Tokyo: Samurai Sword & Yabusame Archery Class with Master

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.97 (151 reviews) 99% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellation

1/22

Duration3h

GroupUp to 15

LanguagesEN · JA

Mobile ticketAccepted

Samurai sword skills and archery lessons in Tokyo dojo with master guide

You’ll step into a real Tokyo dojo and learn samurai swordsmanship and archery from a master whose family has taught for generations. Try on traditional training wear, practice kata with a bokken, attempt slashing targets while moving, and even handle an antique matchlock gun—all with careful guidance and honest feedback. Expect moments of challenge and quiet pride that linger after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Samurai sword and archery class

Arrive at the dojo
Receive short lecture on Japanese swords
Change into training wear
Learn iai lesson with mock sword
Practice gekken lesson sparring
Check blade line with mock sword
Try test cutting
Try out bow and arrows

The Experience

I’ve never been great at following instructions, but when you’re standing barefoot on the polished floor of a Tokyo dojo, holding a wooden sword, you pay attention. The air smelled faintly of tatami and something older—maybe the lacquer from all those years. Our teacher (he said just to call him Sato) watched us quietly before explaining how his family’s been teaching these samurai skills for generations. There was a moment where I almost laughed at myself—me, trying to look serious while tying my training jacket, sleeves too long over my wrists.

Sato didn’t waste time with stories; he just showed us how to move. The way he held the bokken made it look easy, but my arms felt clumsy copying his kata. He corrected me once—gently, but direct—and I realized how precise every step had to be. When we moved on to archery, the bow felt heavier than I expected. Drawing it back, I could hear someone outside calling for their kid in Japanese, and for a second I forgot we were in the middle of Tokyo at all. Sato let us handle an antique matchlock gun too—I’d never held anything like that before. It was heavier than it looked.

There’s this part where you try slashing at targets while moving—harder than it sounds (I barely grazed mine). Sato didn’t laugh but gave this tiny nod when I got close enough. That little gesture stuck with me more than any words would have. We finished sweaty and out of breath, changing back into our clothes while the city noise drifted in through an open window. I still think about that quiet focus everyone had in there—you don’t really expect to find that on a day trip in Tokyo, you know?

What’s included

Your day includes all practice uniforms prepared according to your size (just send your height and weight), use of bokken swords, real bows and arrows for archery practice, plus the chance to hold an antique matchlock gun—all taught by a master instructor in a shared group setting at a Tokyo dojo.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by 戸山流備前会/Toyama-Ryu BIZENKAI