PRIVATE Samurai Sword Training in Kyoto

What is the Iaido technique?

Iaido is a martial art that focuses on perfecting the movements of drawing, wielding, and sheathing the katana. This technique focuses more on drawing techniques that will have you move with a smooth and efficient motion, typically direct into a cutting technique.

Iaido training does not focus on sword fighting, since there is not much use of that in today’s society. The techniques for this lesson are treated more like a dance rather than a combat stance. Most movements will be taught with a slow movement and in repetition to build up your strength until you can move normally in the graceful sword dance.

The Samurai Experience

The samurais may have disappeared or integrated into the modern age of Japan, but their legacy lives on. Experience their legendary tales through the tours guided by the knowledgeable staff at our museum! Not only that, but you’ll also get a glimpse of what it was like to be one of the most prestigious ruling classes of old Japan. Bear the honor of the samurai as you learn how to hold and sheath a katana, just like the samurai and their two swords – one for the enemy, and one for their honorable punishment.

You will be trying out a lightweight replica armor! This can easily be worn by kids and everyone in the family with no problem. The armors are meant to fit multiple sizes and are easily adjustable. You will also be putting on a metal samurai helmet and use a model katana sword!

This experience is the perfect opportunity to take pictures to take home as a souvenir from your trip.

Don’t miss an amazing performance by a swordmaster descended from a samurai clan! Here, you’ll get to admire the graceful and deadly dance performed by the samurai during battles and practices. You may also catch a recreational performance depicting a fight scene against the samurais and ninjas.

The Ninja Experience

Embody the thrill of being one of the famously mysterious covert agents in medieval Japan! The ninjas are some of the most intimidating and formidable characters from the Sengoku Period or the Warring Stated Period to the Edo Period. The traditions and practices of the ninjas may have lost their glory days, but the Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto keeps the history alive.

Just like in the movies, our ninja experience lets you try out the famous ninja stars! Also known as shuriken, these are small hand blades that are used for throwing. But don’t worry – our ninja stars are perfectly safe.

The second part of your experience will also include using the ninja blowgun, also known as the fukiya. These can also be referred to as blow darts! You can have a friendly competition among your group during a target practice game too.

About Samurai & Ninja tour

Explore our collection of ancient artifacts and historical samurai swords and ninja weapons from feudal Japan. You will even get up-close looks at the uncanny replicas inspired by the Sengoku Period up to the Tokugawa Shogunate.

The Samurai & Ninja museum is Japan’s largest experimental museum and offers unique experiences where you can tour around the medieval exhibits while wearing a kimono, yukata, or samurai armor – a fitting combination for the time period you’ll be exploring. Aside from this, there are also authentic Japanese tea ceremonies and Zen meditation workshops available for individuals and groups. The Samurai & Ninja Museum tour is available all year-round in English and Japanese.
The true ninjas of old Japan may have disappeared in today’s society but the stories and legends of their deeds live on. Experience what it was like for these covert agents through the tours guided by our knowledgeable staff at the Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto!

All of the rooms and exhibits at the Samurai & Ninja Museum are designed in the styles of the Sengoku Period, also known as the Warring States Period in Japan. This era was the time when the samurai held extraordinary power over the politics in the country, enough to eventually trigger the reunification of Japan. Your adventure with us will transform you and your friends and family into a modern rendition of the ancient legendary warriors.

The Samurai & Ninja Kyoto also hosts its activities outside the museum upon request. All you need to do is contact us so we can arrange for our affiliated dojos! Don’t forget to check out the museum gift shop for a souvenir. There are also antique samurai swords and armor for sale if you’re an avid collector, along with ninja tabi-socks.

A Brief History of the Samurai

The samurai are known as the best warriors in the world in their time, and stories about them still circulate to this day, staying as one of the most popular aspects of Japanese history and culture. These warriors were known for their bravery, military tactical prowess, and the “Bushido” or code of honor.

The samurai class rose to power around the 11th century, leading to the feudal age of Japan. They held control over the country and the Imperial court as one of the most powerful and intimidating classes until the abolishment of the feudal system in 1868. Since then, the samurai culture has greatly influenced modern Japanese society, with ideals of honor, respect, and loyalty deeply ingrained into ordinary everyday lives.

The samurai were known to wield a variety of weapons from bows and arrows to swords. One of the most well-known weapons of the samurai is the katana. The katana is an unrivaled quality sword and considered the most deadly and efficient weapon during battle. And although the weapons evolved throughout the time periods, the samurai kept the katana close, believing that it held the soul of the bearer. They also carried a short sword or knife known as a tachi. Wearing a katana and a tachi combination was called daisho, which became the hallmark of the Samurai.  The two swords represented the path of the samurai: The katana was the symbol for fighting a righteous battle, and the tachi was a reminder of personal honor.

As the samurai class dissolved into modern society, their previous skills and education were passed through generations. This lead to the creation of some of the most successful Japanese companies and industries. Tactical skills were applied to managerial positions, and practical skills directly influenced the high-quality manufactured goods in the country. One of the most notable products is the unrivaled Japanese knife, which applied the same techniques and methods as when the katanas were made.