15 Martial Arts Experiences in Japan Worth Booking

1.Kendo and Samurai Experience with Uniform and Gear

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 815 reviews · 2 hours · from $103Our pick

At a traditional Kyoto dojo, Taka-san guides you through samurai history, kendo basics, sword handling, and safe partner practice. You’ll dress in a full uniform and protective gear, train with bamboo or foam swords, and pose for photos and videos. The two-hour class suits beginners, families with children over seven, and curious culture seekers.

“Very good guide & very interactive. We were made to feel welcome and no one was left out of any activity. Got to dress up & learn about the Samurai. A fun & engaging 2 hours.”

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2.Samurai Sword & Archery Class from Samurai Descendant

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 603 reviews · 3 hours · from $193Top rated

At Toyama-Ryu BIZENKAI near JR Machida Station, Yoshioki Sumida and his assistant teach sword handling, iai forms, sparring, target cutting, and Japanese horseback archery. You wear dojo training clothes, handle practice weapons, try a bow, and learn samurai customs in a shared three-hour class conducted in Japanese and English.

“This was the best thing I did on my trip. Sensei was amazing, very helpful and explained everything in lots of detail.”

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3.Samurai Training Experience KENDO in Osaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 515 reviews · from $131

Meet Toshi and Kumiko at a central Osaka dojo for a two-hour English-language introduction to kendo. You’ll learn samurai history, change into a uniform and armor, practice with a bamboo sword, spar under careful guidance, and receive digital photos and videos. Showers, changing rooms, heating, and air conditioning add comfort.

“Wonderful class. Perfect birthday activity for a kid who enjoys anything related to the Samurai. The instructors were patient and connected well with my son. It was a very comfortable environment with knowledgeable instructors.”

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4.Japanesel Archery Experience HIROSHIMA CASTLE SHARAKU

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 387 reviews · from $43

At Hiroshima Castle Sannomaru Ruins, you’ll dress in dogi and hakama, learn the formal steps of kyudo, and shoot a Japanese bow under close instruction. The session lasts about an hour, welcomes complete beginners, and may use a translation app when needed. Expect practice rounds, target shooting, and possibly a friendly competition.

“Such a fantastic experience! The instructors were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, which made the learning curve feel easy and enjoyable. Wearing the outfit was so much fun, and we got to shoot plenty of arrows. I’d highly recommend this to anyone curious about trying a new style of archery!”

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5.Traditional Japanese Archery Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 351 reviews · 1 hour · from $41

At Hiroshima Castle SHARAKU, you’ll dress in dogi and hakama, learn kyudo’s precise movements, and shoot arrows at a small target range. The one-hour session suits complete beginners, with English support through translation apps when needed. Groups are limited to four, and instructors such as Kenji-san add patient guidance, friendly contests, and occasional samurai background.

“The experience entailed instruction in the fine detail of loading and firing the arrows. As a history enthusiast, I would have liked to hear some history of the use of archers on the battlefields of Japan. Still a worthwhile experience.”

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6.Japanese Archery Workshop with Experienced Instructor

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 132 reviews · 1 hour · from $38Best value

Join Master Yamaguchi for a one-hour Kyudo lesson in Kyoto. With more than 50 years of practice and a sixth-grade Kyudo teaching rank, he guides you through stance, bow grip, form, and shooting. An English-speaking assistant explains the cultural side. Expect hands-on instruction, a small group, and traditional bows.

“It was super nice to get know to this sport! The teacher was really awesome, very patient, funny with it was great to learn! Also kyodo itself was worth to try! Definitely recommended! 😍😍”

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7.Samurai Training Experience KENDO in Osaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 111 reviews · 2 hours · from $127

Spend two hours with Toshi, also known as Toshihiko, and his friendly assistant team in a real Osaka dojo. You’ll learn Samurai history, Kendo etiquette, footwork, strikes, blocks, and match rules before wearing full armour and sparring. The session ends with Samurai photos, and beginners are welcome.

“I truly enjoyed this activity. Staff taught us about history of samurai and kendo. And we competed with other guests!!! It was also fun 🤩 If there is anyone who wants to experience Japanese culture, I highly recommend this experience!!!!”

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8.Samurai Kendo Practice Experience

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

Meet your instructor at Seidokan dojo, 10 to 12 minutes from JR Uguisudani Station. You will learn kendo etiquette, footwork, men, kote, and do strikes, then try light sparring in full armor with a bamboo sword. Nagamatsu-sensei and his assistants teach in English and Japanese. A towel and mineral water are included.

