When people think of samurai during Japan’s feudal era, Kyoto often comes to mind. After all, Kyoto served as Japan’s imperial capital for over 1,000 years. Although there were periods when daimyos were barred from entering the city, many samurai battles were either planned or fought in and around Kyoto.

The Edo period began and ended in Kyoto, adding to its historical significance. As you explore Kyoto today, take a moment to honor the legendary warriors who once walked the same streets just 150 years ago. Here are five top samurai experiences in Kyoto, from immersive samurai lessons and sword demonstrations to crafting your own samurai knife.

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1. Samurai & Ninja Interactive Museum & Show

This interactive museum has everything samurai fans are looking for. First there is a guided tour about the history of samurai and and history of Kyoto. Then the guests can put up a samurai armor and learn samurai sword techniques from a swords master. Afterwards there is an interactive ninja experience session where you can throw ninja stars at the target or use a blow gun. The tour finishes with a breath taking samurai show. All of these experiences are included in the ticket and the place is currently the best rated museum in Kyoto. For those who want to use a real samurai sword and slash or chop things, the museum offers the tameshigiri sword cutting experience multiple times a day. If you are into the samurai games, the museum also has a virtual reality game service on the 2nd floor.

Kyoto samurai & ninja museum is an interactive experience way beyond a museum. It is more like a samurai village or samurai theme park with a free samurai history and zen lesson. By taking the tour and the experiences you will feel like a samurai for a day and travel back in time to the feudal Japan. You can visit there anytime between 10 am and 8 pm. Just look for the sign near the Nishiki Market. Don’t forget to ask the staff about the hidden samurai spots in Kyoto city.

Map: http://bit.ly/2SLPi0d

Phone: 075–585–5410

▶︎Book the Samurai and Ninja experience at a discounted price here!

2. Kendo Instruction from a Samurai Descendant

Kenjutsu, or “sword techniques,” was practiced by Japan’s samurai from the 12th to 19th centuries. After the Meiji Restoration, which led to the samurai’s abolition and a decline in kenjutsu, the art was preserved as kendo, a practice focused on lifelong learning and self-improvement.

As samurai descendant Tomoyoshi Yamanaka explains, “The ‘-do’ in ‘kendo’ means ‘way’ or ‘path,’ signifying a continuous journey. Kendo represents a lifelong pursuit of growth through practice.” Yamanaka, the great-grandson of Edo Period samurai Yoshishige Hayashi from Hikone, invites you to discover kendo’s rich history, customs, and etiquette.

In this experience, you can learn the way of the samurai, starting with learning kendo basics: holding a shinai bamboo sword, practicing suriashi footwork, executing three striking patterns, and coordinating vocalization with movement. After finish, participants receive a course completion certificate.

Beyond the excitement of practice and competition, Yamanaka’s kendo training offers insights into samurai history, kendo, and traditional Japanese values of respect and honor.

▶︎Book the Kendo experience right now!!

3. Samurai Knife Asano Kajiya

Why not making your own dagger at a blacksmith led by a master. You will not only learn how samurai swords were made but you will actually make one, a small version at least. The location is outside of Kyoto City but many guests who stay in Kyoto give a try to this once in a lifetime experience. Asano Taro sensei is very friendly and patient. He will open the doors of his traditional workshop and share the centuries old tips of making samurai swords. The best part is you will return home with an amazing souvenir you make with your own hands. You may need to spend your whole day for the transportation and workshop but it is worth it.

Map: http://bit.ly/2H7SiCL

4. Samurai Kembu Theater Kyoto

A walking distance from the Sanjo station, you will spot the Kembu theater located on the ground floor of a hotel. The samurai dance show which involves summer fans and replica swords appeals to tourists who want to have a break after visiting shrines and temples in Kyoto. The performance theater specializes in kembu dancing with the background music. it has been said that samurais used to dance with their swords in the past to prepare themselves mentally for the battles. On the other hand, some samurai fans may be turned off by brightly colored hakamas, dancing samurais. Guests need to pay extra money to take a sword lesson after the performance. The place is good to get a good understanding of the role of dance and poetry in the lives of samurai warriors.

Map: http://bit.ly/2AF0HrM

5. Kyoto Samurai Experience

This venue offers the tameshigiri sword cutting experience. The activity takes place in a backyard of a house that is located in Omiya. You can also get to the venue after about 10-minute walk from Nijo Castle. The staff speak good English and the participants are encouraged to wear a black hakama while doing the cutting. After the sword cutting, you can enjoy listening to shakuhachi Japanese flute by one of the masters and observe how the Buddhist singing bowls are used for meditation. Although the sword cutting’s cost is almost double of what it costs at Kyoto samurai & ninja museum, the place is good for those who want to wear a hakama instead of an armor.

Map: http://bit.ly/2H2gI0x

To sum up

Kyoto samurai & ninja museum & show: History tour, guided tour, samurai show, samurai armor trial, samurai dress up, samurai sword cutting, sword lesson, ninja experience.

Shishin samurai restaurant: Samurai atmosphere, decent food.

Samurai Knife: Make a samurai dagger, located in Gifu.

Kyoto samurai experience: Sword cutting, wear a hakama.

Samurai kenbu performance: Samurai dance show

Activities related to Japanese traditional Samurai are one of the best things to do in Kyoto. Don’t miss the chance to experience Samurai, which you can never do except in Kyoto. For more info about Kyoto, check these articles below, too!

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