7 Tokyo Martial Arts Experiences to Build a Day Around

1.Samurai Sword & Archery Class from Samurai Descendant

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

At Toyama-Ryu BIZENKAI in Machida, Yoshioki Sumida and his team teach sword handling, iai forms, friendly sparring, target cutting, and Japanese archery. You wear a practice uniform, handle training weapons, learn samurai history, and try a long bow linked to horseback archery. English instruction is available.

“Sumida-San's activity was very instructive, fun and well prepared. We did all of it without seeing time was flying. Sumida-san is a kind person who pays attention to details and I loved that he was easy to speak with. I recommend strongly his activity.”

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2.Samurai sword and archery class from a samurai descendant

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

At a dojo in Machida, master Yoshioki Sumida and his staff teach sword handling, iai forms, sparring, test cutting, and bow shooting. You will wear a practice uniform, use training swords, handle a real bow and arrow, and watch a demanding Toyama-ryu demonstration in this small-group class.

“Very authentic! I learned a lot and had a great time. The instructor was obviously an expert and very passionate.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 112 reviews · from $118

At a northern Tokyo dojo, an English-speaking kendo instructor teaches samurai etiquette, footwork, strikes, and tournament basics. You’ll wear rented armor, practice with a bamboo sword, and face a friendly combat game. Morning and afternoon sessions are available, with water and a hand towel included.

“Must try experience in Japan. The sensei was patient with us and explained the basic of Kendo and helped my kids have a lot of fun and learning.”

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4.Samurai Kendo Practice Experience

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

At Seidokan near JR Uguisudani Station, an English and Japanese speaking instructor guides up to six people through kendo footwork, strikes, armor, etiquette, and light sparring. You will wear protective gear, use a bamboo sword, handle a katana, and receive water and a Japanese towel.

“This was an incredible experience. One I will never forget.”

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

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

At Kendo Spirit in Nihonbashi, Daichi and his team teach beginners the basics of kendo in a working dojo. You receive the uniform, shinai, and cultural tools, then practice strikes, footwork, focus, and timing before a friendly match. Photos and video follow by email.

“Had an amazing experience. Teachers were great and I had a blast with them. Would highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in martial arts.”

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6.Japanese Archery (Kyudo) Experience

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

Spend 150 minutes learning Kyudo with an English-speaking DAN-level instructor, including Jun when scheduled. Wear a traditional uniform, use a bow matched to your body, and practice dozens of shots in an official Tokyo hall with a real competition range. Small groups are limited to five.

“Despite some initial hiccups in scheduling, i found the experience to be quite positive. Our instructor Jun was very attentive, and I learned a lot. It’s enough to inspire me to look up my local Kyudo club back home.”

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

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

Join Daichi and Makoto at a small Tokyo dojo for a two-hour English-language introduction to Kendo. Learn etiquette, footwork, spirit, sword technique, and the meaning of Ki-Ken-Tai-Itchi, then wear protective gear, face an instructor, and watch a serious Kendo match.

“An activity that provides the fundamentals of Kendo, from its history to mastering its three core elements, followed by practical a pplication with great instructor. be reapectful and punctual”

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