Samurai Experience in Kyoto

• Hakama and kimono-style attire
• Basic stance, sword movements, and kata
• Playful family chanbara
• Museum tour, shuriken practice, and armor photos

Costume and foundational sword work

Staff help each participant change into hakama trousers and a kimono-style top. The instructor then introduces respectful handling, stance, footwork, controlled cuts, and a short sequence of movements suitable for first-time participants.

Family-friendly chanbara

The lesson includes a playful mock-battle activity using safe practice equipment. It is designed to keep children and adults engaged while reinforcing movement, distance, listening, and controlled technique rather than competitive fighting.

Museum, shuriken, and armor photography

After the lesson, guests walk from the Annex to the main Samurai Ninja Museum for an approximately 30-minute English-guided visit. The program continues with ninja-star throwing and a chance to pose in samurai armor.

Dress like a samurai

Begin at the museum’s Annex, where staff help participants change into hakama trousers and a kimono-style top.

Learn stance and kata

An instructor demonstrates a balanced stance and controlled sword movements, then links the techniques into a short kata sequence. No previous experience is required.

Try family chanbara

Use safe equipment for playful mock sword fighting inspired by samurai action scenes while following the instructor’s directions.

Continue to the main museum

Walk to the main museum for a complimentary English-guided tour, ninja-star throwing, and a samurai armor photo experience.

• English-speaking instructor
• Samurai-inspired costume use
• Practice equipment
• Approximately 30-minute museum tour
• Ninja-star throwing activity
• Samurai armor photo experience

• The referenced family program must include at least one child age 12 or younger, and participants must be at least age 3.
• The activity begins at the Annex, not the main museum; the two venues are a short walk apart.
• Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended, and advance reservations are strongly advised.
• Alternative samurai programs for adults-only parties can be requested if the family program is not suitable.