The 9 Martial Arts Experiences in Tokyo That Need Booking Ahead

1.Samurai Sword & Archery Class from Samurai Descendant

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 603 reviews · 3 hours · from $193Our pick

Train in swordsmanship and Japanese horseback archery with a samurai descendant at a real Tokyo-area dojo. Hands-on, demanding, and deeply memorable.

“This is by far one of my favorite experiences I have done, in Japan and in general! I love martial arts, and learning from a true samurai descendant seemed like an amazing opportunity. Though it was a bit expensive, my boyfriend and I are so glad we did it! We are from the US, and our Japanese is not great, but he spoke basic English for us, and always made sure we understood what was going on. He explained things in detail, gave examples, and helped us correct things kindly. He was exact about what needed to be done for safety and proper form, but never harsh. In general, you…”

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2.Samurai sword and archery class from a samurai descendant

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 121 reviews · from $198

Train with samurai descendant Yoshioki Sumida near Tokyo, learning sword forms, sparring, target cutting, and traditional archery in 2.5 hours.

“Highly recommend very good experience and fun to do you learn how to cut with a true samurai sword .”

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3.Tokyo 2-Hour Genuine Samurai Experience: Kendo in Japan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 112 reviews · from $119

Try authentic kendo in Tokyo with expert instruction, full armor, samurai culture, and a friendly tournament-style match.

“Best experience in Japan! You won't be disappointed in fact you'll want to join a Samurai dojo in your city. The instructor is super skillful and knowledgeable. Don't be shy everyone can do it 🙏🏼”

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4.Samurai Kendo Practice Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 102 reviews · 2 hours · from $116

Train in Tokyo with a kendo sensei, wear full armor, learn sword techniques, and try light sparring in a small, hands-on dojo session.

“It was a great time learning about Kendo as well as its techniques. We had a very enjoyable time and appreciated the chance to apply what we had learnt in a light spar.”

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5.Samurai Experience – Learn Bushido through Kendo, in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews · from $132

Train in a Tokyo dojo with Kendo Spirit, learn kendo from Daichi, wear the uniform, and test your skills in a focused two-hour samurai experience.

“The experience was amazing. I not only learned about the kendo sport but also the history and the culture behind it. The battle at the end was exciting. I am thinking about taking kendo lessons when I get home”

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6.Japanese Archery (Kyudo) Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · 2h 30m · from $122

Learn authentic Kyudo in Tokyo at a real competition hall, with traditional clothing, expert instruction, and dozens of practice shots.

“It was everything I imagined and more! Our instructor was great and I genuinely wanted to learn more about kyodo! Thank you so much!”

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7.Samurai Experience – Learn Bushido through Kendo, in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 2 hours · from $103

Learn Bushido through Kendo near Tokyo Station with English-speaking instructors, hands-on practice, armor, sparring, and a samurai demonstration.

“Fun! The instructors were focused on providing genuine knowledge of the budo, rather than settling for a “tourist experience.” Would highly recommend.”

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8.Karate Experience with Former All-Japan Champion

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 46 reviews · 1 hour - 90 minutes · from $58Best value

Train with former All-Japan champion Ryo in Tokyo. Learn karate basics, manners, pads, and non-contact sparring in a friendly class.

“It was a total Karate experience!, if you like Martial Arts, definitely you cannot miss it at your stay in Japan. Ryo is always aware of your movements and kindly corrects you if necessary. For sure one of my best moments in Japan!”

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9.Authentic Kyudo Japanese Archery Experience in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 43 reviews · from $126

Learn traditional kyudo in Tokyo with a small-group lesson, uniform, hands-on shooting, and patient instruction for $125.50.

“The meeting place was very easy to find. Once getting to the range we were given what I think is a uwagi to change into. The sensi is very good at getting across the style of archery that Kyudo is. Which is very different to the standard one I did once upon a time in England. As well as providing any needed adjustments to enable your arrow to fly. the experience is well paced as he slowly moves you away from targets.”

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