A real dojo.
A different atmosphere.
Step into a dedicated dojo, dress in hakama and immerse yourself in the discipline of samurai practice.
Step into the dojo. Become a samurai.
Step into the dojo for an experience of becoming a samurai. This plan combines our Samurai Target Cutting Experience with a guided museum tour. Take up an iai sword and learn how to fight.
A deeper samurai experience
For travelers who want to do more with a sword, this is the next step. Enter our dojo, train in hakama and apply your technique to a dedicated cardboard target using an unsharpened replica sword (iaito). Each guest receives one target of their own.
Begin with a plastic practice sword to learn etiquette, posture and movement. Then switch to the replica sword for the instructor-guided cutting challenge. Focus on blade alignment, controlled movement and follow-through as the skills you have practiced come together.
Standard Samurai Sword Experience
Learn the basic movements in traditional attire and enjoy safe cutting practice with a training sword and a lightweight foam target, shared within the group.
Premium Iai Cutting Experience
Train in the dojo, then apply your blade alignment and control using an unsharpened replica sword (iaito) and a dedicated cardboard target in a guided cutting challenge. The next step for guests who want more from a sword experience.
Step into a dedicated dojo, dress in hakama and immerse yourself in the discipline of samurai practice.
Put the fundamentals to work with a replica sword and a cardboard target. Learn how blade alignment and controlled movement shape your cut, with your instructor guiding the challenge.
If time permits after the dojo session, you can take photos in traditional attire.
Your introduction to the art
No previous sword experience is required. Your instructor guides you through the fundamentals in English before the cutting challenge.
Change into hakama and a kimono-style top before training begins. The traditional clothing and dojo setting make this an experience to remember from the very first moment.
Practice with a plastic sword as your instructor introduces samurai etiquette, grip, posture and basic forms. Learn how the direction of the blade and the control of your movement work together.
Safety instructions and guided practice prepare you for the next part of your session: the cutting challenge.
03 / THE CUTTING CHALLENGE
Bring your practice into focus with an unsharpened replica sword and your own cardboard target. Under your instructor’s guidance, apply the alignment and movement you have learned to the cutting challenge.
Concentrate on the technique, enjoy the moment and capture it on video.
Cutting results vary. The experience is about learning sword control and enjoying the challenge; a complete cut is not guaranteed. The replica sword has no sharpened edge, and all cutting takes place only on the instructor’s signal.
History is part of the experience
Your visit begins with a museum guided tour in English, followed by ninja star throwing and a samurai armor costume experience. Discover the stories behind the exhibits, try your aim and take photos in costume before heading to the dojo for your premium samurai experience.
The armor costume experience is separate from the hakama attire worn for your dojo training, giving you two different ways to capture your samurai visit.
Included with the museum guided tour
Try on a samurai armor costume and pose for memorable photos. Together with the museum guided tour and ninja star throwing, this costume experience completes your introduction to samurai and ninja culture.
The armor costume activity is part of the museum portion of your visit. Hakama attire is provided separately for your dojo experience.
More than a souvenir
If time permits after the dojo session, you can take photos in traditional attire.
Experience details
We are next to Hanazono Shrine. Please enter and check in on the first floor (1F).
Beginners welcome
Participants per session
Museum guided tour first, followed by ninja star throwing and the armor costume experience. The dojo session follows at 11:00–12:00 or 17:00–18:00.
Both the museum guided tour and the dojo instruction are conducted in English.
Good to know
The standard Samurai Sword Experience introduces basic sword movements and safe cutting practice with a training sword and a lightweight foam target. This premium program takes place in the dojo and adds a cutting challenge with an unsharpened replica sword (iaito) and a cardboard target for each guest, with a focus on blade alignment and control. The museum guided tour, ninja star throwing and armor costume experience are included in both.
You learn the basic forms with a plastic practice sword, then use an unsharpened replica sword (iaito) with a cardboard target under instructor guidance. This is a replica-sword cutting experience, not live-blade tameshigiri.
Yes. The experience is open to guests aged 13 and above, including beginners. Participants aged 13 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Your instructor explains the safety rules and guides you through practice before the cutting challenge, and all participants must follow the instructor’s directions.
The dojo session involves standing, swinging a sword and controlled cutting movements. If you are pregnant, have an injury or a medical condition, or have any concerns about taking part, please contact us in advance so we can advise you before you book.
Cutting results vary with technique and the condition of the target. Your instructor guides the activity; learning control and enjoying the challenge matter more than achieving a complete cut.
If time permits after the dojo session, you can take photos in traditional attire. Please ask staff about recording video during the cutting challenge and follow their guidance.
Yes. Begin with the museum guided tour at 10:00 or 16:00, followed by ninja star throwing and the armor costume experience. Your dojo session follows at 11:00 or 17:00.
The museum guided tour and the dojo instruction are conducted in English. Interpretation into other languages is not available during the group session.
Bring your booking reference and wear comfortable clothing. Traditional attire and the equipment used during the experience are provided.
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.
Yes. The museum shop offers souvenirs to remember your visit.
Please read our cancellation and rescheduling policy for details.