“Definitely felt more action than expected We had fun overall, the guide was sometimes talking too fast during the explanation and felt rushed but the experience was new and somehow easy to adapt I wish they would share some of their pictures”

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9.Japanese Archery (Kyudo) Experience

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

Spend 150 minutes learning Kyudo with an English-speaking Dan master at a real Tokyo Kyudo hall. You will wear a traditional uniform, receive a bow matched to your body, and practice dozens of shots on a full competition range. The small group is limited to five people, with instructor Jun among the teachers praised for patience and energy.

“This is my second time getting to take this class with the same instructor. And although I don’t always understand what he’s saying, his level of enthusiasm and energy is awesome. And when I come back, I will definitely seek him out again.”

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

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

At Kendo Spirit, instructors Daichi and Makoto guide you through etiquette, footwork, sword handling, protective armor, and a friendly kendo match. The two-hour English-language session is limited to eight people and includes equipment, drinks, souvenirs, photos, and a final demonstration by the instructors. No prior experience is needed.

“I didn’t know much about Kendo before, but this experience gave me a real look into its spirit and discipline. The match at the end was intense—when the sword was pointed at me, I actually froze for a second! It wasn’t just fun, it helped me understand more about Japanese culture. A unique experience I’d suggest to anyone curious about martial arts.”

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11.Kyoto 2 Hours Genuine Kendo / Samurai Experience In Japan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · from $118

Meet your instructor at Hanazono Station and walk less than five minutes to the dojo for a two-hour kendo lesson. Takahiro Hayashi and other experienced instructors teach basic rules, footwork, etiquette, armor use, and bamboo-sword techniques in English. Equipment, water, and a towel are included, with practice matches for a lively finish.

“This was the first activity we did and it set the tone for the whole rest of the week! Our instructor was Hayashi and he was very fun, and helped us take photos and videos to share.”

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12.Kendo and samurai experience in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · from $105

At Atelier NIN near Shugakuin, your instructor guides you through kendo basics, sword handling, samurai customs, and staged practice with bamboo, foam, and blunt blades. Sessions may include traditional attire, photos, sparring, and possibly tatami cutting, but confirm that final feature before booking. No martial arts experience is needed.

“Learning how to swing a sword and cutting a tatami mat! It was so much fun. I love that it’s based More on technique and less on strength. The sensei was very helpful and awesome!”

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13.Karate Experience with Former All-Japan Champion

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

Meet Ryo, a qualified Kyokushin black belt and former All-Japan champion, for a 60 to 90-minute karate lesson in Tokyo. You’ll bow, breathe, stretch, practice punches, blocks, kicks, kata, pad work, and safe non-contact sparring. Beginners, children, and experienced martial artists are welcome, with English instruction and private or small-group options.

“Our 14-year old son had the best experience today with Ryo in a fantastic karate-lesson 🥋 He learned so much and Ryo was a fantastic teacher. Thank so you much for giving him an experience for life Ryo 🙏🏻”

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14.Kendo Samurai Experience Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 33 reviews · 2 hours · from $116

Meet your English or Japanese-speaking instructor near JR Hanazono Station for a two-hour introduction to kendo. Learn etiquette, footwork, strikes, and match rules, then put on full armor for controlled practice. Hayashi-sensei leads the session, with translation support available when needed. Equipment, water, and a kendo towel are included.

“It was a fantastic first class in kendo! It was serious training, but Hayashi-sensei made it very enjoyable! Even though my Japanese isn’t good, his demonstrations very clear enough for me to follow along. I have a much greater respect for kendo now and want to learn more about it!”

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15.Kendo Workshop Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 28 reviews · 2 hours · from $116

At Shigino Kaikan in Osaka, you’ll learn kendo from experienced English and Japanese instructors, including Yamasaki sensei. The two-hour session covers changing, dojo etiquette, basic movements, bamboo sword strikes, teacher practice, protective men armor, a mini-match, and national-level demonstrations. Groups are limited to two participants.

“Une expérience INCROYABLE !! Nous avons adorés avec mon petit frère (22 ans et 18ans) ! Le professionnel est super, à l’écoute, et nous apprend plusieurs techniques !! C’était waaaaaw !! Merciii beaucoup”

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