Samurai Sword Cutting Experience in Tokyo – Tameshigiri (Includes The Museum Ticket)

During the Edo period, only the most experienced swordsmen were selected to test swords, so that the swordsman’s skill was not in doubt in determining how well the sword cut. The materials used to test swords varied greatly. In modern times, the practice of tameshigiri has focused on testing the ability of the swordsman rather than the cutting ability of the sword. The swords used are generally inexpensive. Practitioners of tameshigiri sometimes use the terms Shito (試刀, sword test) and Shizan (試斬, test cut, an alternative pronunciation of the characters for tameshigiri) to distinguish between the historical practice of sword testing and the modern practice of testing one’s cutting ability. Now it is your turn to practice tameshigiri in Tokyo.

Try a Real Samurai Katana in Tokyo and Experience Tameshigiri in Tokyo!

Experience the legendary Tameshigiri—an ancient art revived to forge your samurai spirit. Cut through tatami mats guided by an expert swordsman.

Embrace your childhood dream as a true samurai, clad in hakama, wielding a genuine sword—exclusively at The Tokyo Samurai Museum with Experience.

Step into history, become a modern-day warrior. Our Tameshigiri experience connects you to the samurai’s legacy, a day etched in tradition, skill, and honor.

Tokyo sword cutting experience tameshigiri

This experience sells out quickly, reserve a slot now!

What happens during the workshop?

• Immersive Preparation: Begin your journey by donning exclusive hakama or authentic samurai armor, a ritual exclusive to the Tokyo Samurai Museum with Experience. This moment immerses you in the revered heritage of the samurai, evoking a sense of honor and tradition.
• Grasping the Sword: Feel the weight and history in your hands as you wield a genuine samurai sword or katana, a tangible connection to centuries of samurai culture. This instant can evoke a rush of excitement, tinged with a sense of responsibility and respect for the revered weapon.
• Guided Training: Engage in an immersive training session, guided by seasoned instructors who unveil the secrets of Tameshigiri. As you absorb their teachings and expertise, a mix of anticipation and determination fuels your desire to master this ancient art, fostering a deep sense of dedication.
• The Cutting Moment: With every strike, cutting through tatami mats—representing human flesh density—creates a surge of adrenaline and accomplishment. Each successful cut can evoke a mix of exhilaration and reverence for the precision and skill required, resonating with the essence of the samurai spirit.
• Culmination of Experience: As the session concludes, the emotional culmination may bring a mix of satisfaction, reverence for tradition, and a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship and discipline of the samurai. The experience leaves an indelible mark, fostering a deep respect for this revered aspect of Japanese culture.

Tokyo sword cutting experience tameshigiri by Tokyo Samurai Museum with Experience

Tokyo sword cutting experience tameshigiri by Tokyo Samurai Museum with Experience

The sword-master will guide you through the techniques necessary for a successful cut. You’ll have time to practice your posture and stance before advancing to using your katana on the tatami.

Instructions will be provided in English or Japanese, based on your preference. The best part is, this experience comes with a free history tour of the Tokyo Samurai Ninja Museum with Experience. After the workshop, you will proceed to the inclusive tour of the Tokyo Samurai Ninja Museum with Experience free of charge.

This workshop has a minimum age requirement of 18 years old. Participants younger than 18 can still participate in the sword training by wearing a traditional outfit but are not permitted to perform the final cut.

Book your Tameshigiri Sword Cutting Workshop before it is sold out!

The Samurai Experience

The samurais may have disappeared or integrated into the modern age of Japan, but their legacy endures. Experience a glimpse of what it was like to be part of one of the most prestigious ruling classes in old Japan. Embrace the honor of the samurai as you learn the art of holding and sheathing a katana, just like the samurai and their two swords – one for the enemy, and one for their honorable punishment.

This experience is the perfect opportunity to capture moments and take pictures to bring home as souvenirs from your trip.

Every room and exhibit at the  SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM TOKYO With Experience is meticulously designed to encapsulate the essence of the Sengoku Period, also known as the Warring States Period in Japan. This epoch marked a time when the samurai wielded significant influence over the country’s politics, ultimately contributing to the reunification of Japan. Embarking on this adventure with us will metamorphose you, your friends, and your family into modern interpretations of the legendary warriors of ancient times. Our armors, available in unisex styles and a range of sizes, cater to everyone, including children!

The  SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM TOKYO With Experience 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 persist to this day, remaining one of the most popular aspects of Japanese history and culture. Renowned for their bravery, military tactical prowess, and adherence to the “Bushido” or code of honor, these warriors left an indelible mark on the cultural tapestry of Japan.

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 recognized for wielding a variety of weapons, ranging from bows and arrows to swords. One of the most renowned weapons in the samurai’s arsenal is the katana. Renowned for its unparalleled quality, the katana is considered the most deadly and efficient weapon in 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 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!

Need to cancel or reschedule? 

Please Note

• You will not be allowed to join the sword cutting experience if you are under the influence of alcohol
• You will not be allowed to join the sword cutting experience if you do not follow the instructions of the teacher
• Participation in this experience may be restricted if you have any conditions that hinder your ability to stand straight and properly use a blade
• If you have any type of health conditions that may pose a risk to you or others, please consider our simple sword training experience or our basic museum ticket
• You must be 18 to participate in the experience. If you are older than 16 and taller than 170cm, send us an email, we may allow you to join the experience if both parents are present
• In some rare cases, the instructor may feel that it is not safe for you to do the cutting after a few trials. In that case, he would suggest you politely and quietly (in a way that other guests’ dont notice) to practice more at the end. At the end you may try one more time or the instructor may recommend you to give up. In this case, we would be happy to refund you the bulk of your ticket. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.

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