
Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 142 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor worth booking?
Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor is a 1.2-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from ¥19,800 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 142 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (142)
- Duration
- 1.2 hours
- From
- ¥19,800 per person
Myokaku-ji Temple, a historic main temple of the Nichiren sect once visited by the legendary warlord Oda Nobunaga, provides the majestic setting where GOAT Trip offers a truly unique samurai experience. Within its majestic grounds, learn authentic samurai sword fighting directly from an active samurai actor. Practice real sword techniques and be filmed by a professional actor, becoming the star of your own period drama. Even if you’re a bit shy or don’t usually like being in the spotlight, this experience welcomes you with a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of history while acting out a scene from a movie. Create unforgettable memories in Kyoto with this one-of-a-kind samurai experience.
What you get
About this experience
Myokaku-ji Temple, a historic main temple of the Nichiren sect once visited by the legendary warlord Oda Nobunaga, provides the majestic setting where GOAT Trip offers a truly unique samurai experience. Within its majestic grounds, learn authentic samurai sword fighting directly from an active samurai actor. Practice real sword techniques and be filmed by a professional actor, becoming the star of your own period drama. Even if you’re a bit shy or don’t usually like being in the spotlight, this experience welcomes you with a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of history while acting out a scene from a movie. Create unforgettable memories in Kyoto with this one-of-a-kind samurai experience.
What's included
Included
- Rental Costumes
- Indemnity insurance specified by us
- Photo Download Service
- Photography and video recording (with customer's camera)
Not included
- Transportation to and from the site
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
Please gather at the “Myokaku-ji Dojo” to the left after entering the main gate of Myokaku-ji Temple. *There are several temples named ”Myokaku-ji” in Kyoto City. If you are coming by taxi, please make sure to check the address in advance.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please gather at the “Myokaku-ji Dojo” to the left after entering the main gate of Myokaku-ji Temple. *There are several temples named ”Myokaku-ji” in Kyoto City. If you are coming by taxi, please make sure to check the address in advance.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- GOATtrip
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children under 6 years old are not allowed to participate.
- English audio guide provided.(Samurai are trying to study English.)
- Depending on the weather, it may not be taken in the precincts, but may be taken indoors (dojo).
- If you arrive late, you may not be allowed to participate, as it could inconvenience other guests.
- If any equipment, including swords or costumes, is damaged, you may be required to pay for the repairs.
Photos






Traveler reviews
137 verified traveler reviews for Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Samurai Training and Movie Experience
Great immersive experience in a quiet part of Kyoto. The two teachers were patient, encouraging and entertaining. We loved it!
via Viator
AMAZING
The actors were amazing. It was a lot of fun and the movie is legit cool!!
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic
Excellent in every regard. Recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review. Our team is delighted to hear that you had a great time at our Samurai Movie Star Experience. Plese do visit us again on your future trip back to Kyoto!
via Tripadvisor
A must do in Kyoto!
SO much fun! A great way to learn a little something about the history of samurai and get to live out a samurai fight scene. The teachers put everyone at ease and make it incredibly fun, and their cinematography skills make for an incredible final video to take home.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review. Our team is thrilled to hear that you had a great time. The video is something that makes us unique and special out of all of the other experiences in Kyoto, so we are vey happy to hear that you enjoyed it.
via Tripadvisor
A truly engaging samurai experience among others
First you learn samurai sword-wielding techniques, second you equip samurai attire, and then you combine it all into taking down an opponent in a thrilling recorded scene. Quite possibly the best kind of engaging samurai experience you can have. Definitely worth booking a session here, recommend 100%.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your wonderful review. Our team seek to provide one-of-a-kind samurai experience where you can truly feel the essence of our culture. Thank you again for choosing us out of all the experiences in Kyoto!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 50
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by GOATtrip, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.3.
See everything GOATtrip runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor cost?
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Prices start at ¥19,800 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor take?
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Plan for about 1.2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kyoto is not rushed.
Is Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 142 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor?
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Around 50 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kyoto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 1.2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kyoto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kyoto?
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On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night, Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion, Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor?
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Included: Rental Costumes; Indemnity insurance specified by us; Photo Download Service; and Photography and video recording (with customer's camera). Not included: Transportation to and from the site. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor?
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Please gather at the “Myokaku-ji Dojo” to the left after entering the main gate of Myokaku-ji Temple. *There are several temples named ”Myokaku-ji” in Kyoto City. If you are coming by taxi. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor offered in?
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It is offered in Japanese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kyoto. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
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