PRIVATE Samurai Sword Training in Kyoto

Our PRIVATE Samurai Sword Training is designed to give you a crash course and more in-depth training with an introduction to the Iaido techniques.

The price per person (9,000JPY) is when you have a group of 8 or more people in your party. If you are traveling alone or as a couple you will still have to pay 72,000 JPY in total to be able to book this private sword lesson.

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 will start with the basics of the katana or samurai sword and will cover the basic sword skills as part of introductory Iaido training. The lesson will be explained in English or Japanese, depending on your preference.

 

The KYOTO SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM is a unique, experience-based museum that lets you get up close and personal with history.

 

Our Samurai Sword Lesson has high satisfaction rates! Reserve now before all spots are gone!!

Samurai Sword Training for Adults

Lasts approximately 120 minutes.

All of these activities are included in this package without additional fees.

 
ninja japan

Wear traditional clothes of the Samurai

For the Samurai Experience, you will wear the traditional clothing of the samurai. Whilst wearing Hakama, the Samurai Pants, and a traditional Kimono style top. Once you are clad in the clothes of the samurai, then the lesson can begin.

 

Don’t forget to take pictures of your experience!

 
 
ninja japan

Learn traditional movements with the sword

samurai sword training kyoto

The Samurai master will teach you how to properly wear and draw the sword, how to cut, and then a traditional Kata. A Kata is a demonstration of multiple movements with the sword done in succession. This experience lasts around thirty minutes, but the title of Samurai will last you a lifetime.

ninja japan

What happens during the sword lesson?

The Kyoto sword lesson will be taught by a master and will be guiding you through the basics of a samurai sword as part of an introductory Iaido Training.

You will receive instructions and guidance on the following:
  1. Samurai sword stance or how to stand like a samurai
  2. Properly drawing the katana sword from the sheath
  3. How to hold and slash with the katana
  4. Properly sheathing the katana

The sword or katana used for this lesson will be a model sword with no edge.

Kyoto Samurai experience with a sword
samurai sword experience kyoto
 
 
 
ninja japan

Samurai armor trial
- NOT Private -

samurai costume
You will also get to dress up like a samurai family. Try on a samurai armor for your souvenir pictures. Our armors come in unisex styles and a variety of sizes for everyone, including children! You will even get a selection of varied replica swords to choose from.

 

This is a private experience. We have a separate workshop tailored for families with children, Samurai Sword Experience for Kids and Families.

 

Need to cancel or reschedule?

You don’t have to worry if you need to cancel or postpone your appointment with us. Changing your mind is as quick and easy as making a reservation so there’s no need to permanently commit to your schedule! Our excellent staff will be sure to accommodate any last-minute changes.

 

 

 

What is the Iaido technique?

Iaido is a martial art that focuses on perfecting the movements of drawing, wielding, and sheathing the katana. This technique focuses more on drawing techniques that will have you move with a smooth and efficient motion, typically direct into a cutting technique.

 

Iaido training does not focus on sword fighting, since there is not much use of that in today's society. The techniques for this lesson are treated more like a dance rather than a combat stance. Most movements will be taught with a slow movement and in repetition to build up your strength until you can move normally in the graceful sword dance.

 


Kyoto samurai experience

The Samurai Experience

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.

 

You will be trying out a lightweight replica armor! This can easily be worn by kids and everyone in the family with no problem. The armors are meant to fit multiple sizes and are easily adjustable. You will also be putting on a metal samurai helmet and use a model katana sword!

 

This experience is the perfect opportunity to take pictures to take home as a souvenir from your trip.

 

Don't miss an amazing performance by a swordmaster descended from a samurai clan! Here, you’ll get to admire the graceful and deadly dance performed by the samurai during battles and practices. You may also catch a recreational performance depicting a fight scene against the samurais and ninjas.


ninja training for adults

The Ninja Experience

Embody the thrill of being one of the famously mysterious covert agents in medieval Japan! The ninjas are some of the most intimidating and formidable characters from the Sengoku Period or the Warring Stated Period to the Edo Period. The traditions and practices of the ninjas may have lost their glory days, but the Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto keeps the history alive.

