Kyoto: Samurai Training Dojo Class & Two-Katana Demo

Summary

Suit up in samurai gear train with a Kyoto sword master and watch his rare two-katana demo

You’ll step barefoot onto tatami mats in a Kyoto dojo, suit up in real samurai gear, then learn sword basics from an expert who’s spent decades perfecting his craft. Try your hand at drawing and sheathing a katana (don’t worry—it’s not sharp), laugh at your own clumsy moves, then watch your teacher perform a rare two-katana demonstration you won’t forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the soft slap of bare feet on tatami as we stepped inside the Kyoto dojo. It smelled faintly of old wood and something sharper—maybe the polish from the training swords lined up along the wall. Our instructor, who everyone called Sensei, greeted us with a bow so crisp I felt awkward trying to copy it. He handed me the dōgi and hakama—honestly, I fumbled with the belt for way too long until another participant quietly helped me out. There was this hush in the air, like everyone was holding their breath before something important.

Sitting cross-legged on the mat, Sensei started talking about what being a samurai meant—not just fighting but discipline, patience, all that stuff you kind of expect but don’t really get until you’re there. He showed us how to draw and sheath the katana (training ones, not sharp), and my hands were sweating so much I thought I’d drop it. The sound when blade met scabbard—sort of a muted click—felt weirdly satisfying. At one point he demonstrated a kata, moving so fast I blinked and almost missed it. Someone next to me whispered “Did you see that?” and honestly, I barely did.

I didn’t expect how physical it would be—even just holding that zinc alloy katana made my arms ache after a while. There was bottled water for us (thank god), but I still felt my heart pounding through most of it. Sensei had this dry humor; when one guy tried to copy his stance and nearly toppled over, he grinned and said “Samurai must have balance… or strong knees.” We laughed more than I thought we would.

The highlight? Watching Sensei do his two-katana routine at the end. You could hear every swish through the air—no music or anything fancy, just pure focus. It’s hard to explain but seeing someone move like that in person sticks with you longer than you’d think. Walking out into Kyoto’s street noise afterward felt almost too bright by comparison.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Samurai training and katana performance

• Get dressed in samurai training gear
• Learn about samurai culture and swordsmanship
• Train drawing, sheathing, and wielding katana
• Practice an actual katana kata form
• Watch master’s katana performances

Top questions

How long does the samurai training experience last?

The class takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on group size.

Is real katana mat cutting included?

No, mat cutting with a real katana is not currently offered.

What age do you need to be for this Kyoto samurai class?

You must be at least 12 years old to participate.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the dojo.

Do you need previous martial arts experience?

No prior experience is needed for this class.

What should I wear for samurai training?

You’ll be given traditional training gear (dōgi, obi, hakama) to wear during class.

Are there health restrictions for participants?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; moderate fitness is needed.

What’s included

Your session includes all traditional training gear (dōgi, obi belt, hakama pants), use of a zinc alloy practice katana during lessons and kata practice, plus bottled water so you can stay hydrated between drills before heading back out into Kyoto’s city buzz.