Kendo in Tokyo: 2-Hour Samurai Swordsmanship Class

You'll spar against your instructor, not just watch a demonstration.

A 2-hour kendo class in Tokyo where you learn samurai swordsmanship from an instructor with over 20 years of experience, working through basic etiquette, armor fitting, technique and a tournament-style combat game. The class runs in English, includes all equipment rental and a Japanese hand towel, and accepts groups from 2 to over 100 people. Minimum age is 9. High cardiovascular fitness is required.

The experience

Kendo is the path of the sword in Japan: a martial art rooted in samurai tradition that teaches swordsmanship, unified spirit, manners and discipline. This class walks you through it in two hours, starting with the etiquette and posture that frame the practice, then moving into armor fitting and the mechanics of the sword itself. Your instructor speaks English and breaks down each step in a way that makes sense to a first-timer, so you're not guessing at what comes next.

The heart of the class is hands-on: you'll hold the sword, practice strikes under guidance, watch your instructor demonstrate technique, and then face off in a tournament-style combat game. This isn't observation. You're moving, making decisions in real time, and testing what you've learned against someone who knows the form. The physical demand is real. The operator flags that cardiovascular fitness matters here.

Everything you need is included: kendo armor and weapons rent for the session, bottled water keeps you hydrated, and you take home a Japanese hand towel as a reminder. The class accepts groups ranging from 2 people to over 100, so whether you're booking solo (with a partner to meet the minimum) or bringing a larger group, the structure holds. Public transportation runs nearby if you're traveling without a car.

What’s included

• Rental of kendo armor and weapons.
• professional guide and instruction in English.
• bottled mineral water.
• Japanese hand towel.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 to 86 years) · Youth (9 to 12 years) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Physically demandingStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SAMURAI TRIP

Is this one for you?The class runs entirely in English with an instructor trained to break down samurai technique for beginners, so if you speak English and want to learn kendo without language barriers, this one works. High cardiovascular fitness is required (the sparring and movement are real), so come ready to move for two hours.

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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: Youth (9 to 12 years). Children under 9 can't be included in the booking.

What exactly is kendo, and how is it different from other sword martial arts?

Kendo is Japanese swordsmanship rooted in samurai tradition, focused on the path of the sword. This class teaches you the etiquette, posture and striking technique, then puts you in a tournament-style sparring match so you experience how the form works in practice, not just theory.

Do I need any martial arts experience to take this kendo class in Tokyo?

No prior experience is required. The instructor guides you from basic etiquette through armor fitting and technique, building each step so a first-timer can follow. You'll be sparring by the end, but the progression gets you there.

What's included in the 2-hour class, and what do I need to bring?

The class includes rental of all kendo armor and weapons, a professional English-speaking instructor, bottled mineral water and a Japanese hand towel to take home. Bring comfortable clothes you can move in. The armor goes on over them. Transportation to and from the venue is not included.

How many people can join, and is there a minimum group size?

The class accepts a minimum of 2 people per booking and can accommodate groups of over 100. Children are welcome from age 9 onward, though high cardiovascular fitness is required for all participants.

What happens during the combat game part of the class?

After learning etiquette, technique and striking, you'll face your instructor in a tournament-style sparring match. You'll apply what you've learned in real-time movement and decision-making against someone with over 20 years of kendo experience.