Samurai Sword Experience for Kids and Families (Ninja experience and Museum Tour included)

Put on a traditional samurai outfit and wield a katana just like a real samurai! This is the only samurai sword experience in Kyoto where you get hands-on experience, unlike costume play. Come join us and fulfill your childhood dream of being a samurai!

The Kyoto sword-fighting lesson is offered every day except Tuesday.

The Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto is a unique, experience-based museum that lets you get up close and personal with history. Our special Samurai Sword Experience for Kids and Families lets you and your family become modern-day samurais-in-training for a day!

Book with us online to reserve a slot now!

What happens during the Samurai Sword Experience?

You will be given a hakama, a traditional uniform for the samurai to train in, and begin your sword lessons once you are ready. The lesson will be headed by an experienced swordmaster.

The class starts with a simple grip and posture check as a basic step and to ensure your safety. After this, you will be going through a series of poses and gestures that are used for certain techniques. Some portions of the lesson will be repetitive for you to build up your strength until you are ready for a more advanced session.

If you’d like, you can also dress like a ninja instead without any additional fee!

All of the activities are held at the Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto under the supervision of our watchful staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

The Samurai and Ninja Museum is located in central Kyoto, right by the famous and historical Nishiki Market in the Gion District.

Interested in more in-depth samurai workshops, ninja training and tea ceremonies? Check out our other events here!

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, Chinese, and Japanese.

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.

All of the rooms and exhibits at the Samurai & Ninja Museum are designed to embody 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. Our armors come in unisex styles and a variety of sizes for everyone, including children!

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.

Book a ticket now to skip the lines!

Don’t forget to take photos of your memorable experience and adventures with us!

The Samurai & Ninja Museum is a family-friendly establishment that provides enjoyable activities for people of all ages!

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.

Skip the lines and book Samurai and Ninja Ticket with us online!

Simply fill up the form at the top of this page to schedule a tour and wait for a confirmation email from us. We hope to see you soon!

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Check out our other workshops and classes!

Samurai Sword Cutting Experience in Kyoto: Tameshigiri

Samurai Sword Experience for Kids and Families (Ninja experience and Museum Tour included)

Ninja Experience in Kyoto for Kids and Families (Wear Full Ninja Outfit)

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