Japan · SAMURAI & NINJA EXPERIENCES IN TOKYO
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 samurai & ninja experiences in Tokyo worth the yen, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
See Tokyo’s neon samurai show in Shinjuku with 2 drinks included. A loud, high-energy production inside a pricey-looking theater.
“the show was a lot of fun and the perfirmers and staff all looked really happt to put on the show”
Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo guided tour with shuriken throwing, samurai dress-up, and real armor exhibits for about an hour.
“We had such a fantastic time visiting the Samurai Museum with Ken (I think!) as our guide. The visit was super engaging and fun for the kids — they were captivated from start to finish — and we adults also learned a lot along the way. The format was just right: not too short, not too long, and really well balanced. Even though we were part of a big group, Ken managed it perfectly so that everyone felt included and comfortable. Highly recommended!”
Train in Tokyo with Yoshioki Sumida: Iai sword basics, sparring cuts, blade-line checks, and horseback archery from a real dojo. 3 hours.
“This was an unforgettable and truly authentic experience. Sensei Sumida-san was patient, knowledgeable, and deeply passionate about samurai culture. He guided us through the history, philosophy, and sword techniques with great care, making every moment meaningful. Watching his demonstration at the end was mesmerizing — precise, graceful, and full of spirit.”
Dress in kimono and hakama, learn safe katana basics, then take part in a choreographed chambara fight in an Edo-style Tokyo dojo.
“These folks were fantastic. The hands-on experience was more than I thought it would be and felt like actually learned during the experience. I would recommend this in a heartbeat (we had a family of 4 with 2 kids) - they even gave the kids a gift at the end - so kind!”
Dress as a ninja at Samurai Ninja Museum Asakusa, practice throwing star weapons, do a treasure hunt, and get a photo shoot.
“excellent activity overall but were grouped with another family with 4 kids who overpowered our own child and despite not payign themselves were still involved. it took away from our experience think each group if children should have mandated number of paid adults as this detracted from our own experience”
Samurai entertainment at Tokyo’s Kanda Myojin Shrine with drinks, optional hot pot, swordplay, and a meet-the-cast photo time.
“Absolutely beautiful, had an amazing time . Beautiful story line”
Asakusa hands-on samurai sword and ninja museum ticket, hakama dressing, Iaido practice, and shuriken fun with a safe replica blade.
“So much fun and the museum part was very interesting. Woyld definately recommend this experience. Everyone was very helpful.”
A 2-hour Samurai Ninja Museum Asakusa visit with katana basics, hakama and armor, shuriken practice, museum stops, and photo scenes.
“A very interesting experience from the history of the samurai and the ninja, to the katana practice”
Tokyo hands-on class: Kuji-In ninja meditation, shuriken and blowgun practice, plus samurai sword drawing in a small group.
“Awesome experience, location took time to discover but it was worthwhile for an engaging activity. Thank you for the memories..”
Hands-on katana practice, samurai armor photo moments, and ninja star throwing at Samurai Museum Tokyo in Asakusa.
“Love the experience, everyone was professional and understanding, the teacher was patient and the sword fighting outstanding”
Train with samurai sword forms and archery at a Machida dojo near Tokyo, led by Yoshioki Sumida, with hands-on iai, sparring, and test cutting.
“I highly recommend the Bizenkai Samarai class Sumida sensei offers a multi-faceted holistic approach to teaching Japanese swordsmanship. It is truly a mind body & spiritual experience. The class was one of the most informative, engaging and enjoyable classes that I have attended. The class content exactly matches the class overview mentioned in the advertisement. The mock duel to practise moves of offence and defence was particularly fun. Sensei is a very disciplined, skilled and thorough master of swords, but more than that he is a personable and passionate teacher and cultural ambassador. It was an honour to be a part of his class.”
Train in authentic Tokyo kendo with armor provided, English instruction, and tournament-style sparring, plus a towel and water.
“Such a great experience! I didn't know anything about Kendo prior to this. The teaching was great. Actual dojo students were there and it was fun to watch them & learn how they move. The Sensei was very nice & easy to understand. Definitely recommend!! (Make sure you drink water and are hydrated before you go. The gear is heavy fabric and gets pretty warm. You do get a water break in between though. If you have bad knees like me, make sure to tell the Sensei so you can skip anything that hurts your knees like kneeling.)”
Try Tokyo kendo in a small group, wear full armor, learn basics like men kote do, and practice safe, game-like sparring in 2 hours.
“Overall very fun and educational. Only criticism is some family members thought the instructor was too rough, such as strikes to the helmet.”
Learn Bushido through Kendo in a real Tokyo dojo with English-speaking Daichi. Small group, rental gear, photos, and a match at the end.
“Very informative. Very involved. Very interesting and fun. It was amazing to watch these guys do the samurai training and to actually be involved in the training”
Suit up in samurai armor in Shibuya, pose with katana and yari, learn the stories behind the pieces, and take home photos on an SD card.
“This was a great experience which I highly recommend!!! My son and brother wanted to do this experience and they were not disappointed it exceeded all our expectations and more. The photos came out gorgeous!!!”
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