Japan · SAMURAI & NINJA EXPERIENCES
The 15 best samurai & ninja experiences you can book right now, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
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”
Practice sword basics in a Kyoto samurai house, wear a kimono, learn Bushido and Zen, and leave with photos and calm in 1 hour 45.
“It was great experience we really enjoy it The crew were very nice and they really try to explain everything”
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!”
Kyoto kendo and samurai workshop in a 120-year-old machiya, with full uniform, safe sword training, and instructor photos in 2 hours.
“This is an unbelievable experience! It’s not pretend; it’s the real, authentic experience! We spent as a family outside in the courtyard as the snow was starting to fall. We felt like we were in a movie scene. If you love learning about culture and experiencing the real samurai, this is the trip to book!”
Learn Kyoto Kenbu in a small group, from bowing and katana draw drills to costume photos and a short sword dance performance.
“The activity was amazing! Everyone that worked there was so friendly. Dressing up and getting to use the samurai swords was a great experience. The main guide that showed us how to use the swords was also hilarious which made the experience even better! Would DEFINITELY recommend!”
Skip-the-line Samurai Ninja Museum Kyoto tour with armor trials, shuriken throwing, and sword photos, guided in about an hour.
“Our tour ( I forgot his name)guide did an amazing explanation about the history of Ninja. His good he knows what his doing. Fun experience.”
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.”
Try beginner Kendo in Osaka with real armor, an English lesson in a traditional dojo, and digital photos and videos included.
“Woww.... what a great experience. If there wher 10 stars I would give it. I came with my daughter 12y. We arrived to a cool authentic dojo. Everything was shiny clean. We learned a little about KenDo history and then move to practice. Every thing was adapted to the level with a friendly but very professional attitude. We started slowly and then moved to dry practice and with full body armor. We learned technics and try actual sparing. Toshi san and Kumiko were great and professional. We enjoyed so much. Thanks for a life experience.”
A 1-hour Kyoto dojo ninja class for beginners, with small-group training, stealth basics, and safe practice with sword, kunai, shuriken, and darts.
“This was an amazing experience fir my son, wife and I. The ninja master/instructor was excellent and also spoke very good English. It’s a great way to experience a bit of history of Japan while learning a few ninja’s skills.”
Forge a real-steel ninja shuriken or kunai in Kyoto. Wear traditional gear, engrave kanji, blacken, and take it home.
“my family got so involved in the whole process, thank you for a great experience”
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”
Watch Kyoto Kenbu sword dance with English samurai storytelling, then try a short katana lesson and optional fan moves in 1 hour.
“A great learning experience about Samurai and entertaining performance.”
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.”
Keep browsing
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
