Immerse yourself in samurai history and culture during this 2-hour samurai experience at a traditional Kyoto Samurai House. Under the guidance of an expert sword instructor, learn the philosophies of Bushido, the "Way of the Warrior" handle a real katana sword; and take part in a Zen meditation session.

Learn the Way of the Warrior at a Kyoto Samurai House
Practice Swordsmanship basics, try on a traditional kimono, and handle a real katana sword
Choice of morning or afternoon departure times
Small-group tour limited to 10 people ensures a personalized experience

What's Included

Professional instructor
Use of a real Katana (Japanese Samurai sword)
Zen experience
Pictures of during the activity

None

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Kyoto Samurai Experience/Waraku
111 Inabachō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8803, Japan
Our gates will be open 15 minutes prior to the start of the experience. Please arrive as soon as possible so we can help you change into samurai attire for your session. If you are worried about finding our location please contact us ahead of time.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Comfortable clothes
Minors must be accompanied by an adult
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation

Infants must sit on laps
Not recommended for travellers with back problems
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveller Photos

Reviews

5.0

599 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-10 of 599 reviews

An incredible must-do experience!

Chloe_L, Sept 2023

This was our favourite Japan experience - it was incredible to view the Samurai demonstration, learn how to wield a 130+ year old katana (and even slice through a rolled up tatami mat with it!) and participate in the zen meditation. Would highly recommend this.

My experience at Kyoto Samurai Experience

Greg_J, Sept 2023

This was a great experience easy to locate when we went in the staff were nice and talkative had a great engaging talk on the history and then went into the demonstration which was awesome and when the descendants of real samurai spoke Japanese the other staff translated the Japanese to English seamlessly and then we went outside to train the movements which moved onto cutting a tatami mat with a real katana which we were guided through we finished this with meditation, I forgot to mention we wore actual samurai robes which were historically accurate and comfortable as a 13 year old boy this was really fun and I recommend it to anyone with an interest in katanas and Japanese history

Great staff and experience

Thomas_B, Sept 2023

You get a great history lesson along with an amazing experience! Completely worth it. Came on my birthday with my friends. We were surprised that the house was historically significant as well.

Amazing!

Jessica_T, Aug 2023

This was an unforgettable experience! We were able to learn about the history of Samurai and also have the chance to see a demo as well as try cutting with a Samurai sword ourselves! Would recommend this to anyone who visits Kyoto!

Great experience!

Todd_L, July 2023

We thoroughly enjoyed this experience! The presentation, environment and level of participation were excellent. I would highly recommend this tour!

Unique experience

Luke_M, July 2023

Good fun and a unique experience being able to use a real samurai sword and meditation afterwards. Would recommend if you visit Kyoto.

Fun samurai experience

Stuart_D, July 2023

Fun experience with the family - something a bit unusual. The team there were great , very friendly and made the whole think special.

Worth every penny!!!!

Rich_D, July 2023

I would have to say this is one of my favorite things we did on our trip to Japan. Historically informative. Fun and exhilarating to learn and handle a Katana.

If you have extra time in...

Dina_D, June 2023

If you have extra time in Kyoto, it was a fun and educational activity. The kids enjoyed using a real sword!

Great afternoon

Brian_M, June 2023

We had a terrific experience as samurai for the day - at least a few hours. The instructors were very good and patient and all the students were able to learn to use the katana. We even left more relaxed after an ending meditation session.

Samurai

Stephan_M, May 2023

Super fun experience!! They are very patient with everyone and explain everything in great detail. Highly recommended!

Unmissable gem of an experience.

jonathanmiddletonnz, May 2023

Amazing experience. The highlight of our three week trip around Japan. You get to swing a real sword at bamboo about 5 times after a brief training session with wooden swords. The performance with the drum & flute is something special.

thoroughly enjoyable experience

Gretel_N, May 2023

Top notch tour. Everything was coordinated very well and everyone was very professional and knowledgeable. We appreciated the courtesy professional photos provided as well as the sizing of the group. They did not try to cram too many people into one tour and instead, provided a thorough and enjoyable experience.

Great experience! We...

Sarah_P, May 2023

Great experience! We loved it, thoroughly reccomend. Staff were great. Easy to find and clear instructions. Well worth it!

Our teenage boys loved it.

Duane_F, May 2023

Our family of 4 participated in the Kyoto Samurai Experience a couple of weeks ago. The instructors were friendly, knowledgeable and fun. Our two teenage boys absolutely loved every minute of their experience. This is a very well run operation and a really unique experience if you are traveling in Kyoto. They also provided photographs of us using the Katana which was a bonus. We highly recommend!

Totally worthwhile experience.

Wayne_W, Apr 2023

A really great experience learning about the history of samurai and getting a lesson on using a katana. Everyone involved was nice and supportive, regardless of age and ability. They take fantastic pictures for you too!

Highly recommendable activity

Teemu_V, Apr 2023

The whole event was well planned and even with a bit of rain it was very enjoyable (they have a backup plan for rain so no need to worry). The staff was nice and everything was explained with good details. All around a time well spent!

The sword performance and...

Strychnal_T, Apr 2023

The sword performance and getting to cut the tatami rolled mat. Would definitely recommend if you like all things samurai

Fun experience

Lisa_B, Apr 2023

They did a great job explaining the samurai history and the historical samurai house. We really enjoyed the samurai demonstration. They were great at engaging everyone when it was time to learn how to use the katana swords. We had a lot of fun!

This was a very fun and...

J_Y, Apr 2023

This was a very fun and educational class. My daughter got to cut a radish with her sword. This was definitely the highlight of our stay in Kyoto!

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