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 + Basic activities
Ages 10+Beginners welcome
Cutting ChallengeExperience the thrill of target cutting
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 a replica sword (iaito) cutting challenge using a dedicated cardboard target.
Begin with a wooden practice sword (bokken) to learn etiquette, posture and control. Then apply those fundamentals to a target under your instructor’s guidance. The 60-minute Basic museum experience includes an English-guided tour, ninja star throwing and samurai armor costume photos.
Your samurai experience
Three steps.
One memorable challenge.
Step into
02 / Learn & practice
Build control
with every movement.
Practice with a wooden practice sword (bokken) 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 a replica sword (iaito) to put your technique into practice 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.
Your own cutting targetOne 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.
Included in the Basic museum experience
Step into samurai armor.
Try on a samurai armor costume and capture a memorable photo. Together with the guided tour and ninja star throwing, this costume activity completes your 60-minute Basic museum experience.
The armor costume activity is separate from the hakama attire worn during your samurai training.
Your visit: Begin your samurai experience at 11:15 or 16:15, then continue with the Basic museum experience: guided tour, ninja star throwing and samurai armor costume photos. Allow approximately 60 minutes for the samurai experience and 60 minutes for all Basic activities combined, or 120 minutes in total.
Experience details
Your Kyoto visit at a glance.
Session start times11:15 & 16:15
LocationSAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM KYOTO With Experience
DurationApproximately 120 minutes: 60-minute samurai experience + 60-minute Basic museum experience (guided tour, ninja star throwing and armor costume experience).
Who can joinGuests aged 10 and above. No previous sword experience is required.
Equipment & attireTraditional samurai attire, a wooden practice sword (bokken) for practice, and a replica sword (iaito) for the guided cutting challenge.
Cutting challengeOne dedicated cardboard target per participant.
Museum activitiesEnglish-guided museum tour, ninja star throwing and samurai armor costume experience. All three Basic activities take approximately 60 minutes in total.
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 a replica sword (iaito) cutting challenge to the basic sword training. After practicing with a wooden practice sword (bokken), you put your control and alignment into practice on a dedicated cardboard target. Each guest receives one dedicated cardboard target.
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 wooden practice sword (bokken), then use a replica sword (iaito) for the instructor-guided cutting challenge with a dedicated cardboard target.
Will I definitely cut through the target?
Results vary according to technique. Each guest receives one dedicated cardboard 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 60-minute Basic museum experience follows your samurai session and includes the guided tour, ninja star throwing and armor costume experience. Samurai sessions start at 11:15 and 16:15. The full visit takes approximately 120 minutes.
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.
