01 Dress for the part
Change into samurai attire.
Put on hakama trousers and a kimono-style top. It is the moment your family steps out of everyday Kyoto and into the world of the samurai.
A fun, family-friendly samurai adventure in Kyoto with traditional attire, kata practice, family chanbara, a guided museum tour, ninja star throwing, and samurai armor photos.
Dress up, learn samurai movements, play together, and continue to the museum for even more family activities.
Begin at the Annex, enjoy three samurai activities, then walk to the main museum for the tour and family challenges.
Every part of the experience is designed to give children and adults something they can enjoy side by side.
Check-in and all three Samurai Experience activities take place here. Please do not go to the main museum first.
Open the meeting point in Google MapsNo previous experience is needed. The instructor guides the whole family through each activity in order.
Put on hakama trousers and a kimono-style top. It is the moment your family steps out of everyday Kyoto and into the world of the samurai.
Learn a balanced stance, practice controlled sword movements, and connect them in a short kata sequence.
After the Samurai Experience, leave the Annex and follow the live walking route to SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM Kyoto. Your complimentary tour begins 15 minutes after the experience ends.
Enjoy a complimentary 30-minute English-guided tour and discover the stories behind samurai and ninja history.
Practice your aim, throw ninja stars at a target, and enjoy a friendly family competition.
Try on armor in sizes for children and adults, then capture an unforgettable family photo.
This plan must include at least one child aged 12 or under.
Participants must be aged 3 or above.
Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
Begin at the Annex, then continue to the main museum.
Go first to the Annex of Samurai Ninja Museum Kyoto. Check-in and the Samurai Experience take place there.
Show the driver the Google Maps pin for Annex of Samurai Ninja Museum Kyoto. If you say only "Samurai Museum," drivers may take you to the main museum instead. Please show the Annex location on your phone and confirm it is your first destination.
The plan includes samurai attire, kata practice, family chanbara, a complimentary 60-minute museum tour, ninja star throwing, and a samurai armor experience.
Chanbara is a playful form of mock sword fighting inspired by samurai action scenes. Participants use the movements learned during kata practice while following the instructor's directions.
The tour begins at the main SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM Kyoto 15 minutes after the Samurai Experience ends.
No. The listed duration does not include walking time between the Annex and the main museum.
Yes. No previous experience is needed. The instructor guides the family through every activity.
Yes. This family plan must include at least one child aged 12 or under.
Yes. There are opportunities to take family photographs throughout the experience.
Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during busy travel periods.
Arrive at the Annex with enough time to check in. A late arrival may shorten the activity or affect the following tour.
Discover more Samurai Museum Kyoto experiences and choose the plan that is right for your visit.
View other Samurai Museum Kyoto plans
The Samurai Ninja Museum Kyoto is one of the leading samurai museums in Japan, with a wide range of displays from all throughout Japan’s rich history. We are the only experience-based museum that specializes in providing in-depth and immersive activities that provide our visitors with new perspectives on Japanese history.
We have displays ranging from armors and weapons of the great samurai warriors and the mystical ninjas to everyday tools and artifacts from medieval and ancient Japan. Our souvenir gift shop features replica swords, tabi socks, and tabi shoes.
We provide guided tours every day, lead by friendly staff who are fluent in English. Join us as you explore the glorious history of the legendary samurais and the mysterious ninjas!
