Kyoto Samurai Experience
5
Kyoto Samurai Experience
By Kyoto Samurai Experience
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About
Experience the Way of the Samurai in Kyoto
Step into the world of the samurai with this authentic experience. Dress in traditional samurai attire and explore the history of the warrior class, before watching a captivating demonstration by our expert instructors.
Next, you’ll have the chance to practice your swordsmanship with a wooden sword, progressing to a genuine katana. Learn the art of cutting through a rolled tatami mat to refine your technique and precision.
The experience concludes with a Zen meditation session, designed to calm your mind and center your focus.
This immersive and rewarding experience offers a deeper understanding of the samurai culture and traditions, perfect for anyone looking to connect with Japan’s rich martial heritage.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 6-99, max of 14 per group
Duration: 1h 45m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: Japanese, English
More
Highlights
- Ideal for travelers interested in samurai history and tradition
- A hands-on, unique cultural experience
- Authentic martial arts practice
- Located in one of the few remaining samurai residences in Kyoto
Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024
- Professional instructor
- Use of a genuine katana
- Zen meditation experience
- Photos of the activity
- Start:
- Kyoto Samurai Experience / Waraku, 111 Inabachō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8803, JapanOur gates will open 15 minutes before your scheduled time. In order to be dressed in samurai attire, guests need to arrive at this time. We will begin our session promptly at the scheduled time. If you arrive after this time, you will not be dressed in samurai attire.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 44484P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- If you have questions about accessibility, please send us a message and we will be happy to help.
- Please wear comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear for an athletic activity
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult
- Rescheduling may be possible, depending on availability, but is not allowed within 24 hours of your scheduled session.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 44484P1
From
S$162.74
per adult
Select date and travellers
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- alicerZ4415KG0 contributionsWorth checking out when you’re in Kyoto! Includes a sound bath meditationThis was a really cool experience! The staff was extremely attentive and accommodating. I mixed up my dates when booking and they were able to reschedule us seamlessly. The samurai master taught us how to hold, swing and slice bamboo mats with a real katana. Afterwards, they guided us through a sound bath meditation that brought on the zen. Definitely worth checking out when you’re in Kyoto!Written 23 February 2020
- youngiethekim0 contributionsReally good experience fun for the familyStaff super friendly and they let you cut something with and authentic 150 year old katana. What else can I say it was super cool.Written 23 February 2020
- Robbyn S0 contributionsPerfect ExperienceThis was an amazing experience! Very organized, informative, and interesting! The fact it takes place in a samurai's home was amazing. Everyone is very kind and helpful, and the feeling of sucessfully cutting the bamboo with the samurai sword is so rewarding. The zen meditation was the perfect way to end it! Plus they take high quality photos of you the whole time. You MUST book this experience!Written 1 February 2020
- pgj_dred0 contributionsAmazing experienceExcellent experience. Fun and informative. My teenage sons loved it. The guides were delightful. You can take lots of photos. Very safety conscious as well.Written 17 January 2020
- paveras0 contributionsGreat Cultural ExperienceFriendly, fun, interesting culture, great moments captured in pictures, unique setting in original Samurai home.Written 27 December 2019
- Jeffrey L0 contributionsMet and Exceeded ExpectationsA “must do” experience for anyone who has appreciation of, or is interested in, samurai and budo culture. The class starts inside a historic samurai-owned home and instruction provided in the garden. For us, the best part was the unexpected brief Zen mediation at the end with the Tibetan Singing Bowls. My sons and I also train Japanese martial arts back in the US and have a passionate love of old and modern Japanese culture and history. Add this to your bucket list of things to do. Also right down the street from Nijo Castle, so perfect to knock out both. Oss!Written 28 November 2019
- richardregatta0 contributionsExceeded expectationsGreat experience professionally run by great people in great surroundings. Excellent photos produced afterwards for free. Definitely recommend itWritten 20 November 2019
- 789martinel0 contributionsFantastic experience!They were able to go beyond our expectations with live demonstrations, flute demonstrations and meditation. Actual katana experience was amazing! Definitely recommendWritten 7 November 2019
