Samurai Training Tokyo Asakusa: Learn Katana Sword

Pull on a katana and practice the moves samurai used in battle

Samurai Training Tokyo Asakusa is a one-hour private lesson in Tokyo's Asakusa district where you learn traditional Japanese sword techniques from a live instructor. You'll change into samurai costume, practice drawing and returning the katana, perform kata, and practice sword-fighting movements. The experience ends with a certificate of recognition, photo, and video footage on an SD card to take home.

The experience

The lesson starts with you and your group gathering at the training location in Asakusa. The exact spot depends on group size, and the instructor will confirm it at least two days before your reserved date. You'll change into a samurai costume, belt on the katana, and take a photo before the formal greeting begins. From there the training moves through the core techniques: Battou (drawing the sword), Nattou (returning it to the sheath), and Kata (the formal movement sequences that form the foundation of samurai swordwork).

The second half shifts to sword-fighting practice, where you'll learn and perform the moves samurai actually used in combat. A video recording captures this part of the session so you have footage of yourself in action. The instructor, Ukon Takafuji of the world-renowned Kenbu Ukon-ryu school, supervises the entire experience and adjusts the pace to your group's level. The lesson wraps with a final greeting, and after you change back into regular clothes, you'll receive a certificate of recognition with your photo and the video files on an SD card.

The training location sits near public transportation in Asakusa, so getting there doesn't require a car. The instructor speaks both English and Japanese, and the group stays small: a maximum of ten people per booking means you get personal attention. Children from age 5 can join if accompanied by an adult, and the physical demands are moderate: you'll be moving and holding the sword, but the hour is designed to be manageable for anyone in reasonable health.

What’s included

• Samurai costume rental.
• live instruction in English or Japanese.
• katana sword use during the lesson.
• certificate of recognition with your photo.
• video recording of your training on SD card.
• photo of yourself in costume.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (16 to 65 years) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 6 days before the start.Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund.After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Cool Japan Entertainment Inc.

Is this one for you?Book this lesson if you want hands-on practice with a real katana under expert guidance rather than watching a demonstration: the one-hour format and small private group mean you'll spend the whole time actually learning and performing the techniques, not waiting or listening to a lecture.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What exactly do I learn during the samurai sword training?

You'll learn Battou (drawing the katana from the sheath), Nattou (returning it smoothly), Kata (the formal movement sequences), and sword-fighting techniques that samurai used in actual combat. The instructor guides you through each step, and by the end of the hour you'll have practiced all of them.

Do I get to keep anything from the experience?

You receive a certificate of recognition with your photo and video footage of your training on an SD card, so you have a record of what you learned and how you performed the techniques.

Can I bring my family or friends to train together?

Yes, the lesson is private to your group, and you can bring friends, couples, family members, or come alone. A maximum of ten people can book together, and children from age 5 are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

What's the instructor's background?

The training is supervised by Ukon Takafuji, Iemoto (master) of the Kenbu Ukon-ryu, a world-renowned Tachibana samurai sword school. The instructor speaks English and Japanese.

How will I know where to meet for the lesson?

The exact meeting location in Asakusa depends on your group size. The instructor will contact you at least two days before your reserved date to confirm the spot and any other details.