Tokyo Samurai Experience: Archery and Katana Training

Train with a Japanese master and walk away knowing how to shoot and hold a sword

A samurai training class in Tokyo where you learn archery with a traditional Japanese bow and katana sword techniques, dressed in a samurai outfit with a live guide who teaches in English and adapts to your level. The session includes a real bow and arrows, soft katana for practice, samurai clothes, Japanese snacks, and help with photos; you can book archery alone, katana alone, or both with a discount.

The Experience

The session starts with you changing into a samurai outfit, then a local master teaches you how to shoot from a real Japanese bow—one that might be taller than you are. Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery, works nothing like Western archery, and the master walks you through the stance, the draw and the release. You'll shoot arrows at a target while the staff helps you get photos of the moment. Mini games and funny interactions break up the instruction, so it stays playful even as you're learning real technique.

If you add katana training, the second part focuses on the sword: how to hold it, the posture that makes you a "strongest samurai," and the single-edged blade's history. You practice with a soft katana during the games so there's no risk, then get a decorative katana to take photos with. The master adapts everything to your level—complete beginners are the norm here, not the exception—and bilingual staff keep the explanations simple and clear. Japanese snacks are included, and the whole session runs about an hour.

You can book archery training alone, katana training alone, or both; choosing both gives you a discount. The live guide speaks English, and the space is wheelchair accessible with public transportation nearby.

What’s included

• A samurai outfit to wear during training.
• a real Japanese bow and arrows for archery practice.
• a soft katana for mini games and practice.
• a decorative katana for photos.
• a wooden stick for kendo practice.
• Japanese snacks.
• all fees and taxes.
• and help from staff with taking pictures throughout the session.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by BAC Japan

Is this one for you?Book this if you want hands-on instruction in two different Japanese martial arts in a single session, with a master who teaches in English and adjusts the pace to where you're starting from. The small group size and bilingual staff mean you're not lost if you've never done either before.

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Top questions

How is a Japanese bow different from the archery I might have tried before?

Kyudo, the traditional Japanese martial art, uses a much larger bow—often taller than the archer—and the technique, stance and philosophy behind it are completely different from Western archery. The master teaches you how the bow works and guides you through shooting with the proper form.

What if I've never held a sword or shot a bow before?

The class is designed for complete beginners and the master adapts the instruction to your level. You'll learn the basics of both archery and katana, practice with equipment that's safe for learning, and the staff keep explanations simple and clear.

Can I do just archery, or do I have to book both archery and katana?

You can choose archery training alone, katana training alone, or both together. If you book both, you get a discount on the combined price.

What do I wear during the training?

You change into a samurai outfit at the start of the session, so you're dressed as a warrior while you learn and practice. The staff help you take photos in the outfit.

Is there a time limit on how long I can practice archery?

The session runs about an hour total. If you book archery training alone or add it to katana, you have the option to extend your archery time by 30 minutes for extra practice.