing to do something more active. Daichi and Makoto were great at explaining and teaching Kendo techniques and the mental/spiritual aspect of Kendo. There’s a chance to spar with other participants and the instructor at the end of the session. A very enjoyable, unique, and authentic experience!
More details: level of activity is light, kendo armor/uniform is provided, there’s a changing area if you want to bring a change of clothes (we brought an extra shirt but didn’t need it). Water is provided as well but you can bring your own if you want.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for coming, and for sharing such a thoughtful and detailed review! We try not only to teach the techniques, but also to share the spirit of Kendo, so I’m really happy if you felt something meaningful from it :) I hope this becomes a good memory from Japan. Keep your Samurai heart with you, and keep walking your own Samurai path. You’re always welcome back!
jocelyn_p, Jan 2026
Very informative. Very involved. Very interesting and fun. It was amazing to watch these guys do the samurai training and to actually be involved in the training
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for training with us. You stayed focused and kept giving it your best, and your strikes were strong and honest. I’m really glad you didn’t just watch, but stepped in and experienced Kendo with your own body. I hope this becomes a good memory from your time in Japan. Keep your Samurai spirit with you!
Lisa_N, Oct 2025
Spirit of Kendo was a fantastic experience. The attention to history, technique, and passion were exceptional. I love how we mastered spirit, sword, and body. It truly is an art. Thank you for a wonderful morning!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much, Lisa! I still remember how full of energy you were, even after your long flight. Your strikes were strong and fearless, and you kept moving forward with true samurai spirit! It makes me really happy that you felt the balance of history, technique, and heart in kendo. Enjoy the rest of your journey in Japan, and keep that samurai spirit with you always!
FRED_L, Oct 2025
The experience was amazing. I not only learned about the kendo sport but also the history and the culture behind it. The battle at the end was exciting. I am thinking about taking kendo lessons when I get home
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much, Fred! It was great having you with us, and I still remember how your spirit grew stronger with each kiai. You gave everything you had and really captured the feeling of a true samurai in the end. I’m happy to hear you’re thinking about continuing kendo back in Canada. Keep that samurai spirit alive wherever you go!
Esther_P, Aug 2025
My son (12) and I visited on a Tuesday in August of 2025. The experience was amazing. We were looking for an authentic Japanese martial arts experience. The instructors were top level and experienced in both their art, and good customer service. This was one of the best experiences of our two week trip in Japan. A definite recommendation for anyone seeking some true Japanese culture and experience.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Matthew, thank you for bringing Gabriel to train with us! It was wonderful seeing his focus and curiosity, and I could tell his karate experience really showed in the way he moved. I’m so happy you both felt the spirit of kendo and the culture behind it. I hope you enjoyed visiting the shrine afterward and that your time in Japan was unforgettable. Safe travels back to the U.S!
Eli_H, Jul 2025
Incredible experience! The instructors were super friendly and brought an awesome passion to the kendo experience. Absolutely a must-do in Tokyo!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you, Eli! It was such a pleasure having you both at the dojo—you picked things up so fast and brought great spirit to every strike! Your positive energy made the whole experience even more fun for us too. I’m really glad you enjoyed it, and I hope Japan continues to bring you many more awesome memories. Thanks again for coming all the way from the US!
Andrew_U, Jun 2025
This was a great learning and hands on experience. We did not just learn the physical part of kendo but also the spiritual and mental aspects of kendo. We had the full attention of Daiichi and Makoto, who both speak good English, through out the session. The bonus here is that you wear actual kendo gear (including the mask and body armor) vs something that is made more for a tourist experience. It was fast paced and by the end is the session we were facing off with Daiichi in one on one duals. We would definitely recommend this activity as it both a good physical activity as well as something that is a unique part of the Japanese culture.
It was also easy to get to and the facility was first rate.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you very much, Andrew! We truly appreciate your kind and thoughtful words. It was great to share not only the techniques but also the spirit and deeper meaning of Kendo with you. We’re so happy you enjoyed the full experience — and hope it stays with you as a special memory from Japan!
Jason_S, Jun 2025
Kendo experience was fun. The teachers were engaging and they were enthusiastic. Highly recommend this unique experience.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thanks so much, Jason! It was a real pleasure talking with you—your passion for fencing made our time together even more interesting. Sharing the differences between Kendo and fencing was a highlight for us too. Hope our paths cross again someday, either in the dojo or on the piste!
Michael_K, May 2025
Had an amazing experience. Teachers were great and I had a blast with them. Would highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in martial arts.
Response from Host, May 2025
We’re thrilled you had such a smashing time! Thanks for being a part of the Kendo Spirit journey. You brought great energy to the dojo!
OLEKSIY_T, Apr 2025
This is a very inspiring, energetic, exotic and healthy practice any real man should try when in Japan. I can’t think of other tourist activities that relay that much spirit of the ancient and also modern Japan. The sport itself and its local practitioners all descend from the samurai tradition that existed here. The lesson itself is not too difficult, but brings immense fun and excitement
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for the amazing words! We’re glad you felt the spirit of samurai through Kendo. It’s more than just a sport — it’s a way to connect with Japan’s culture. Hope to see you again!
Diego_C, Nov 2024
I have no Kendo experience, only a little bit of Taekwondo which became slightly useful for footwork.
The practice is really well done and they teach you the very basics up until you are able to swing your sword, your shinai, and give a good hit on different target parts.
This is an amazing experience overall if you want to try something new or are curious about Kendo.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thanks for the great review! We’re happy you enjoyed the basics and learned how to strike with power. Hope it sparked your interest in Kendo more!
Yuyan_W, Jul 2025
The daichi coach was nice and quick to turn in a lot of moves in two hours, and the assistant brothers next to him were cute and couldn't speak English and would be very helpful. Considering that we are tourists just a short talk about the action, the kendo clothes all arrived very well! I also really played with the assistant professor and I won ha ha ha ha. It's been a great experience. It's worth it.
If you're interested, you can come.
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Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much, Yuyan! It was really fun seeing your big smile while I explained about kendo, and I’m still impressed you beat one of our kendo assistants in the match – that’s not easy at all! I’m glad you enjoyed wearing the uniform and learning so many moves! 谢谢 for coming all the way from China to experience kendo with us. Hope to see you again to keep mastering your samurai skills!
From $128.34
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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