Tokyo · SAMURAI & NINJA EXPERIENCES
Some of these are museums, some put a real blade in your hands with a descendant of a sword family teaching. The 15 below say which is which, with prices, ages and how long you spend actually doing it.
Learn samurai and ninja history in Tokyo with guided exhibits, shuriken throwing, armor dress-up, and an English-speaking guide.
“An enthusiastic guide makes a tour worthwhile and this one didn’t disappoint. Great history lesson done in a fun way.”
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”
Dress in kimono and hakama, learn basic katana moves, and stage a choreographed samurai battle at Samurai Theater Tokyo.
“So fun!! Our family of 5, kids 22yrs-14yrs, had a fabulous time. Instructors made this a great experience. 10/10 recommend.”
Dress as a ninja, learn about Japanese weapons, throw ninja stars, and hunt for treasure in this family-friendly Tokyo experience.
“This was fun - we got to dress up, learn a lot about Samurai and Ninja culture/history, and play some fun games with the darts and stars. It’s fun for all ages.”
Watch a high-energy samurai performance at Tokyo’s Kanda Myojin Shrine, with dinner, drinks, and cast photos after the show.
“Great show, talented cast and well produced. The venue is small which makes it very enjoyable. Highly recommended”
Dress in samurai hakama, learn Iaido with a replica sword, tour a small museum, and try a safe ninja activity in Asakusa, Tokyo.
“Learning the moves of how to use a katana with the practice sword was enjoyable. The museum tour was also informative and it was fun throwing the plastic ninja stars. YOU DO NOT GET TO CUT A TATAMI MAT WITH A REAL KATARead more”
Dress as a samurai, learn katana basics, tour Tokyo’s Samurai and Ninja Museum, try ninja weapons, and take memorable photos.
“A very interesting experience from the history of the samurai and the ninja, to the katana practice”
Train with a Japanese ninja and samurai master in Tokyo, practicing sword work, meditation, shuriken, blow darts, and stealth skills.
“This ninja and samurai experience was a true highlight of our Japan trip! My family and I (ages ranging from 11 to 73) had a great time learning and participating in everything. Our instructor was so informative (and not to mention, hilarious!) and was so accommodating to all our different requirements. The instructor taught us many facts about ninjas and samurai (and also debunked many myths and anime assumptions). Loved that we tried a variety of weapons - there was something for everyone. I can’t emphasise enough how inclusive this was for all! This experience exceeded our expectations, and every single one of us had such a great time. This…”
Review of Tokyo’s family-friendly samurai sword experience, with costume photos, sword practice, ninja stars, museum tour, price, timing, and tips.
“All of it a must experience so fun and the samurai instructor was phenomenal as was the tour guide of the samurai museum so engaging wonderful experience definitely worth it young or old”
Dress as a samurai in Tokyo, learn sword basics, perform a mock fight, and capture photos and videos in a one-hour small-group session.
“We arrived a bit late due to direct transfer from Kyoto, and the Samurais expected and greeted as, we did not lose anything of the experience.”
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.”
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”
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.”
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!”
Dress in samurai armor, learn its story, and pose with katana and spear in Tokyo. Photos, an SD card, T-shirt, and license are included.
“J'ai eu la chance de participer à un shooting photo avec une des très belles répliques d'armure d'un samurai célèbre (dont je ne me souviens plus du nom malheureusement). Le gérant, très sympathique, m'a mis bien à l'aise. Porter la lourde armure m'a procuré une sensation fantastique de bien-être, de sérénité. Les photos ont été très belles. Cela a été un de mes meilleurs souvenirs de mon voyage au Japon. Merci pour tout !”
Pick a neighbourhood, a counter or a mountain.
