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Kyoto: Kendo and Samurai Experience with Uniform and Gear Day Tours

Kyoto: Kendo and Samurai Experience with Uniform and Gear Day Tours

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Attraction Ticket Tours

Kyoto: Kendo and Samurai Experience with Uniform and Gear Day Tours

Name: Kyoto: Kendo and Samurai Experience with Uniform and Gear Day Tours
Brand: HolidaySG
Price: 130.64 SGD
Availability: InStock

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2 Ginkakujichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8402, Jap...

At a glance

Ticket type

E-ticket / Mobile

Confirmation

Instant

Accessibility

Wheelchair friendly

Suitable for

All ages

Highlights

Be photographed and videos by your instructor to take memories away with you
Experience using a sword in a 120-year-old building traditional Kyoto building
Dress in all the gear and equipment as you are shown you to use the sword

Ticket Options

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Non-refundable

Adult -17%

SGD 158.08 SGD 130.64

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About Kyoto: Kendo and Samurai Experience with Uniform and Gear Day Tours

Step into the shoes of a samurai with this immersive Kendo experience set inside a beautifully preserved 120-year-old traditional Kyoto building. Don the full uniform and gear as expert instructors guide you through the ancient art of Japanese swordsmanship, ensuring you leave with incredible photos and videos of your warrior journey.

Local Legends & Stories

Kyoto was the imperial capital and the heart of samurai culture for centuries, where legendary swordsmen honed their skills and philosophies. Practicing Kendo here connects you to the enduring spirit of Bushido, the moral code of the samurai that still influences Japanese culture today.

Must Do Experiences

Swing a traditional bamboo sword while wearing authentic Kendo armour and uniform
Pose for professional photos and videos captured by your instructor in the historic dojo
Learn the fundamental stances, strikes, and etiquette of samurai swordsmanship
Explore the architectural details of the 120-year-old traditional Kyoto building hosting the experience

Hidden Gems

The historic dojo itself is a rare find, offering an authentic tatami mat and wooden beam atmosphere that modern martial arts studios simply cannot replicate
Instructors often share lesser-known samurai philosophies and breathing techniques that go beyond basic sword swinging
The provided traditional footwear and gear are meticulously maintained, giving you a genuine feel for the weight and balance real samurai experienced

What Makes it Special

The exclusive use of a 120-year-old traditional Kyoto building provides an unparalleled atmospheric backdrop for your martial arts training
Full gear and uniform rentals are included, meaning you get the complete authentic samurai transformation without needing to bring anything
Your instructor acts as your personal photographer and videographer, capturing high-quality memories of your Kendo practice to take home

Available Facilities

Restrooms Changing Rooms Lockers Equipment Storage First Aid Air Conditioning Waiting Area

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Morning sessions are highly recommended as they offer a cooler, more tranquil environment inside the historic wooden building, allowing for better focus during instruction. While the experience is available year-round, visiting during the crisp autumn months or the cherry blossom season in spring adds a beautiful seasonal charm to your overall Kyoto itinerary.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

Rely on your instructor for action shots, as they know the best angles to capture your sword strikes while ensuring safety in the dojo
Take advantage of the natural light filtering through the traditional wooden windows of the 120-year-old building for atmospheric portrait photos in your full gear
Ensure your camera or phone is fully charged before the session, as you will receive digital copies of the instructor's photos and videos to share immediately

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Respect for the dojo and the instructor is paramount in Japanese martial arts, so always bow when entering or leaving the training space and when receiving your sword. Handle the bamboo sword with care and never point it casually at others or rest it on the ground, as it is considered an extension of the samurai soul.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

Book during the Gion Matsuri in July to combine your samurai experience with one of Kyoto's most famous and vibrant traditional festivals
Visit in mid-November during the peak autumn foliage season to enjoy stunning red and gold landscapes surrounding the historic dojo before or after your session
Participate in special New Year Hatsumode-themed sessions in early January, where instructors often incorporate traditional first-practice ceremonies into the Kendo lesson

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

Ensure your protective headgear and chest armour are securely fastened by the instructor before engaging in any striking exercises
Maintain a safe distance from other participants during practice swings to avoid accidental collisions with the bamboo swords
Stay hydrated and take breaks if you feel overheated, as the full Kendo uniform and gear can be heavy and warm during active movement

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

The tour price is all-inclusive, covering the expert instruction, full uniform rental, protective gear, and the digital photos and videos captured during your session. Group discounts or private session upgrades may be available upon request for families or larger travel parties.

Visit Duration

Plan to spend about two to three hours for the complete experience, including changing into the gear, the instructional session, and reviewing your photos. If you are short on time, prioritize the core sword-swinging practice and ensure your instructor captures your action shots early in the session.

Accessibility

Due to the historic nature of the 120-year-old building, the dojo features traditional tatami flooring and may have steps at the entrance, making it challenging for wheelchair users. Please contact the operator in advance to discuss specific mobility needs and potential accommodations.

Overview

Kyoto: Kendo and Samurai Experience with Uniform and Gear Day Tours gallery

Important Information

Opening Hours

Open from 03/01-11/30, 8:30am-5:00pm<br>Open from 12/01-02/28, 9:00am-4:30pm

What's Included

Equipment rentalGear rentalInstructionShoe rentalUniform rental

Not Included

Replica swords (available for purchase)

Select your preferred date and ticket type, then add to cart.

