Kendo and Samurai Experience in Kyoto

Experience the art of Kendo and immerse yourself in the culture of the Samurai in Kyoto. Learn from a skilled Kendo player and try your hand at cutting tatami mats with a Japanese sword.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 606-8037 - Dive into the world of the Samurai with this unique experience. Discover the art of Kendo and the mastery of swords. Don traditional training gear and wield an authentic sword like a true samurai. The thrill of properly handling and cutting with a sword will be an unforgettable memory.

This experience includes:

  1. Introduction to Kendo fundamentals
  2. Dress in special uniforms and gear, with photo opportunities
  3. Training in the use of a real sword
  4. Practice cutting a tatami mat with a real sword

Your instructor, Kengo, is a seasoned Kendo practitioner who began his journey at the age of 3 and secured third place in a national Japanese tournament. His expertise and passion for Kendo ensure a rich learning experience about Samurai culture. The highlight of the session is mastering the technique of cutting a tatami mat with a Japanese sword. Rest assured, Kengo will guide you meticulously. We also offer assistance with video and photography. For any inquiries about the experience, feel free to reach out to us.

Please note, children under 15 are not permitted to use real swords during this experience.

What's Included
  • Kendo uniform and equipment provided
Additional Information

Our client’s teacher, Kengo is a proficient practitioner of Kendo who began his training at the tender age of 3 and secured third position in a prestigious national competition in Japan. My expertise in Kendo is something I hold with high esteem. Through engaging in this activity, you’ll gain insights into the rich Samurai tradition. The highlight of the experience involves slicing through tatami mats with an authentic Japanese blade. Have confidence that Kengo will offer meticulous instruction. We are also eager to assist in recording videos and taking photographs.

Location
studio NIN
〒606-8037 Kyoto City, Sakyo Ward, Shugakuin Daidocho 16 15 minutes walk from Shugakuin Station. When you enter the narrow path, you will see a large gate. If you don't understand, please contact us.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(15 Ratings)
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Pankajdkkk
Aug 16, 2024
Must have experience! - Amazing experience - one of our best in Japan Hayato sensei is a professional who is skilled, great, kind and encouraging. The location is in the outskirts of kyoto in a peaceful neighbourhood. We had no problem reaching there. We learnt kendo and Japanese etiquettes like Seiza, bowing. We also learnt how to gear up with Kendo gear, basic kendo techniques. Finally we got to use replica swords, kendo sticks and a real sword.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sandyh630
Aug 12, 2024
A great experience - An informative and fun experience, we thoroughly enjoyed our morning. Kengo is very knowledgeable and patient and we loved cutting the tatami mat!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marieanne_b
Jul 17, 2024
Fantastic experience! - Great time with Kengo! We had a lot of fun learning the basics of kendo and this will be one of the highlights of our stay in Kyoto.
Review provided by Viator
Seanna_d
Jul 15, 2024
Incredible kendo/samurai experience in Kyoto! - Learning how to swing a sword and cutting a tatami mat! It was so much fun. I love that it’s based More on technique and less on strength. The sensei was very helpful and awesome!
Review provided by Viator
Cspitts123
Jul 9, 2024
So much fun!!! - Our family had an amazing time learning about the samurai culture. Although a bit tricky to find the location it is definitely worth it!! Our host was so knowledgeable and lots of fun too. He was patient as we took tons of pictures. And to wield the sword and cut the tatami mat was a great accomplishment. Don't miss this experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Northstar44199013797
Jun 21, 2024
Great experience!! - Amazing trip! I came across the Kendo experience course by chance. Since we can communicate in Japanese, Kengo-san said that he was very happy to convey some more authentic Kendo culture and spirit in Japanese. Some of his previous medals and trophies were placed in the dojo. According to him, he started practicing Kendo at the age of 3, and won the highest honor award in the All Japan Kendo Competition when he was a teenager. He taught us very patiently. In addition, he can also make ninja shuriken and other knives, which is a completely different experience point from other ninja experience courses, because his hometown is a very famous place in Japan for producing knives. Finally, he took us to try the real samurai sword and practice Kendo with a real sword.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrea_g
Jun 15, 2024
The way of the sword - Kendo is an amazing sensei. Talking about the differences and similarities of the martial arts we practice, and trying the basics of kendo was very interesting. The tameshigiri was the best part of the experience.
Review provided by Viator
Brydarbr
May 27, 2024
Samurai experience - This was an incredible anuthentic experience. Kengo is extremely talented and makes you feel comfortable from the start. I’d highly recommend it for anybody travelling in Japan
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Louis
Apr 30, 2024
Go here if you want a kendo experience. - It was a real fun experience. Great teacher, his English was quite good and the instructions he gave were clear and fun. The tatami slice was the highlight.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maricel_z
Apr 24, 2024
Most memorable experience in Kyoto! - I initially got lost because the place is located in the outskirts of Kyoto and there were barely any people on the streets to ask for direction. But as soon as I found the place and met Kengo, the Kendo instructor, I completely forgot that I almost quit looking for the place. Kengo is very nice and very knowledgeable about kendo. He also tried to contact me when I didn’t reach the place on time. Kengo has been very encouraging and took nice photos and videos for the experience. I got to hold a real katana and was able to cut a tatami mat with it in one stroke! Quite an experience that I will never forget! I have dreamed of doing this as I have been a fan of the anime Samurai X. I believe this experience is a must for those who wanted to experience more of the Japanese culture!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1
Adult
September 2024
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