- Kyotomax0 contributionsThe real dealWe were given a demonstration of swordsmanship before having a chance to cut tatami mats in half with a real Japanese sword. Thrilling and fun too. Its not cheap but well worth it IMO. Its also hosted in an old Samurai house in Kyoto so it feels very authentic.Written 5 November 2019
- Scott Y0 contributionsVery interesting!Very passionate staff with impressive demonstrations of sword skills before letting customers try their hand at cutting tatami matts themselves. Great feeling when you get it right! If you have any interest in samurai history and culture give them a look!Written 30 October 2019
- annal1240 contributionsSamurai training with the historyHaving an English speaking translator, Elle made all the difference! The experience was truly amazing, with a brief history of the samurai, demonstration with the katana and the drums before training with wooden swords then the real thing, finished off with a meditation to calm you down before sending you back out to the streets of Kyoto. The staff were very attentive and patient. They let you take your own photos as well as taking a lot for you which they shared on the day. Worth every yen!! We loved it.Written 24 October 2019
- 496trentb0 contributionsQuintessential JapanWhat a privilege to have been inside the house of a real samurai with deep connections to the history of Kyoto. A very authentic experience from beginning to end. Staff were excellent - and the masters with the swords and instruments were wonderful. A truly memorable and unique experience. A Kyoto must do!Written 22 October 2019
- Midboss0 contributionsExcellent experienceIf you visit Kyoto you must try to do this. The experience takes place in a genuine samurai mansion and is hosted by a wonderful roster of staff who are friendly and knowledgable. The first event, after donning the appropriate gear, is an introduction to the venue and the way of samurai themselves, with a demonstration of an Iaido sword technique. After this you practise with bokken and are then unleashed with the katana itself. Finally you wind down with a zen meditation session and shakuhachi flute performance that complements the building perfectly. The staff take photos throughout the practical part of the activity and can also take photos with your own devices if you wish. All in all a truly great time.Written 21 October 2019
- airamyh0 contributionsSo much fun!This was so much fun! I don’t want to say too much and ruin the experience for others. But suffice it to say that it was really well organized, the guides were all so kind, and I highly recommend it. This is suitable for families, folks traveling alone and everyone in between. Elle the translator was great! She was kind, knowledgeable, encouraging and made everyone feel welcomed.Written 21 October 2019
- Johnless230 contributionsAmazing experience! We loved it! :)Thank you to all the team, we had a wonderful experience with you, we recommend this activity above anything else in Kyoto! Everything was well explained and we enjoyed every part of it! :DWritten 19 October 2019
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Foodaholic1986
Bristol, UK6 contributions
This was super enjoyable and educational; I would recommend if you want to learn the history and participate in kenjuts.
We were initially put into kamishimo. We then learnt the history about the samurai through the Edo period, viewed and also participated in kenjutsu, finishing with a meditation!
The group was quite small so it didn’t feel over crowded or that you could not participate.
The experience was very safe, everyone spoke fluent English and translated what the Sensei was saying.
Finally bonus was photos that were shared promptly and a great memory to have at no extra cost.
We were initially put into kamishimo. We then learnt the history about the samurai through the Edo period, viewed and also participated in kenjutsu, finishing with a meditation!
The group was quite small so it didn’t feel over crowded or that you could not participate.
The experience was very safe, everyone spoke fluent English and translated what the Sensei was saying.
Finally bonus was photos that were shared promptly and a great memory to have at no extra cost.
Written 29 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vale_08_92
Cazzano Sant'Andrea, Lombardia, Italy2 contributions
Beautiful experience, the location is difficult to find for a moment because the maps geolocate it badly.
The house where the experience takes place is original and impeccably maintained.
Once they arrive they give a historical explanation of the Edo period and tell the history of the house. They then do a demonstration in which a samurai performs exercises.
We then move on to practice, first with wooden swords in which they explain the movements and then with 120 year old Katana (considered new to them).
It is very simple and can be done by everyone without problems, they allow you to take photos whenever you want, but they also take them and then send them for free.
