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The short list
Ratings and review counts are those shown on GetYourGuide.
Samurai sword lesson and museum tour in Asakusa
★ 4.8 · 566 reviews on GetYourGuide
The easy option in a sightseeing area. You wear a hakama, learn to handle a katana with a blunt practice blade, then try on armor for photos on a guided museum tour.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Reserve now, pay later
- Hakama, armor and photos included
Samurai sword and archery with a master swordsman
★ 5.0 · 682 reviews on GetYourGuide
The serious option. In a working dojo you draw and cut with a practice sword, spar with training swords and shoot a traditional bow, taught in English.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Reserve now, pay later
- Training clothes and practice sword included
Samurai kendo practice experience
★ 4.8 · 118 reviews on GetYourGuide
Put on full kendo armor and strike with a bamboo sword under an instructor. Small groups of up to six.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Reserve now, pay later
- Armor and equipment rental included
Side by side
| Asakusa sword lesson | Master swordsman | Kendo practice | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 2 hours | 3 hours | 2 hours |
| From | $78 | $189 | $113 |
| Rating | 4.8 (566) | 5.0 (682) | 4.8 (118) |
| Where | Asakusa | Machida, about 10 minutes on foot from JR Machida Station | 10–12 minutes from JR Uguisudani Station |
| You do | Katana handling, armor photos, museum tour | Sword drawing and cutting, sparring, archery | Full armor, bamboo sword strikes |
| Best for | First-timers, tight schedules | Enthusiasts who want real training | People who want contact and armor |
How to choose in one minute
- Half a day free and a real interest in swords: the master swordsman class in Machida. It is outside central Tokyo, so allow travel time.
- Two hours between sights: the Asakusa lesson. It is in a sightseeing district.
- You want to hit something: kendo.
- Children under 10: the Asakusa sword lesson does not admit them. See family options.
Quick answers
What is the best samurai experience in Tokyo?
For most first-time visitors, a two-hour sword lesson in Asakusa is the easiest fit. For serious training, the three-hour class with a master swordsman in Machida is rated 5.0 from 682 reviews on GetYourGuide.
How much does a samurai experience in Tokyo cost?
The options on this page start from about $23 for a one-hour museum tour, $78 for a two-hour sword lesson, $113 for kendo and $189 for a three-hour class with a master swordsman.
Are the swords real?
The Asakusa lesson uses blunt practice blades made of a zinc-aluminum alloy. Other classes use practice swords or bamboo swords. Check each booking page for details.
Disclosure. This site is independent and not affiliated with any dojo, museum or tour operator. Some links on this site are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Ratings and review counts are those shown on GetYourGuide on November 13, 2026. Always confirm prices, age limits and rules on the booking page.