Complete secure payment at checkout.

Receive instant e-ticket confirmation via email.

Show your mobile or printed voucher at the venue.

Not allowed items:

Alcohol and drugs

Not suitable for:

Children under 7 years

Location

2 Ginkakujichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8402, Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

You can book this Kendo and Samurai Experience in Kyoto, which takes place in a dedicated dojo where your traditional uniform and protective gear are fully provided.

The core Kendo and Samurai training session typically lasts between one and two hours, allowing ample time to learn basic techniques and practice in full gear.

Participants are provided with a traditional samurai uniform, a bamboo sword, and protective Kendo armor for the duration of the experience.

The session is split evenly, dedicating the first half to learning basic sword drawing and striking mechanics, followed by armored sparring drills in the second half.

Yes, after learning basic strikes and wearing the protective armor, participants engage in controlled, supervised sparring matches with each other or the instructor.

The precise address and a map to the dojo are sent via email after booking, and the location is accessible via Kyoto's municipal bus or subway network.

No prior experience is necessary, as the instructors tailor the fundamental techniques and sparring intensity to accommodate complete beginners.

Traditional Kendo dojos in Kyoto typically feature stepped entrances and tatami mat floors, making wheelchair access difficult and requiring participants to be able to sit and stand on the floor.

Morning sessions generally have smaller group sizes compared to the popular late afternoon slots, allowing for more direct feedback from the instructors.

You should wear comfortable, breathable athletic clothing such as a t-shirt and shorts, and bring a pair of clean socks as shoes must be removed before stepping onto the tatami mats.

Cancellations or rescheduling requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance of the start time to receive a full refund or transfer to another date.

Photography is permitted during designated breaks and the final group photo session, but cameras and phones must be put away during active instruction and sparring for safety reasons.

About Kyoto: Kendo and Samurai Experience with Uniform and Gear Day Tours

Participants are provided with traditional uniforms and protective armor, so wearing comfortable, easily removable clothing and socks underneath is recommended. The activity involves physical exertion and the repetitive swinging of a bamboo sword, making it unsuitable for individuals with back, shoulder, or joint injuries. Strict dojo etiquette and safety instructions must be followed at all times during the practice sessions.

Ginkaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple located at the foot of Higashiyama in Kyoto, built in the late 15th century. It was originally a villa built by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, modeled after his grandfather's Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Within its grounds is a building known as the "Silver Pavilion." This small temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Kyoto Cultural Heritage list. Although the Silver Pavilion lacks ornate silver-leaf walls, its uniquely designed gardens, ponds, and a white sand-built mountain-shaped platform give Ginkaku-ji a particularly serene atmosphere. You can also stroll along the mountain path to admire the scenery hidden in the forest and experience the unique style of the "Higashiyama culture." Visiting in late autumn or winter, the fiery red maple leaves and glistening white snow contrast beautifully with the temple architecture. Like Kinkaku-ji, the entrance ticket to Higashiyama Jishoji is an omamori (amulet). From the temple gate, you pass through a "tree wall" walkway on both sides to enter the courtyard. This walkway is flanked by high walls made of plants, creating a very tranquil atmosphere. Upon entering the courtyard, you'll see the "Silver Pavilion" behind the small pond. Compared to the "Golden Pavilion," this two-story building is much simpler, yet possesses a natural and refreshing charm. The Silver Pavilion houses a statue of Kannon (Avalokitesvara), but the interior is not open to the public. Continuing along the walking path, you'll find the "Silver Sand Beach," featuring a large conical "Moon-Viewing Platform." The white sand symbolizes the sea, and the textures created with gravel represent the vast ocean waves. These gravel landscapes are a unique feature of Ginkaku-ji and a classic example of Japanese dry landscape gardening, elegant and ingenious. It is said that this design was intended to reflect moonlight into the pavilion on a full moon night. Next to the Silver Sand Beach is the temple's main hall, with paintings displayed on its sliding doors, but entry is not permitted. Within the courtyard is a beautiful moss garden, where moss symbolizes the vast world, echoing the sand garden. Appreciating it requires quiet contemplation.

Ensure your protective headgear and chest armour are securely fastened by the instructor before engaging in any striking exercises
Maintain a safe distance from other participants during practice swings to avoid accidental collisions with the bamboo swords
Stay hydrated and take breaks if you feel overheated, as the full Kendo uniform and gear can be heavy and warm during active movement

Rely on your instructor for action shots, as they know the best angles to capture your sword strikes while ensuring safety in the dojo
Take advantage of the natural light filtering through the traditional wooden windows of the 120-year-old building for atmospheric portrait photos in your full gear
Ensure your camera or phone is fully charged before the session, as you will receive digital copies of the instructor's photos and videos to share immediately

Restrooms, Changing Rooms, Lockers, Equipment Storage, First Aid, Air Conditioning, Waiting Area

General Questions

Simply select your preferred date, choose the ticket type and quantity, then click "Add to Cart". Complete the secure checkout to receive your e-tickets instantly via email.

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