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Japan
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Kyoto Prefecture
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Kyoto
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Tours & Activities
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Kyoto Samurai Experience
2 h
About this activity
This is an excellent chance for visitors to get a firsthand look into the world of the samurai. Get a glimpse into the philosophies of Bushido, the way of the warrior, and try your hand at wielding a real katana. Afterwards, practice some inward reflection with Zen meditation, used by the samurai to calm their minds during battle.
:::Form Practice:::
Before being given a real blade it is important to master the basics. We will begin our training using wooden practice swords and instruct you on the proper grip, posture, and form.
:::A Real Katana (Japanese sword):::
After learning the basics, the next step is to wield a real katana, and use it to cut though a goza mat. We will place the goza mat vertically on a special stand and you can put your sword skills to the test.
:::Zen (meditation):::
To wrap up the course you will be learn how to meditate using singing bowls. A singing bowl is a type of bell, the sounds of which help to clear and calm the mind. Though this deep meditation you will be able to dissipate some of the excitement from practicing with the sword and also learn ways in which Zen meditation can assist you in your daily life as well.
Course Time
Approximately 120min ( 10:00 - 12:00 / 13:00 - 15:00 / 15:00 - 17:00 )
Our courses are conducted from 10AM / 1PM / 3PM. When reserving a spot please select from one of these times. We are happy to negotiate regarding different times or private sessions in the case of large groups and other special circumstances. Please email us in advance and also please be aware that other charges may sometimes be applied.
We generally try to avoid scheduling sessions where there is only one guest. When booking as a solo traveler please be aware that we may contact you regarding changing your reservation to a time where you can join with another person or group.
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:::Form Practice:::
Before being given a real blade it is important to master the basics. We will begin our training using wooden practice swords and instruct you on the proper grip, posture, and form.
:::A Real Katana (Japanese sword):::
After learning the basics, the next step is to wield a real katana, and use it to cut though a goza mat. We will place the goza mat vertically on a special stand and you can put your sword skills to the test.
:::Zen (meditation):::
To wrap up the course you will be learn how to meditate using singing bowls. A singing bowl is a type of bell, the sounds of which help to clear and calm the mind. Though this deep meditation you will be able to dissipate some of the excitement from practicing with the sword and also learn ways in which Zen meditation can assist you in your daily life as well.
Course Time
Approximately 120min ( 10:00 - 12:00 / 13:00 - 15:00 / 15:00 - 17:00 )
Our courses are conducted from 10AM / 1PM / 3PM. When reserving a spot please select from one of these times. We are happy to negotiate regarding different times or private sessions in the case of large groups and other special circumstances. Please email us in advance and also please be aware that other charges may sometimes be applied.
We generally try to avoid scheduling sessions where there is only one guest. When booking as a solo traveler please be aware that we may contact you regarding changing your reservation to a time where you can join with another person or group.
Included
- Professional instructor
- Use of a real Katana (Japanese Samurai sword)
- Zen experience
- Pictures of during the activity
Not included
- None
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Comfortable clothes
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Features
Tourism
65%
Adrenaline
55%
Sport
25%
Cultural
20%
Reviews
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Really nice experience! We learnt about the history how to use the swords Good instructors, very knowledgeable! 2 hours were quickly gone! Loved our experience!
We scheduled this tour as part of our family's month-long stay in Japan. To date, this has been our children's ages 11, 14, 16, and 18 favorite experience. We mom and dad liked it too. The venue is a historic home that is 200 years old. The hosts are friendly and very knowledgable. You learn about samurai history, the katana, meditation and more. It is interactive and interesting. Everyone gets a chance to use the katana, which made it a huge hit with the kids. If you are coming to Kyoto and want to do something more than just look at shrines, temples, and castles which are all great, you should do this Samurai Experience.
The experience is very exciting, our guide met us at the train station and provided a short 3 minute walk to the venue a traditional Samarai house we were greeted by a hostess who dressed us in our kimonos. We were given a brief tour of the first two rooms and learned the history of the building, and then were greeted by the samarai master. He spoke Japanese and the hostess translated into english we learned the history of the samaurai and what we were expected to do for the rest of the time with them. We were then given a demonstration of the katana by the master and were ushered to the kitchen area to do some practice. We learned how to stand, where our arms should be and how to swing a sword. We were then given a real katana and had a go of cutting a grass mat, this was the most exciting part. Following the rush of this activity we finished our time and returned to the room for a meditation activity, we got to relax and meditate for a few minutes and then were given a flute demonstration of ancient Japanese sounds. It was surreal. This experience was well worth the money, and dont pass up the opportunity.