The 15 Best Samurai & Ninja Experiences in Tokyo

1.Samurai Ninja Museum Guided tour and Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,010 reviews · from $27Our pick

Spend about an hour learning samurai and ninja history with an English-speaking guide such as Kenny, Nami, Shin, or Megan. See armor, helmets, and swords, then throw shuriken and pose in a samurai helmet with a metal sword.

“We had such a fantastic time visiting the Samurai Museum with Ken (I think!) as our guide. The visit was super engaging and fun for the kids — they were captivated from start to finish — and we adults also learned a lot along the way. The format was just right: not too short, not too long, and really well balanced. Even though we were part of a big group, Ken managed it perfectly so that everyone felt included and comfortable. Highly recommended!”

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2.Samurai Sword & Archery Class from Samurai Descendant

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

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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3.Best Samurai Experience in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 458 reviews · from $65

At Samurai Theater Tokyo in Shinjuku, you choose a kimono and hakama, learn safe katana handling from professional instructors, and perform a short sword-fight scene. The Edo-period-style dojo displays armor, swords, and spears. Photos and videos are welcome, and solo bookings are accepted.

“Wonderful experience, the staff was very friendly and accommodating even with me being solo they made sure to Film and snap photos of me during my experience, 10/10”

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4.Ninja Experience (Family Friendly) at Samurai Ninja Museum TOKYO

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 441 reviews · from $47

At Samurai Ninja Museum Asakusa Tokyo, you’ll dress in ninja clothing, learn about Japanese weapons and covert missions, practice with ninja stars and other tools, pose for photos, and take part in a treasure hunt. The 75-minute experience suits families with children aged 3 and older.

“Was a great experience. Very enjoyable and entertaining. Staff were very friendly and interactive. Good experience and highly recommended”

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5.Samurai Entertainment Night Show in Kanda Shrine

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 417 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $41

Spend an evening at Kanda Myojin Shrine with a samurai theater performance based on Taira no Masakado. Arrive at 7 PM for drinks and optional Japanese food, watch the main show from 8:15 to 9:15 PM, then meet the cast and take photos until 10 PM.

“We were pleasantly surprised with how beautiful the costumes and stage set up was, the story was captivating and the cast did a wonderful job. They also walked around and chatted with us before the show, which was a nice touch. 10/10 would recommend.”

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6.Tokyo Sword Experience – includes Museum Ticket/Ninja Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 314 reviews · from $84

At the Samurai Ninja Museum in Asakusa, you’ll wear a hakama, learn basic iaido with a safe replica sword, pose for photos, tour a small museum, and try a ninja activity. Guides including Ryo, Leon, Ren, Koki, and Akira may lead different parts of the visit.

“The guide (Santo I think his name was, apologies if I've got his name wrong), made the tour very enjoyable. Enjoyed the sword and shuriken throwing as well as the history. Highly recommend it to anyone thinking of doing it.”

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7.Samurai Ninja Museum Asakusa: Samurai Sword Lesson & Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 306 reviews · 2 hours · from $63

In Asakusa, an English-speaking guide leads you through samurai and ninja displays before a hands-on katana lesson. You’ll wear hakama, armor, and a helmet, practice a choreographed routine, pose for photos, and try ninja weapons. Instructors such as Ryo and Kai are especially good with beginners and children.

“I am very happy with Sensei Ryo. He is very professional and polite in teaching the basics of sword lesson to a complete novice like me.”

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8.Ninja Samurai 2-hour hands-on lesson by Japanese master in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · from $86

In a small group of up to six, learn ninja and samurai skills in English from a Japanese sensei such as Hyoga, Onel, Asami, or Buddy. You will wear ninja clothing, practice Kuji-In meditation, draw a samurai sword, throw shuriken, use a blowgun, and learn about Japan’s warrior traditions in Shiomi.

“Great experience and learned a lot. Very hands on and informative. Fun and exciting using the weapons”

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9.Samurai Sword Experience (Family Friendly)at SAMURAI MUSEUM TOKYO

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 168 reviews · from $65

At Samurai Ninja Museum Asakusa, you’ll dress in hakama and samurai gear, practice three sword movements with an instructor, pose for photos, and throw rubber ninja stars. The experience includes a museum tour, English-speaking guides, and a replica sword lesson. Children under 6 cannot enter.

“Good fun for the family. Sword fighting was amazing and throwing stars revealed my hidden talents. The history that goes with it is an added bonus”

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10.Best Samurai Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 124 reviews · 1 hour · from $63

At Samurai Theater Tokyo, you choose a kimono and hakama, learn sword parts and basic moves from English or Japanese-speaking instructors, then perform a choreographed fight with a samurai. The one-hour small-group session includes costume, a safe practice sword, photos, and videos filmed on your phone. Some instructors have appeared in Japanese dramas and films.

“So fun! I am not the most outgoing but they made the whole experience inviting and entertaining. It was suitable for all ages.”

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11.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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12.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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13.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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14.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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15.Experience of Samurai and Samurai license of Samurai Armor Photo Studio

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 81 reviews · from $231

At Samurai Armor Photo Studio in Shibuya, guide Shimpei Takemura helps you choose and wear a samurai armor set, explains its history, and directs a professional photo session with a katana and spear. Your private 90-minute visit includes an SD card of photos, T-shirt, and Samurai License.

“Amazing experience and well worth the time and money. Really good fun host. Only problem I had was with Google maps giving me wrong directions.”

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