Japan · SAMURAI & NINJA EXPERIENCES

The 15 Best Samurai & Ninja Experiences in Japan

31 tours  ·  from $20 a head

Armour you can wear, a sword you can swing and a throwing star you will miss with. The 15 below separate the serious martial arts sessions from the costume photo shoots, with prices, group sizes and how much of it is hands-on.

Tokyo: Samurai Restaurant Show Ticket with 2 Drinks - Arriving in Kabukicho and entering the venue
Dining Experiences, Samurai & Ninja Experiences, Samurai and Ninja Experiences in Tokyo, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo: Samurai Restaurant Show Ticket with 2 Drinks

1.Samurai Restaurant Show Ticket with 2 Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,307 reviews · 1h 30m · from $55Our pick

In Kabukicho, take your seat inside Tokyo’s lavish Samurai Restaurant for a loud, colorful stage show featuring samurai, ninjas, dancers, elaborate costumes, neon effects, and live-style musical energy. Your ticket includes two alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. The venue is 18-plus, food is extra, and late arrivals wait until intermission.

“the show was a lot of fun and the perfirmers and staff all looked really happt to put on the show”

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Kyoto Samurai Experience - Changing into a kimono before the lesson
Samurai & Ninja Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto Samurai Experience

2.Kyoto Samurai Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,294 reviews · from $119Top rated

Spend about 1 hour 45 minutes learning samurai customs, Bushido, Zen meditation, and basic swordsmanship in a traditional Kyoto house. You’ll change into a kimono, handle a martial arts training sword, and work with an expert instructor in a small group of up to 14. Morning and afternoon sessions are available.

“Fun opportunity to learn a bit about samurai history! I enjoyed the history of the house, getting to wear traditional clothing, meditation practice, and of course trying my hand at a proper katana strike! Definitely a unique experience.”

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Tokyo: Samurai Ninja Museum Guided tour and Experience - Armor, helmets, and swords up close
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Tokyo: Samurai Ninja Museum Guided tour and Experience

3.Samurai Ninja Museum Guided tour and Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,010 reviews · from $27

Spend about an hour learning about samurai and ninjas with an English-speaking guide such as Kenny, Nami, or Shin. See armor, helmets, and swords, throw ninja stars, then dress as a samurai, wear a real helmet, and hold a metal sword. The format suits families, teens, and first-time visitors.

“An enthusiastic guide makes a tour worthwhile and this one didn’t disappoint. Great history lesson done in a fun way.”

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Kyoto: Kendo and Samurai Experience with Uniform and Gear - Changing into the uniform
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Kyoto: Kendo and Samurai Experience with Uniform and Gear

4.Kendo and Samurai Experience with Uniform and Gear

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

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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Kyoto: Samurai Sword Class by Experts in Traditional Arts - Meeting the instructor at Samurai Kembu Theater
Samurai & Ninja Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Samurai Sword Class by Experts in Traditional Arts

5.Samurai Sword Class by Experts in Traditional Arts

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 657 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $64

At Samurai Kembu Theater in Higashiyama, an English-speaking instructor such as Kazu, Hoga, or Kashin guides you through samurai etiquette, safe katana handling, and simple Kenbu choreography. You will dress in traditional clothing, pose for photos, watch a short performance, and receive a certificate. Small groups are limited to 10 people.

“What a variety of activities! Hands on learning, practising, dressing in traditional costume and a kendu display - fabulous experience. Highly recommended”

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Skip the lines Basic Ticket at SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM KYOTO - Swords, armor, and a recreated samurai home
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Skip the lines Basic Ticket at SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM KYOTO

6.Skip the lines Basic Ticket at SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM KYOTO

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 632 reviews · from $28

Meet your guide at Kyoto’s Samurai Ninja Museum for a brisk, family-friendly introduction to samurai and ninja life. You’ll see swords, armor, weapons, and a samurai house recreation, then try on costume pieces, pose with replica swords, and throw ninja stars. Guides such as Nobu, Raito, Naromi, and Saku are known for lively explanations.

“Fun short tour of samurai and ninja history, kids loved throwing stars and dressing in samurai gear at the end of the tour. Takes about an hour.”

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Tokyo: Samurai Sword & Archery Class from Samurai Descendant - Changing into training clothes
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Tokyo: Samurai Sword & Archery Class from Samurai Descendant

7.Samurai Sword & Archery Class from Samurai Descendant

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

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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Samurai Training Experience KENDO in Osaka - The first lesson: history, manners, and basic form
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Samurai Training Experience KENDO in Osaka

8.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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Ninja 1-hour Hands-on Lesson by Japanese master in Kyoto -Entry - Explore the trick-house doors and traps
1-Hour Experiences, Samurai & Ninja Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Ninja 1-hour Hands-on Lesson by Japanese master in Kyoto -Entry

9.Ninja 1-hour Hands-on Lesson by Japanese master in Kyoto -Entry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 489 reviews · from $80

Spend one hour in a Kyoto dojo learning ninja breathing, walking, meditation, sword handling, kunai, shuriken, and blowgun skills. An English-speaking Japanese instructor, including guides such as Sho or Jack, leads a maximum of six people. Ninja clothing rental and hands-on practice are included.

“Fantastic experience! Our tour guide was Sho and he was awesome. He was an expert on ninja history and we learnt so much. His communication was very easy to understand, he had a great sense of humour and we enjoyed practising all the manoeuvres and throwing various objects at the targets. Highly recommend this experience.”