 

Just like in the movies, our ninja experience lets you try out the famous ninja stars! Also known as shuriken, these are small hand blades that are used for throwing. But don't worry - our ninja stars are perfectly safe.

 

The second part of your experience will also include using the ninja blowgun, also known as the fukiya. These can also be referred to as blow darts! You can have a friendly competition among your group during a target practice game too.

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? 

 


samurai ninja museum japan

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.

samurai armor exhibits

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 and Japanese.

The true ninjas of old Japan may have disappeared in today's society but the stories and legends of their deeds live on. Experience what it was like for these covert agents through the tours guided by our knowledgeable staff at the Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto!
 
samurai armors

All of the rooms and exhibits at the Samurai & Ninja Museum are designed in the styles of 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.

 

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.

 

 


ancient warrior japanese samurai

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.

 


 

 

FAQs

 

Will a hakama be provided? What is a hakama?

This package includes wearing a hakama, which is a traditional samurai uniform used during training.

What is the difference between the basic ticket and the samurai sword training?

This package has an additional lesson consisting of Iaido training in addition to our basic tour and experience package. The workshop will be taught by a samurai swordmaster.

What is Iaido training?

Iaido is a non-contact martial art. This lesson will teach you how to move gracefully with the samurai sword or katana.

Can I bring my child to the lesson?

The Samurai Sword lesson for Adults is designed for adults. You can bring your child, provided that they do not disrupt the lesson, but they will not be able to participate. If you would like to sign up your child for a workshop, please take a look at our kids experiences on our events page.

Are real katanas or samurai swords going to be used?

No. Real katanas are only used for the tameshigiri, which is a separate workshop.

When is the Samurai & Ninja Museum open?

Our museum is open with tours available every day from 10:30 am to 8 pm.

Are the exhibits real artifacts?

Each item in the museum has been authenticated and is maintained well for your viewing pleasure. The items used for the experiences, however, are models and duplicates to ensure the safety of our guests and the artifacts in our collection. Our tameshigiri lesson is the only package that uses real katanas.

Will the tours, activities, and lessons be in English?

Yes! Our museum staff is fluent in English. All the tours, lessons, and activities are in English as well as Chinese and Japanese depending on your preference.

Can I buy a real sword like a katana?

Yes! We sell authenticated swords at our museum. You can talk to us during your visit or contact us online using the emails listed at the end of this page.

What is the best way to experience the Samurai & Ninja Museum?

We have a variety of tickets with experiences for you to choose from! Our basic ticket includes an overview tour of the exhibits along with some basic experiences. If you're more interested in samurai and swords, we would recommend this package since it also includes all the basics and additional lessons and experiences!

Do I need to book in advance?

We highly recommend booking this package before your trip especially during peak seasons to avoid waiting. Keep this in mind when you're traveling in early April and mid-November!

What do I need to bring for my samurai and ninja experience?

If you have a reservation for us, make sure you bring an ID or confirmation so we can book you in! Other than that, you don’t need to bring anything besides yourself and your group. Your costumes and props will be provided by us.

Do you have a souvenir shop?

Yes! You can buy memorabilia and other items from our shop to remind you of your trip to Japan and your time with us.

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)
Ninja Cooking Class For Kids & Families in Osaka with a Souvenir

Kyoto Samurai & Ninja Museum

The Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto is one of the leading samurai museums in Japan, with a wide range of displays from all throughout Japan’s rich history. We are the only experience-based museum that specializes in providing in-depth and immersive activities that provide our visitors with new perspectives on Japanese history.
We have displays ranging from armors and weapons of the great samurai warriors and the mystical ninjas to everyday tools and artifacts from medieval and ancient Japan. Our souvenir gift shop features replica swords, tabi socks, and tabi shoes. 
We provide guided tours every day, lead by friendly staff who are fluent in English and Japanese. Join us as you explore the glorious history of the legendary samurais and the mysterious ninjas!


Contact Us

Email: samurai@mai-ko.com
Address: 寺町詩の小路 2F, 292 Higashidaimonjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8043, Japan