The instructor is phenomenal and there are two translators, one a native English speaker and another with an oriental physiognomy, with a very slight accent but excellent English.
Yes, you must understand English.
At the end there are minutes of Zen meditation, which I appreciated very much.
It is a very suggestive and immersive experience and worth all the money paid!
The house where the experience takes place is original and impeccably maintained.
Once they arrive they give a historical explanation of the Edo period and tell the history of the house. They then do a demonstration in which a samurai performs exercises.
We then move on to practice, first with wooden swords in which they explain the movements and then with 120 year old Katana (considered new to them).
It is very simple and can be done by everyone without problems, they allow you to take photos whenever you want, but they also take them and then send them for free.
The instructor is phenomenal and there are two translators, one a native English speaker and another with an oriental physiognomy, with a very slight accent but excellent English.
Yes, you must understand English.
At the end there are minutes of Zen meditation, which I appreciated very much.
It is a very suggestive and immersive experience and worth all the money paid!

Written 27 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Makiko L
5 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
The Waraku Samurai Experience was the highlight of our trip to Kyoto, which we chose for our son, who loves Samurai very much. From the moment we stepped into the historic home, a genuine 250-year-old samurai residence where the warriors who served at Nijo Castle lived, we were impressed by the intricate details of the traditional architecture and the serene atmosphere - it simply took our breath away. He learnt a lot, got to practise with real swords and the attention to various details was superb. Also, the Samurai Master's iai was truly amazing, with skilled swordsmen performing their martial arts with precision and grace. From start to finish, it was a wonderful and incredibly thoughtful experience, and the knowledgeable and friendly team guided us through the fun with excellent interpreters. If you are looking for an authentic and unforgettable cultural experience in Kyoto, we highly recommend this place. A rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese history and tradition.
Written 21 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are overjoyed to hear that we were able to make your trip to Kyoto a little more special! Thank you for being such a lovely participant and taking the time to write out such a sweet review! It was a pleasure to have you join us. Please think of visiting us again on your next trip to Kyoto!
Written 9 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kirsty H
231 contributions
This was an opportunity to dress in kimonos and use the katana sword but the hands on time was quite short, less than 20 mins with practice and then a turn due to a large group. At £82 PP it felt over-priced, though we did get the photographs for free. We were also charged 4000 yes for 2 people to ‘spectate’ due to my Son being an 18 year old adult with additional needs, though the parents of teens weren’t charged. It was a nice morning but we wouldn’t recommend this- honestly we felt that the ninja samurai museum was more informative and better value, for a fraction of the cost and my Son said that he had preferred this.
Written 31 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fabian R
Frankfurt, Germany2 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
This experience was unique and very worthwhile, the team was dedicated and friendly. We were taken on a journey through time by the Samurai right at the beginning and received a small impressive show performance from the Samurai Master. The founders of this experience do this with passion, which we greatly appreciate. The highlight was of course to be able to swing the Katana myself. The meditating Zen session was a nice conclusion. Top recommendation!
Automatically translated
Written 20 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian B
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Friends
Best experience of our whole Japan trip. The chance to wield a katana in Kyoto, under the guidance of skilled masters, was unforgettable. The blend of history, precision, and culture made it a unique and enriching adventure. Would totally recommend it to anyone interested in traditional Japanese martial arts and authentic experiences.
Written 16 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Q
Lisbon, Portugal15 contributions
Mar 2023
This Samurai experience was a highlight of our stay in Kyoto. We were a group of 5, comprised of 2 unrelated families. Two teens (14 yr male, 15 yr. female) plus a mom signed up for the experience with 2 grandparents watching. The experience was so much more than we expected starting with its location in a residential area of Kyoto, opposite a school and near a temple complex and Nijo Castle. We can only echo the other reviews about how organized, supportive and informative the staff are. The participants were dressed upon entry and the introduction included an oral history of the Edo period of samurai glory and the unique features of the original house where the experience is held. Fascinating. The intro was followed by a demonstration of Samurai sword wielding to the beat of a giant taiko drum. Amazing. Then the participants were trained, first with wooden swords and then the real thing, using the sword to slice a water logged bamboo stalk with one blow. It's not what you think. It's all about focus and form, not strength. The experience ended with the best lesson in how and why to do meditation and a relaxing practice to the hum of golden bowls. We were free to take photos and videos throughout and the staff posted their photos of each participant to a www site. This was so much more than we expected. I highly recommend it. Also, we arrived early and grabbed a bit to eat "around the block" where we came across a walking street filled with restaurants and second hand shops with inexpensive kimonos and other goodies. A great afternoon with glimpses into the real Kyoto.
