Experience Kendo in Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan

Experience Kendo in Kyoto

Outty Ranking 45 5.0 · 2 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $246
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

45/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Experience Kendo in Kyoto worth booking?

Experience Kendo in Kyoto is a 2-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $246 per person. It scores 45 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
45 / 100
Rating
5/5 (2)
Duration
2 hours
From
$246 per person

Tomoyoshi, the instructor, will give you a short lecture on how the ancient swordsmanship of Samurai developed into Kendo. He will share the heroic stories of ancient Samurai including his great-grandfather, Yoshishige Hayashi. He will also share the controversial influence of Bushido values on this nation and his family into extremism, especially during the period of WW2. He will end his story on how redemption came and led him to the current inner peace and the life of a pacifist. After the lecture, you will wear the full Kendo armor and learn the basic Kendo movements. In the end, you will get to do a Kendo match with each other. Upon completing the workshop, you will receive a beautifully designed “Certificate of Experience”. If the date you want isn't available, please contact us to inquire about availability.

What you get

    About this experience

    Tomoyoshi, the instructor, will give you a short lecture on how the ancient swordsmanship of Samurai developed into Kendo. He will share the heroic stories of ancient Samurai including his great-grandfather, Yoshishige Hayashi. He will also share the controversial influence of Bushido values on this nation and his family into extremism, especially during the period of WW2. He will end his story on how redemption came and led him to the current inner peace and the life of a pacifist. After the lecture, you will wear the full Kendo armor and learn the basic Kendo movements. In the end, you will get to do a Kendo match with each other. Upon completing the workshop, you will receive a beautifully designed “Certificate of Experience”. If the date you want isn't available, please contact us to inquire about availability.

    What's included

    Included

    • Kendo Equipment

    Not included

    • Transportation fee

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Kyoto

    5-minute walking distance from the bus station "Higashiyama Nijo Okazaki Koenguchi". Located next to Kyoto City Zoo. Please make sure to arrive at the venue 30 MINUTES before the workshop starting time.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    5-minute walking distance from the bus station "Higashiyama Nijo Okazaki Koenguchi". Located next to Kyoto City Zoo. Please make sure to arrive at the venue 30 MINUTES before the workshop starting time.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon
    Group size
    Up to 7 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    株式会社Honey J コーポレーション

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Please note that due to the summer heat/humidity and to ensure the comfort of our guests, the location (Former Budoku hall) may be changed to an air-conditioned dojo.

    Photos

    Experience Kendo in Kyoto, photo 2Experience Kendo in Kyoto, photo 3Experience Kendo in Kyoto, photo 4Experience Kendo in Kyoto, photo 5Experience Kendo in Kyoto, photo 6Experience Kendo in Kyoto, photo 7

    Traveler reviews

    2 verified traveler reviews for Experience Kendo in Kyoto. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    2
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Jeff_D · May 2024

    Great Kendo, Great History, and Great instructors!

    Sensei "Tomo" and his wife were great teachers. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone interested in learning a little more about Traditional Japan as well as martial arts. It is introductory level and beginner friendly, but you will get a chance to suit up with the traditional kendo gear and lightly spar with your partner. The sensei and his wife were very friendly, spoke english, accommodated all skill levels, and seemed genuinely interested in those participating. They took pictures for us without asking. They inquired about how our trip was going so far in Japan, and even gave further recommendations. The kendo experience began with an in depth education and background into the history of not only Kendo, but Japan, and the dojo the session took place in. After some background, we were shown proper attire and how to suit up, then went through basic katas and moves of kendo, and finally wrapped up with some light practice or sparring (if people chose to participate). Overall the experience was wonderful and everyone involved in my session seemed to leave with a smile.

    via Viator

    Antone_P · May 2024

    Yamanaka Sensei’s Kendo (True Kendo)

    After training on my own for a while in the woods, I dropped everything and went to Kyoto to finally find a spar. This experience allowed me to have that spar, being able to stretch beyond your limits is what pushes human progression.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon
    Price range
    $246 to $38,000
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by 株式会社Honey J コーポレーション, who run 33 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.9.

    See everything 株式会社Honey J コーポレーション runs

    Why this scores 45

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)15
    Booking momentum (14% weight)11
    Value for money (12% weight)6
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)52
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Experience Kendo in Kyoto: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.

    How much does Experience Kendo in Kyoto cost?

    +

    Prices start at $246 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 Experience Kendo in Kyoto take?

    +

    Plan for about 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 Experience Kendo in Kyoto worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 45 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable family friendly in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Experience Kendo in Kyoto?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Experience Kendo in Kyoto suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Experience Kendo in Kyoto?

    +

    Around 1 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?

    +

    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 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Experience Kendo in Kyoto start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Experience Kendo in Kyoto?

    +

    Included: Kendo Equipment. Not included: Transportation fee. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Experience Kendo in Kyoto?

    +

    5-minute walking distance from the bus station "Higashiyama Nijo Okazaki Koenguchi". Located next to Kyoto City Zoo. Please make sure to arrive at the venue 30 MINUTES before the workshop starting time. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Experience Kendo in Kyoto offered in?

    +

    It runs in 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 Experience Kendo in Kyoto?

    +

    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.

    What happens to Experience Kendo in Kyoto if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kyoto. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Experience Kendo in Kyoto.

    Pick your date