01 / Dress & prepare
Step into
samurai attire.
Put on hakama and a kimono-style top. Take photos in traditional attire before your lesson begins.
SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM / KYOTO
PREMIUM EXPERIENCE
Samurai Target Cutting Experiencein Kyoto
Find your focus. Take control of the sword. Turn practice into a hands-on challenge, then explore the stories behind the samurai.
120 minutesSword experience + museum tour
Ages 10+Beginners welcome
4 attemptsOne target per person
KyotoSamurai culture, hands-on
A deeper samurai experience
Learn the form.
Feel the challenge.
Go further than the basic sword movements. This premium Kyoto experience combines traditional attire and guided sword practice with an iaito cutting challenge using a dedicated cardboard target.
Begin with a plastic practice sword to learn etiquette, posture and control. Then apply those fundamentals to a target under your instructor’s guidance. A guided museum tour and ninja star throwing complete your visit.
Your samurai experience
Three steps.
One memorable challenge.
Step into
02 / Learn & practice
Build control
with every movement.
Practice with a plastic sword as your instructor introduces etiquette, grip, posture and basic forms. Learn to focus on precision and blade alignment.
03 / The cutting challenge
Put your technique
into action.
Use an iaito to attempt four cuts on your own dedicated cardboard target. Follow your instructor’s directions and discover how your technique shapes each attempt.
The premium highlight
Precision. Focus.
Your moment.
The cutting challenge gives your training a clear purpose. Focus on the movement, the alignment and the follow-through as you put your sword control to the test.
4 cutting attempts per guestOne dedicated cardboard target per person.
Cutting results vary, and a complete cut is not guaranteed. The experience is about learning control and enjoying the challenge. Cutting takes place only on your instructor’s signal.
The session includes time for photos and video, so you can take home a memory of your samurai experience.
Continue your discovery
From the sword
to the stories behind it.
Guided museum tour
Explore samurai and ninja history through exhibits, armor and weapons. An English-speaking guide introduces the stories and cultural context behind the collection.
Ninja star throwing
Try your aim with shuriken and enjoy another hands-on introduction to Japan’s warrior culture during your museum visit.
Your visit: Samurai experience, followed by the guided museum tour. Allow approximately 60 minutes for each part, or 120 minutes in total.
Experience details
Your Kyoto visit at a glance.
LocationSAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM KYOTO With Experience
DurationApproximately 120 minutes: 60-minute samurai experience + 60-minute museum tour.
Who can joinGuests aged 10 and above. No previous sword experience is required.
Equipment & attireTraditional samurai attire, a plastic sword for practice, and an iaito for the guided cutting challenge.
Cutting challengeOne dedicated cardboard target and four attempts per participant.
Museum activitiesEnglish-guided museum tour and ninja star throwing.
Photos & videoTime to capture your experience, following staff guidance.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to remove. Bring your booking reference. If you or anyone in your group has special needs, please contact us in advance.
Good to know
Your questions, answered.
How is this different from the standard Samurai Sword Experience?
This premium program adds an iaito cutting challenge to the basic sword training. After practicing with a plastic sword, you put your control and alignment into practice on a dedicated cardboard target, with four attempts per person.
Can beginners and children take part?
Yes. The program is for guests aged 10 and above, including beginners. Your instructor explains the safety rules and guides your practice before the challenge. All participants must follow the instructor’s directions.
What kind of sword and target will I use?
You practice the basic forms with a plastic sword, then use an iaito for the instructor-guided cutting challenge with a dedicated cardboard target.
Will I definitely cut through the target?
Results vary according to technique. You have four attempts with one target. The goal is to learn sword control and enjoy the experience, rather than guarantee a complete cut.
When does the museum tour take place?
The guided museum tour follows the samurai experience. The full visit takes approximately 120 minutes. Follow the schedule provided for your session.
Can I take photos and video?
Yes. Time is included for photos in traditional attire and video during the cutting challenge. Follow staff instructions on where to stand and when to record.
What language is the museum tour conducted in?
The guided museum tour is conducted in English.
Can I bring food or drinks?
Covered drinks may be brought into the building, but food and drinks must not be consumed in exhibition rooms. Alcohol is prohibited throughout the facility.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Please read our cancellation and rescheduling policy.