Written 13 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaito-in-Japan
Melbourne, Australia5 contributions
Everything about this experience was entertaining and enjoyable. We also found it to be very educational as the guide/translator spent the first 15 minutes talking to us about the history of the house and the Samurai reign. After we were dressed in Samurai outfits, we were given a demonstration of their incredible swordsmanship while accompanied by traditional instruments. We then went outside (it was freezing but they handed out complimentary hand warmers and tea which were much appreciated). After a brief training session we got to use the real swords to cut down some poles which was incredible. They finish the session with some zen meditation and singing bowls. Although shorter than we had planned (just over 2 hours) we thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend spending a morning in Kyoto doing this.
Written 24 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anirudh Srivatsa
Mumbai, India2 contributions
Excellent opening experience to my Kyoto visit - well executed! The event was held at the actual home of a former samurai and his family, and forms a great backdrop to the experience and an instructional aid. The katana training was super memorable - the instructors were very calm and patient and made us very comfortable as we prepared to wield it ourselves. The Zen meditation that followed was the cherry on the cake. Overall - highly recommend, and though I do think it is slightly pricey, it is worth it - something different from the usual sightseeing routine!
Written 27 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that we played a small part in making your trip memorable and special! It was super nice to have shown you a different side of Japanese culture culture and Kyoto!
Written 9 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pwilson012345
Nashville, TN3 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
From the teaching, music, demonstration and being able to use a real sword, made this a truly memorable experience. There is definitely a sense of peace when you enter which made me feel very welcomed. I highly recommend this to anyone, not just samurai lovers, You really get a true feel of Japanese culture. English is fluent.
Written 28 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am coming to Kyoto on a cruise ship . Can arrangements be made to pick up me up at the cruise ship ?
Written 19 July 2020
Adventure428770
West Hollywood, California
How can we make a reservation for January 2020?
I don’t see the calendar is active after December 2019.
Written 13 November 2019
I’m in the Tokyo hotel and don’t know how to get around. Is pick up a possibility? If yes, will there be a charge? Thanks.
Written 8 September 2019
We booked through a third party so not sure if you can contact the Kyoto Samurai Experience company themselves. No mention of pick up but the process is that you have to meet them outside Omiya Station but the instructions are given to you when you book.
Written 28 November 2019
Can I bring my wife just to take my pictures?
Written 25 August 2019
où aura lieu l'activité ? Le RV est à la gare mais après c'est à quel endroit Merci
Written 11 June 2019
I have scoliosis but it’s not severe and I go to the gym quite regulary and use machines/do some weightlifting. I do not encounter any back pains due to my condition. I read that this is not recommended with back problems. Given my situation, can I still join this samurai experience?
Written 9 April 2019
I didn't find it overly exerting so I would say sure, but take my opinion with a grain of salt as I don't have back issues. You will be sitting on the floor for a bit but they are good at accommodating with pillows etc.
Written 6 June 2019
Can I bring my 1 year old son and we watch whilst his dad participates? Is it suitable to do this?
Written 8 April 2019
Yes I think so but he has to stay away from the practice area to watch. For details, you can contact the company direct.
Written 8 April 2019
Can my 11 year old come along? Maybe she can just not use the sword. Or just hang out while my wife and I take the class.
Written 19 March 2019
sorry I'm just seeing this! yes I think an 11 year old can go but I don't recall seeing anything specific about children attendance. it's was a pretty low key event. There was some meditation involved (very short) but if your child is the type that has trouble sitting still then this might not be for you..haha
Written 6 June 2019
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