
Katana Shopping with Professional Guidance in Kyoto
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Katana Shopping with Professional Guidance in Kyoto worth booking?
Katana Shopping with Professional Guidance in Kyoto is a 1-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $10000 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (19)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $10000 per person
Unlike typical sword shops, this shopping experience offers direct access to a dojo where real Kenjutsu is practiced and taught. You’ll be guided by a martial arts expert and assisted by Let's ask Shogo, a popular YouT
What you get
- Independent Guide
- Bottled water
About this experience
Unlike typical sword shops, this shopping experience offers direct access to a dojo where real Kenjutsu is practiced and taught. You’ll be guided by a martial arts expert and assisted by Let's ask Shogo, a popular YouTuber with over 1.8 million followers and 10+ years of Iai (katana budo) experience. The katana you’ll see are hand-selected by a master—some crafted over 600 years ago. Whether you’re a collector, martial artist, or simply fascinated by samurai culture, this is a rare chance to discover a katana with true soul and history. Upon confirmation of your booking, we will send you crucial details about the experience. A reply is strictly required. *This experience is strictly intended for those who are seriously considering purchasing a Japanese katana. Please do not book a session if your only purpose is to meet Shogo or simply to look at katanas.
What's included
Included
- Independent Guide
- Bottled water
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
The entrance to the venue is located down the spiral staircase next to “Red Rock Kyoto Rokkaku Street.” At the top of the stairs, you’ll see a blue gate, and at your feet, there’s a mat that says “Samurai Training.”
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The entrance to the venue is located down the spiral staircase next to “Red Rock Kyoto Rokkaku Street.” At the top of the stairs, you’ll see a blue gate, and at your feet, there’s a mat that says “Samurai Training.”
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Let's ask Shogo
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
19 verified traveler reviews for Katana Shopping with Professional Guidance in Kyoto. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Dream Vacation
Shogo and Yushin Sensei were amazing. They welcomed me and my family for an amazing experience. It was overwhelming making a dream come true. I'll never forget this incredible day. My 10 yr old son was there to help me pick out the Katana. It will be a family heirloom for generations. I love Japan and it's people all the way from Texas. - José
via Tripadvisor
Great time! Nice people!
Shogo and the head of the dojo found 5 possible katana that met my exact criteria! It was a very pleasant dojo and I found my right katana! All the dojo staff were very nice and mostly spoke either good English or enough to communicate easy! Thank you for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime!
via Tripadvisor
Trustworthy and professional Katana experts
I have always wanted a katana and happened to come across Shogo’s instagram page. Upon getting in contact with him I knew he was sincere and genuine in his quest to help people find authentic katana. When I arrived to the dojo I was greeted warmly and felt very comfortable with the entire staff, they were all very friendly and professional. I was given a choice of 5 katana to look at and was advised on all things concerning them. They answered my questions with sincerity and were not at all on a mission to sell but a mission to inform and help me find the katana that best suited me. I quickly found the katana that seemed destined for me and was very happy to find it. I would recommend Shogo to anyone who aspires to find a katana, new or vintage, he’s the guy to go with. I’m glad for the amazing experience and would definitely go back if I ever desire another katana.
via Tripadvisor
Katana purchasing with Shogo and Yushin Sensei
Shogo and Yushin Sensei provided an amazing experience for me. They were more than cordial, and insightful, in helping me find my katana. Or as they would say, the katana finding me! Thanks again!!!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Katana experience that I will remember forever.
I booked a meeting with Shogo and Yushin Sensei to discuss purchasing an authentic Japanese Katana, a lifelong dream of mine. As such, I was as nervous and excited as a wide-eyed child. As an American person, I was concerned about proper etiquette and acting appropriately in a situation I was unfamiliar with. I was aware that Katana are precious works of art that require reverence and respect. I did not want to be rude or insensitive in any way. My concerns diminished as soon as the door opened when I was met by 2 of the most welcoming and genuine people that I have known. Shogo and Yushin Sensei created a perfect blend of ceremony and levity to ensure that I could remain comfortable enough to ask uninformed questions and still be in awe of the amazing treasures that I was honored to be allowed to hold. I am very pleased with the Katana that ultimately chose me and would recommend this experience to anyone who is searching for a meaningful sword buying adventure. I do not possess the words in English or Japanese to express my gratitude. I hope very much to return soon.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 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
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Katana Shopping with Professional Guidance in Kyoto: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Katana Shopping with Professional Guidance in Kyoto cost?
+
Prices start at $10000 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 Katana Shopping with Professional Guidance in Kyoto take?
+
Plan for about 1 hour 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 Katana Shopping with Professional Guidance in Kyoto worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 19 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 Katana Shopping with Professional Guidance in Kyoto?
+
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 Katana Shopping with Professional Guidance in Kyoto suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Katana Shopping with Professional Guidance in Kyoto?
+
Around 7 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 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Katana Shopping with Professional Guidance 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 : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion, Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens, 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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Katana Shopping with Professional Guidance in Kyoto.
Pick your date




