Tokyo: Samurai Sword & Yabusame Archery Class with Master

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.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday and SaturdayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

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 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

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

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is this samurai class suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners are welcome: the master teaches all levels and guides you through each step.

How long does the samurai sword & archery class last?

The experience includes instruction in swordsmanship and archery. Exact duration is provided after booking confirmation.

Are left-handed people allowed to join?

Left-handed participants are welcome but should follow right-handed techniques as per tradition. Adaptations are not provided.

What should I wear or bring for the class?

You’ll be given training clothes at the dojo. Just provide your height and weight when booking.

Can children join this samurai experience?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap. Otherwise suitable for most ages except those with certain health conditions.

Is public transportation available nearby?

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

Will we use real swords or weapons?

You’ll use practice swords (bokken), real bows and arrows, and can handle an antique matchlock gun under supervision.