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Kyoto: Ninja Weapon Forging Experience - Changing into samue sets the mood
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Kyoto: Ninja Weapon Forging Experience

10.Ninja Weapon Forging Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 478 reviews · 2h 30m · from $148

At Studio NIN near Hieizanguchi Station, English-speaking instructors including Taka guide you through forging a steel shuriken or kunai. You wear samue, hammer heated metal, shape it with a belt sander, choose kanji for engraving, blacken and polish the piece, then pack it in a presentation box. Kunai cost an extra ¥3,000.

“The experience is something that anyone visiting Kyoto or even Japan in general, it will be an experience they will never forget. All the instructors were professional and knowledgeable on all the techniques and history of the ninja blacksmithing process. They were funny and enjoy and engaging. I will never forget this experience and if I ever come back to Japan, it would be one that I would do again and bring friends.”

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Best Samurai Experience in Tokyo - Choosing a kimono and hakama
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Best Samurai Experience in Tokyo

11.Best Samurai Experience in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 458 reviews · from $65

At Samurai Theater Tokyo, you choose a kimono and hakama, dress as a samurai, and learn safe beginner sword movements from instructors who have appeared in Japanese films and dramas. You will practice drawing, holding, swinging, and returning a sword before performing a short choreographed battle. Photos and videos are allowed.

“Truly epic experience. This teaches you how to survive swordfight. No jokes. If you plan in travelling to edo era (time wise), you'll be prepared. Hohoho”

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Ninja Experience (Family Friendly) at Samurai Ninja Museum TOKYO - Key Points at a Glance
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Ninja Experience (Family Friendly) at Samurai Ninja Museum TOKYO

12.Ninja Experience (Family Friendly) at Samurai Ninja Museum TOKYO

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 441 reviews · from $47

At Samurai Ninja Museum Asakusa Tokyo, you will dress in ninja clothing, learn about Japanese weapons and covert missions, practice with ninja stars and other training tools, pose for photos, and join a treasure hunt. The 75-minute activity suits families with children aged 3 and older. Staff lead the experience in an entertaining, hands-on format.

“So much fun! We had an absolute blast dressing up and learning how to use Japanese Ninja weapons. We highly recommend adding this to your Kyoto trip”

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Kyoto: Samurai Kenbu Traditional Sword Dancing Show - The English introduction sets the tone
Samurai & Ninja Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Samurai Kenbu Traditional Sword Dancing Show

13.Samurai Kenbu Traditional Sword Dancing Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 426 reviews · 1 hour · from $32

At Kyoto’s Samurai Kenbu Theater, an English-speaking instructor introduces you to Kenbu, the samurai art of sword dancing. Watch traditional and modern performances based on poems and historical tales, then try drawing, holding, and swinging a katana under instruction. The show lasts one hour and includes time for photographs afterward.

“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 !”

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Tokyo: Samurai Entertainment Night Show in Kanda Shrine - The 7:00 to 8:15 PM food and drink period
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Tokyo: Samurai Entertainment Night Show in Kanda Shrine

14.Samurai Entertainment Night Show in Kanda Shrine

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 417 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $41

Meet at The Show restaurant in Kanda-Myojin Bunka-Koryu-kan, beneath Kanda Myojin Shrine. Enjoy drinks and optional Japanese hot pot before a 60-minute performance about Taira no Masakado, mixing swordplay, dance, music, costumes, and modern lighting. Afterward, chat with the cast and take photos together. The show suits families, solo visitors, and anyone curious about Japanese folklore.

“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).”

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Tokyo Sword Experience - includes Museum Ticket/Ninja Experience - Learning Iaido with a replica sword
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Tokyo Sword Experience – includes Museum Ticket/Ninja Experience

15.Tokyo Sword Experience – includes Museum Ticket/Ninja Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 314 reviews · from $84

At the Samurai Ninja Museum in Asakusa, you’ll wear a hakama, learn basic Iaido movements with a replica sword, pose for photos, and join a controlled sword exercise. Guides such as Ryo, Ren, Leon, Koki, and Akira may lead the history, costume, and martial arts portions. The museum and ninja activities add time and variety.

“Think they could do with making the groups smaller, trying to take photos was difficult as there was people everywhere. Especially on the first dress up part. You don't use real swords, but the practice was fun regardless, the museum part, probably not the best for children as it's a lot of talking and no interactive displays.”

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New in Samurai & Ninja Experiences

★ 5.0Ninja Experience in Takayama – Basic CourseFrom $3662 reviews
★ 4.5A Modern Samurai, Kabuki, Taiko, & Dance ShowFrom $1966 reviews
★ 5.0Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai ExperienceFrom $8869 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and GeishaFrom $15168 reviews
★ 5.0Knife Making Experience in Samurai Sword TownFrom $31629 reviews
★ 5.0Seki: Samurai Knife Making Experience at the Knife MuseumFrom $32261 reviews
★ 5.0Samurai Training Experience KENDO in OsakaFrom $127111 reviews
★ 4.6Ninja Experience in Takayama – Basic CourseFrom $3559 reviews
★ 5.0Try Mindful Calligraphy Near Kanazawa’s Ninja TempleFrom $4450 reviews
★ 4.9Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha Full-Day TourFrom $15675 reviews

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