The 15 Martial Arts Experiences in Japan a First Trip Should Cover

1.Kendo and Samurai Experience with Uniform and Gear

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 815 reviews · 2 hours · from $103Our pick

Dress as a samurai, learn kendo, and practice sword techniques in a 120-year-old Kyoto machiya with an English-speaking instructor.

“Our family had a great time, learned a lot (and got some fun photos) at the kendo/samauri experience. The instructor was funny, kind and patient (especially with our autistic daughter who got a little extra help). He provided lots of great information about the history and cultural traditions behind Samurai culture, but not so much that we felt overloaded - the experience was well paced and everyone got plenty of time to practice and interact with the various weapons and armor we were learning about. Thank you so much!”

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2.Samurai Sword & Archery Class from Samurai Descendant

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 603 reviews · 3 hours · from $193Top rated

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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3.Samurai Training Experience KENDO in Osaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 515 reviews · from $131

Train in samurai armor at an authentic Osaka dojo, learn basic Kendo, spar safely, and take home photos and videos.

“Knowledgeable and friendly instructors who create a wonderful experience. Honestly, I wish I lived nearby so I could do it again.”

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4.Japanesel Archery Experience HIROSHIMA CASTLE SHARAKU

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 387 reviews · from $43

Try authentic kyudo at Hiroshima Castle with traditional dress, patient instruction, practice arrows, and a friendly small-group contest.

“I had a great time learning about and practicing Japanese Archery. It was important to follow the rules and this resulted in hitting the target on quite a few occasions. Would be a great hour spent solo or with family.”

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5.Traditional Japanese Archery Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 351 reviews · 1 hour · from $41

Try kyudo in Hiroshima with traditional dress, patient instruction, target shooting, and a small-group lesson near the Atomic Bomb Dome.

“very cool and interesting experience, staff were friendly and patient with us”

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6.Japanese Archery Workshop with Experienced Instructor

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 132 reviews · 1 hour · from $38Best value

Learn Kyudo in Kyoto with a sixth-grade teacher, small groups, hands-on coaching, and all equipment included for $38.

“It was super nice to get know to this sport! The teacher was really awesome, very patient, funny with it was great to learn! Also kyodo itself was worth to try! Definitely recommended! 😍😍”

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7.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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8.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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9.Samurai Training Experience KENDO in Osaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 111 reviews · 2 hours · from $127

Train in full Kendo armor at an Osaka dojo, learn Samurai traditions, spar with instructors, and take memorable photos in a two-hour class.

“Tashi was absolutely amazing — such a professional, and at the same time so kind, polite and respectful. From start to finish, we enjoyed every moment: the photo shoot, the clear explanations, wearing authentic armor, and especially the real training. It truly felt like we were practicing Kendo, not just participating in the activity for tourists. The two hours were full of fun, energy and laughter, but also gave us the feeling of a genuine workout and real martial arts training. We came away feeling sporty, inspired and with such great memories. Huge thanks to Tashi and his team for their attention and care in making this experience unforgettable. We…”

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10.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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11.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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12.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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13.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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14.Osaka 2-Hour Genuine Kendo / Samurai Experience In Japan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $119

Learn kendo in Osaka with an English-speaking instructor, full equipment, etiquette, sparring, and a small group capped at seven.

“Amazing experience! The instructor was kind and informative. We learned techniques, etiquette and some light sparring in a fun atmosphere. Highly recommended this experience.”

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15.Kyoto 2 Hours Genuine Kendo / Samurai Experience In Japan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · from $119

Learn kendo basics, Japanese etiquette, armor, and bamboo-sword techniques in a friendly two-hour Kyoto dojo class.

“This was the first activity we did and it set the tone for the whole rest of the week! Our instructor was Hayashi and he was very fun, and helped us take photos and videos to share.”

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