Kyoto Samurai Experience: Encounter Bushido with Real Katana and Zen in Historic House
5.0
743 Ratings
Kyoto

Immerse yourself in Katana and Zen at a traditional Samurai house in Kyoto. This is a unique opportunity for travelers to experience a genuine Katana (Japanese sword) and Samurai traditions. This program grants you the ability to understand and sense “Bushido” via Katana and Zen.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kyoto Samurai Experience/Waraku - This is an excellent chance for visitors to get a firsthand look into the world of the samurai. Get a glimpse into the philosophies of Bushido, the way of the warrior, and try your hand at wielding a real katana. Afterwards, practice some inward reflection with Zen meditation, used by the samurai to calm their minds during battle.
What's Included
  • Pictures of during the activity
  • Professional instructor
  • Zen experience
  • Use of a real Katana (Japanese Samurai sword)
What's Not Included
  • None
Additional Information
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Minors must be accompanied by an adult
Location
Kyoto Samurai Experience/Waraku
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.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(743 Ratings)
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Lane_k
Apr 16, 2024
Can I time travel back to this experience?? - I promise you, you won't regret booking this once in a lifetime experience - by far our favorite part our of 2 week Japan trip. It was SO interesting and insightful learning about the history of the samurai, watching an expert use the katana sword then teaching us how to properly hold one and cut bamboo! I love how it's a small group and intimate, rather than it being 15+ people. They allowed us to record and take videos on our phones and they also took professional pics on a camera that they emailed to us hours later which was a huge pro seeming as I'm always capturing memories. I'm STILL doing + showing the proper technique on how to hold a katana sword to my friends and family, lol. 10/10 recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Ellishaigh
Apr 14, 2024
An amazing experience from start to finish - One of the best things we did on our 2 weeks trip to Japan. All guides involved were super friendly, passionate and knowledgable which all led to a great experience for all of us involved. We were made to feel so comfortable from the beginning and the session did not feel rushed and it was really nice to hear some background of the samurai before the practical side of the activity. The zen meditation at the end was another great experience that was done so beautifully by the guides. Would definitely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Charlotte_g
Apr 13, 2024
A great day out! - An amazing experience! Would 100% recommend. Staff were v knowledgable and friendly, and using the samurai sword was v cool!
Review provided by Viator
Maxime_t
Apr 11, 2024
Just awesome ! - The complete experience was totally awesome, even if you don't speak Japanese they offer translation and it was perfect ! I highly recommend them !
Review provided by Viator
Eleanor
Apr 9, 2024
Incredible Samurai experience. - An incredible experience and would highly recommend. A lot to learn about the history of the Samurai within the home of a previous Samurai; a demonstration of Iaido; an opportunity to practice before using a real sword to cut the mats all dressed in traditional outfits; and a short meditation to finish. A very well organised experience with English speaking/translating guides. A beautiful setting that feels really authentic. Probably one of our highlights of our Japan trip. Worth every penny.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bblg2016
Apr 8, 2024
Amazing, we loved it - Amazing experience ! We enjoyed every minute of it !!! Our kids were so excited by the experience :) the team is doing a great job and is very friendly
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eduard_a
Apr 6, 2024
Great experience to have - Very beautiful and emotional experience. You can feel the real atmosphere of samurai warrior and his katana
Review provided by Viator
R
Apr 6, 2024
Very fun! - We really enjoyed getting to dress up and learn a little history and play with swords! We got to cut a rolled up mat into pieces!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Evanvrs14
Apr 6, 2024
Authentic and also fun - Fascinating and authentic samurai sword experience. Interesting to learn a bit about the samurai culture and super fun to actually try out a sword, all contained within a beautiful 200 year old samurai historic house. Could easily have been very touristy but this felt just right. Thoroughly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Swl73
Apr 4, 2024
Amazing experience - We had the best time here being Samurais. It was so professional yet personally. We felt very welcome and were very well guided through the whole experience. Fantastic is the combination with history of the Samurais, being in a real house of Samurai and getting told about it, seeing the two professional warriors in action and afterwards being trained by them to finally be able to cut with a real sword. And at the end we reached zen in the meditation 🤗Amazing. We will never forget it. Thanks from Denmark.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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