Japan · SAMURAI, NINJA AND SWORD EXPERIENCES
18 reviewed
Booked six months out or from a hotel lobby that morning, these 15 samurai, ninja and sword experiences are the ones to take. Every entry below carries its price, its length and the detail that decides it, so you can choose one and get back to the map.
A high-energy Samurai Restaurant show in Shinjuku, with 2 drinks included, neon sets, and close-up action inside a legendary venue.
“Go! Fun, sensory overload. Have a couple drinks and enjoy a colorful, energetic show and performance. If I had more time, I'd do it again this trip. Will definitely do it again!”
Practice katana basics at a Kyoto samurai house, try on a kimono, learn Bushido, and finish with Zen meditation in a small group.
“It was a great honor to meet the master swordsman, appreciate his skills, enjoy the experience of handling a katana and cutting, and also enjoy staying in a historical Samurai house and playing an old drum.”
Tokyo Samurai Ninja Museum guided tour with shuriken throwing, samurai dress-up, and real armor, helmets, and swords, in English.
“An enthusiastic guide makes a tour worthwhile and this one didn’t disappoint. Great history lesson done in a fun way.”
Train in a Kyoto machiya like a samurai, with kendo basics, gear, and pro photos in about 2 hours.
“We thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Learnt the history of Samurai's and the birth of Kendo. Wearing and understanding the traditional outfits, etiquette, customs, and culture of the way of the Samurai. Guides were helpful, inciteful, answers a lot of questions, and was very funny and encouraging, for not only the experience, but even of our times in Japan. Highly recommended, and an enjoyful time!”
Train in Kyoto kenbu at Samurai Kembu Theater: bow, draw, strike in a guided kata, dress up for photos, and get a certificate.
“It was informative and fun to train with swords and costumes! We learned a lot in watching the videos and the show and the costumes were awesome. We got to keep the scarf and socks which my son loved. We had enough time for pics and videos. They teach you a few fighting techniques and then you rehearse with them. Very fun! Highly recommend.”
Skip-the-line guided tour at Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum, with armor, shuriken throwing, and lively guide commentary in about an hour.
“It was an enjoyable experience. History and fun, and in addition we got to dress up like Samurai. I would recommend for first timers in Kyoto to visit and experience this.”
Train with a samurai master in Machida, Japan, learning Iai sword forms, sparring, and horseback-archery style longbow shooting.
“This was an unforgettable and truly authentic experience. Sensei Sumida-san was patient, knowledgeable, and deeply passionate about samurai culture. He guided us through the history, philosophy, and sword techniques with great care, making every moment meaningful. Watching his demonstration at the end was mesmerizing — precise, graceful, and full of spirit.”
Beginner Kendo in Osaka with real samurai armor, English coaching, safe sparring, and digital photo and video souvenirs.
“Got to learn Kendo from a professional. Nice studio. Easy to find. Allowed us to change into uniforms and gear in a changing room. They took nice pictures of us. Learned a lot. Highly recommend”
Train for one hour in a Kyoto dojo, practicing ninja breathing, walking, sword basics, and safe weapon throws with a Japanese master.
“Fun mix of ninja history and hands on demonstrations. You’ll learn some background, breathing and walking techniques, and cap things off by trying your hand at throwing shuriken and blowing darts at wooden targets. The instructors are very energetic and encouraging.”
Make a real shuriken or kunai in Kyoto, forge steel at 800°C, add your own kanji, and take it home in a keepsake box.
“I like the overall experience. would highly recommend it.”
Dress as a samurai in an Edo-style dojo, learn katana basics, then do a chambara battle with phone photos. 1 hour, $65.
“Very enjoyable. Learned some basic moves. The guide are very friendly and patient. They took lots of pictures and videos. A unique and beautiful experience in Tokyo.”
Dress as a ninja in Asakusa, learn weapon tricks, join a treasure hunt, and get a costume photo at Samurai Ninja Museum TOKYO.
“I booked this experience for my 9yo so who is obsessed with ninjas and I wasn’t really enthused about doing this activity. But, I’m not sure who had more fun a great experience and very friendly staff. The museum tour was informative. Would definitely recommend!”
Kyoto Kenbu sword dance show with English narration, samurai history, and a hands-on katana mini lesson at Samurai Kembu Theater.
“It was amazing. We got to discover Kenbu with different type of performances, and we also learn the basic stances and wielded the katana. It is very worth it and impressive. The price is good. The explanation were great. Well done !”
Spend an evening at Kanda Myojin in Tokyo with a samurai-themed dinner show, drinks, swordplay, and photos with the cast.
“Very entertaining show, excellent performance by the casts. Overall really great production! Food was basic but delicious, service were also great. Highly recommend this show to everyone, adults and older children (our kids, 10 & 12 years old enjoyed the show very much).”
Feel like a samurai in Asakusa with hakama dressing, hands-on iaido practice, and a museum visit with ninja extras.
“Loved this activity. The staff explained everything fantastically and went in depth into the history of the Samurai. Definitely recommend attending”
