The 9 Martial Arts Experiences in Tokyo That Earn Their Price

1.Samurai Sword & Archery Class from Samurai Descendant

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 603 reviews · 3 hours · from $193Our pick

Train in swordsmanship and Japanese horseback archery with samurai descendant Yoshioki Sumida at a real dojo near Tokyo.

“Sumida Sensei and Harry were amazing hosts for the introductory training class. it was a very good balance between a small bit of history at the start and then hands-on activities for the rest of the class. Both Sumida Sensei and Harry were extremely good teachers, delivering instructions clearly but also very patient. They were very pleasant, and approachable, and respectful of other cultures and religions. The course was 100% worth the value you pay and definitely something everyone should try. Just be respectful. Also, it is worth heading to the course 30 minutes early for the demonstration and watching their practice”

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2.Samurai sword and archery class from a samurai descendant

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 121 reviews · from $198

Train with samurai descendant Yoshioki Sumida near Tokyo, learning sword forms, sparring, test cutting, and traditional archery in a small dojo class.

“Very authentic! I learned a lot and had a great time. The instructor was obviously an expert and very passionate.”

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3.Tokyo 2-Hour Genuine Samurai Experience: Kendo in Japan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 112 reviews · from $118

Train in Tokyo with a real Kendo instructor, wear full armor, learn samurai etiquette, and test your skills in a friendly tournament.

“Wow! What an experience. We got dressed up in full Kendo gear and learned the technique and history. Teacher was fun and accommodating. So much fun”

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4.Samurai Kendo Practice Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 102 reviews · 2 hours · from $116

Train in Tokyo with a kendo instructor, wear full armor, learn basic strikes, and take part in safe, lively sword practice in a six-person group.

“Great experience. I learned a lot about Japanese culture and I really enjoyed physical activity. We had time to take pictures and talk.”

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5.Samurai Experience – Learn Bushido through Kendo, in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews · from $132

Train in a Tokyo dojo with English-speaking kendo instructors, wearing samurai gear, using a shinai, and learning Bushido through hands-on practice.

“Incredible experience! The instructors were super friendly and brought an awesome passion to the kendo experience. Absolutely a must-do in Tokyo!”

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6.Japanese Archery (Kyudo) Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · 2h 30m · from $122

Practice authentic kyudo in a Tokyo competition hall, wear traditional gear, and shoot dozens of arrows with an English-speaking dan instructor.

“Absolutely loved the experience! The archery class is beginner friendly, and includes lots of time to practice shooting at targets. Instructor is friendly, patient, and encouraging.”

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7.Samurai Experience – Learn Bushido through Kendo, in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 2 hours · from $103

Learn kendo and Bushido near Tokyo Station with English-speaking instructors, full gear, practice matches, photos, and a dramatic dojo demonstration.

“Great activity, with a wonderful teacher. You can learn a lot in short time while having loads of fun. Wonderful!”

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8.Karate Experience with Former All-Japan Champion

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 46 reviews · 1 hour - 90 minutes · from $58Best value

Train with former All-Japan karate champion Ryo in Tokyo, learning manners, basic techniques, pad work, and safe non-contact sparring.

“It was a phenomenal session! Even though it is different to my usual style of karate (Goju Ryu), I learnt so many valuable techniques for my longterm career in karate. I would recommend to anyone visiting Tokyo, whether they already do karate or not. Keep it up Ryo! 🥋💜”

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9.Authentic Kyudo Japanese Archery Experience in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 43 reviews · from $125

Try traditional kyudo in Tokyo with a small group, formal uniform, patient instruction, and hands-on target practice for all beginners.

“Great fun. Instructor terrific. Suggest that future classes meet at gym instead & limit to 5 people.”

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