
Kendo and samurai experience in Kyoto
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 65 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kendo and samurai experience in Kyoto worth booking?
Kendo and samurai experience in Kyoto is a 2-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $102 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 65 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (65)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $102 per person
Discover a side of Japan that few travelers experience. This samurai sword experience in Kyoto offers a unique blend of cultural tradition and martial arts practice. Wear authentic training gear, learn the basics of kend
What you get
About this experience
Discover a side of Japan that few travelers experience. This samurai sword experience in Kyoto offers a unique blend of cultural tradition and martial arts practice. Wear authentic training gear, learn the basics of kendo, and handle safe, realistic swords in a setting inspired by real samurai training. Led by an experienced instructor who have , this hands-on activity is designed for all skill levels. It provides an exciting and respectful way to connect with Japanese history and samurai culture. A memorable experience that goes beyond sightseeing and brings tradition to life.
What's included
Included
- Kendo uniform and equipment
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
〒606-8037 Kyoto City, Sakyo Ward, Shugakuin Daidocho 16 15 minutes walk from Shugakuin Station. When you enter the narrow path, you will see a large gate. If you don't understand, please contact us.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
〒606-8037 Kyoto City, Sakyo Ward, Shugakuin Daidocho 16 15 minutes walk from Shugakuin Station. When you enter the narrow path, you will see a large gate. If you don't understand, please contact us.
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Atelier NIN
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 65 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
65 verified traveler reviews for Kendo and samurai experience in Kyoto. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful
We thoroughly enjoyed learning about samurai history and experiencing the Kendo training in an authentic space. Thank you!
via Viator
Fun Samurai experience
Fun introduction to kento/samurai. A interactive lesson to understand the fundamentals. Young and nit so young had a great time
via Viator
We loved it!
It is very educational and interactive! We learned samurai history, how to use a sword and how to do moves in Kendo! We got to “fight”, and take a bunch of pictures and videos.
via Viator
Kendo Experience
Had an amazing experience. I would recommend anyone to do it who is travelling to Kyoto. Taka and Hana were great!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience.
Taka, the trainer, was fantastic. Great experience! If you come to Lyoto, don’t miss this. Very worth while.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $102 to $16000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 23
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kendo and samurai experience in Kyoto: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Kendo and samurai experience in Kyoto cost?
+
Prices start at $102 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 Kendo and samurai experience 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 Kendo and samurai experience in Kyoto worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 65 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 Kendo and samurai experience 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 Kendo and samurai experience 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 Kendo and samurai experience in Kyoto?
+
Around 23 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 Kendo and samurai experience 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 : Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option, Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto, Hidden Kyoto E-Biking 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 Kendo and samurai experience in Kyoto.
Pick your date







