Independent and unofficial. Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Last checked November 13, 2026.
The serious one: master swordsman in Machida
You change into training clothes at a dojo and work through sword drawing and test cutting with a practice sword, sparring with training swords, and archery with a traditional bow. The class also covers samurai history.
- Where: a dojo in Machida, Tokyo, about a 10-minute walk from JR Machida Station. This is not central Tokyo.
- Group size: up to 15 people.
- Before you book: you are asked for each participant's height and weight in advance.
- Age: the booking page gives two different age rules for children, so check it before booking for anyone under 18.
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
The easy one: Asakusa lesson and museum tour
You put on a hakama and learn to handle a katana. The swords are blunt practice blades. Afterwards you tour the Samurai Ninja Museum with a guide and try on armor and a helmet for photos.
- Where: the museum's Asakusa branch. The operator also has other branches, so go to the Asakusa one.
- Age: children under 10 cannot enter the sword lesson venue.
- Access: listed as wheelchair accessible.
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
Which should you pick?
| Machida master class | Asakusa lesson | |
|---|---|---|
| Time needed | 3 hours plus travel out of the centre | 2 hours in a sightseeing area |
| From | $189 | $78 |
| Depth | Cutting, sparring, archery | Katana handling, armor photos |
| Rating | 5.0 (682 reviews) | 4.8 (566 reviews) |
Quick answers
Can beginners take a samurai sword lesson in Tokyo?
Yes. Both classes on this page are taught in English and provide the clothing and practice sword.
Can children join a sword lesson?
Children under 10 cannot enter the Asakusa sword lesson venue. For the Machida class, check the age rule on the booking page.
How long is a samurai sword lesson?
Two hours for the Asakusa lesson and three hours for the master swordsman class in Machida.
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.