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- Traditional Samurai Sword Experience
Exclusive for our Kyoto GuestsTraditional
Samurai Sword ExperienceBook Now
Experience the way of Japan's legendary samurai warriors right here in Kyoto.
Our exclusive Samurai Sword Experience, held in partnership with professional samurai actors from Japanese film and television, takes place at the historic Myokakuji Temple.
You'll dress in traditional Japanese clothing called hakama and learn basic sword techniques from professional actors who perform these same moves on screen. Learn about the history, samurai's discipline, sword techniques, and traditions that shaped Japanese culture for centuries.
The experience includes a personal video (filming) so you can take home a memory of your time as a samurai warrior. Discover an authentic piece of Japanese history and culture that most travelers never get to experience with our Traditional Samurai Sword Experience!
Samurai Sword
Training
70 minute
Experience
Japanese & English Instructor
Location:
Myokakuji Temple
Video Footage of Your Experience
Founded in 1381, Myokakuji Temple has long been associated with Japan’s warrior class. Throughout its history, it welcomed notable figures such as the 13th shogun Ashikaga Yoshiteru, warlord Oda Nobunaga, and daimyo Date Masamune. During the Sengoku period, the temple’s extensive grounds were depicted in the National Treasure Rakuchu Rakugaizu Byobu screens, and the renowned tea master Sen no Rikyu once conducted tea ceremonies here.
Whether you're traveling as a family, couple, or group of friends, this samurai sword experience offers an authentic connection to centuries of Japanese warrior tradition. Professional samurai actors who appear in movies and TV shows will guide you through proper posture, sword handling techniques, and the disciplined movements that defined Japan's warrior class.
Dress in traditional hakama and train with the same carefully crafted swords used in actual film productions, all while surrounded by the temple's majestic historic grounds.
Your transformation into a samurai warrior will be captured on film, leaving you with not only a unique memory but also a deeper understanding of the samurai spirit that continues to influence Japanese culture today! (Note: For safety, replica swords will be used throughout the experience.)
Location: Myokakuji Temple
All guests staying with MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN Kyoto are eligible to participate in the Traditional Samurai Sword Experience.
All experiences will take place at Myokakuji Temple, a 9 minute walk from Kuramaguchi Station (鞍馬口駅) on the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line.
Address: 135 Shimoseizoguchicho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0007
Important: As multiple temples are named "Myokakuji," please confirm you are heading to the one west of Kuramaguchi Station.
Experience Fee
Available by advance reservation only, with limited sessions each day. Offered as either a Private Experience or a small Mixed Group Experience.
Private Experience (Tax Included)
| Group Size | Experience Fee (Per Group) |
|---|---|
| 1 – 4 Guests | 79,200 yen |
| 5 - 8 Guests | 158,400 yen |
Mixed Group Experience (Tax Included)
| You will be paired with other participants, but there will be a maximum of 6 participants per mixed group experience. | |
|---|---|
| Experience Fee (Per Person) | |
| 1 Guest | 19,800 yen |
Included in your Experience
- Experience held at the historic Myokakuji Temple Dojo
- Receive a personal souvenir video of your session
- Train in sword techniques with professional samurai actors
- Indemnity insurance provided by the experience organizer
- Wear a traditional hakama (rental included)
Reservation Times (70 Minute Experience)
| Monday ~ Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
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Please review the following important details before booking:
- Participants must be 6 years or older. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- For safety, replica swords will be used during the experience; real swords are not included.
- The program lasts approximately 70 minutes, though the exact time may vary depending on group size.
- In case of poor weather, the filming portion may be moved indoors to the dojo of Myokakuji Temple
- This experience is unavailable on Sundays.
- For safety reasons, this activity is not recommended for individuals with medical conditions such as back or heart problems, pregnant guests, or anyone with health concerns that may be affected by physical movement.
