TOKYO
The Tokyo shortlist.
The 15 most popular samurai & ninja experiences in Tokyo right now. Here is what each one costs, how long it takes, and who actually runs it, so you can pick the one worth a day and book it.
Tokyo Samurai Ninja Museum guided tour with a real history lesson plus shuriken throwing and samurai dress-up, in English, for $27.
Most Popular“Nami our guide was fantastic and shared lots of information on samurai and ninjas and life in japan. throwing shiruken and dressing as a samurai was an added bonus.”
Real dojo training in Machida: iai sword cutting, gekken sparring, and traditional horseback-archery bow with Yoshioki Sumida (3 hrs)
“The entire experience was amazing. Sumida-Sensei was patient, thorough, captivating, interesting and he had tones of fun and witty humor. From handling the katana, to sparring to archery, while also learning about the entire construction of the sword and his history as a samurai descendant, made fo fascinating learning. From beginning to end, it was…”
Spend an evening at Tokyo’s Kanda Myojin Shrine with a samurai performance, dinner and drinks options, and photos with the cast afterward.
“Really nice cast who were very welcoming and put on a great show!”
Wear samurai armor and learn katana basics in Asakusa, then tour exhibits, pose for photos, and try ninja weapons in 2 hours.
“I am very happy with Sensei Ryo. He is very professional and polite in teaching the basics of sword lesson to a complete novice like me.”
Learn sword basics in a Tokyo dojo while wearing kimono and hakama, then join a safe chanbara fight and get photos for $63.
“The teachers and assistants were amazing. They taught us all the moves and we were all able to execute a mock sword fight with the master at the end. Lots of photo opportunities and even videos. If you like to dress up and pretend fight, must book!”
Train real kendo in Tokyo with a top English-speaking instructor, armor included, then test your strikes in a tournament-style game.
“Excellent experience in every way. Pickup at the train station was easy. The teachers were extremely knowledge. It was a memorable way to spend a few hours in Tokyo. It’s a short walk to shrines/food stalls so you can really make a day of it”
Suit up in full kendo armor in Tokyo and learn men, kote, do strikes with a pro instructor in a small group.
“Amazing chance to practice Kendo in Tokyo. My two pre-teens and I loved the workout and using the kendo armor and swords.”
Learn Bushido through kendo in Tokyo: bowing, sword basics, and armor sparring. Small group, gear and photos included.
“From the hands on experience to the history of kendo, you get everything you might want. I highly recommend this very gun and professional class”
Wear ninja gear, hunt for treasures, and practice shuriken and blowgun skills at the Samurai Ninja Museum Asakusa in Tokyo.
“This was cute. My 5 year old enjoyed it. I think it was a bit overpriced. Guide was great though.”
Samurai sword class in central Tokyo with Dai and Kume, wooden practice moves, close demos, and a photo keepsake.
“Dai and Kume were wonderful and kind instructors. They provided demonstrations and helpful tips, and they were generous in fixing an item that had broken for my friend. In the future, when I visit Japan again, I would definitely return for this samurai adventure.”
Dress as a ninja in Asakusa and train with shuriken, a blowgun, and a replica sword in 90 minutes, with one drink.
Guided Odawara Ninja & Samurai tour: walk the castle grounds, see authentic samurai gear, then train like a shinobi with shuriken and darts.
“This was great and definitely the highlight of our holiday. The guides and the ninja trainer were warm, friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful. They definitely made the experience. I would say to make sure you stop off in Odawara during your Japan trip and do this experience.”
Harajuku samurai training in 1 hour: kimono dressing, reigi sahou etiquette, sword moves, Tachimawari practice, and a photo shoot.
“It was fun and a different experience!”
A 90-minute samurai-themed neo-entertainment show in Shinjuku with a lunch box or 2 drinks, for about $102 per person.
“The musicians and performers were very talented. However, the second you walk in, you realize you fell for a tourist trap. It feels garish. Plus, it located in a shady, scam-filled area. Not saying that this business isn’t reputable. However, my whole time in Japan, whether we were served alcohol or not, this is the…”
Train in Edo-era **Tennen Rishin-ryu** at a real dojo in Hino, the Shinsengumi hometown, led by Masao Inoue. Handle a Japanese sword in a small group.
“I joint this amazing program. I experienced kenjutsu from the style of Shogun corps, Tennen Rishin Ryu. During training supervised by Master Inoue Genzaburo, the descendent of Shinsegumi. The program also guided with English by Yu MaRead more”
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