Kyoto: Samurai Sword Class & Ninja Star Throw with Museum

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.68 (209 reviews) 85% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/13

Duration2h

GroupUp to 7

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Train in a Kyoto dojo, try sword skills and ninja stars, guided by locals

You’ll step into a Kyoto dojo and dress as a samurai before learning sword techniques from local instructors. Try your hand at ninja star throwing and explore authentic armor during a guided museum tour—all gear included. It’s not just about watching; you’ll feel part of the story here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Samurai training and ninja experience

Dress like a Samurai
Learn basic Iaido techniques
Engage in safe replica sword fight
Join free Samurai history tour
Try Ninja star throwing experience

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was the quiet—just the soft shuffle of socks on tatami mats as we stepped into the Kyoto dojo. Our guide, Yuki, handed me the hakama and helped tie it (I definitely needed help). The fabric was heavier than I expected, and for a second, I just stood there feeling kind of awkward but also weirdly proud. There were about 15 of us, all trying to look serious but grinning anyway. Yuki showed us how to bow properly—my first one was crooked, but nobody seemed to mind.

We started learning basic Iaido moves with these replica swords that felt real enough in your hand. The instructor moved so smoothly it almost looked like slow-motion. My own attempt? Let’s say my “samurai face” needs work. There was this moment when everyone went silent except for the sound of blades sliding from their sheaths (well, not real blades), and you could almost imagine what it must’ve been like centuries ago. I caught myself holding my breath more than once.

Afterwards, we got a quick tour through the Samurai & Ninja Museum—Yuki pointed out armor that looked like something straight out of an old movie. He told stories about famous duels; I tried to pronounce one of the names and totally failed (he laughed and said I wasn’t the first). We even got to throw ninja stars at targets—harder than it looks! The thunk when one actually stuck felt pretty satisfying. By then my arms were tired but in that good way.

I keep thinking about that feeling—standing in borrowed clothes with strangers who didn’t feel like strangers by the end, all of us just trying something new together. If you’re curious about samurai or want a day trip in Kyoto that’s more hands-on than museum-only stuff, this is worth it. Just don’t expect to master anything in an hour—you’ll leave with more questions than answers, honestly.

What’s included

Your day includes dressing in traditional samurai hakama with all gear provided, expert instruction from local guides inside a Kyoto dojo, use of safe replica swords for practice and mock combat, a free ticket and guided tour at the Samurai & Ninja Museum next door (with stories behind armor displays), plus a chance to try ninja star throwing before heading back into city life again.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Maikoya