Martial Arts Experiences in Tokyo: 8 Sorted by What They Cost

1.Samurai Sword & Archery Class from Samurai Descendant

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

At Toyama-ryu BIZENKAI near JR Machida, Yoshioki Sumida and his team teach sword handling, iai forms, sparring, target cutting, and Japanese horseback archery. You will wear a practice uniform, handle training weapons, learn samurai history, and try a longbow used in traditional kyudo-style practice. This is a shared, hands-on class, not a staged photo session.

“Yoshioki is a highly professional teacher who is knowledgeable in martial arts and archery. He gave us an excellent introduction to the art of katana sword fighting. I really enjoyed sparring with swords, and the lessons on Japanese swords are also very interesting. Yoshikoi speaks English very well. I really like this course and would recommend it to anyone interested in Japanese martial arts. Elio”

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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, Tokyo, samurai descendant Yoshioki Sumida leads a 2.5-hour class in sword history, iai forms, sparring, target cutting, and bow shooting. You receive training clothes and equipment, then watch a demanding Toyama-ryu demonstration. This is hands-on martial arts training, not a staged show.

“Amazing experience! Love every second of it. Probably the best thing I’ve done in Japan so far. Highly recommended”

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

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

Meet your English-speaking Kendo instructor at a dojo in northern Tokyo for a hands-on two-hour lesson. Learn samurai etiquette, footwork, strikes, and armor basics, then take part in tournament-style sparring. Equipment, bottled water, and a Japanese hand towel are included. All skill levels are welcome, with a minimum age of nine.

“we were watching an interesting youtube channel about kendo. thought the first youtube sensei was knowledgeable, informative, and easygoing. it was a surprise to get to the actual class, and see the exact same sensei that we were watching n youtube!”

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4.Samurai Kendo Practice Experience

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

At a small dojo near JR Uguisudani Station, you’ll learn kendo basics from experienced instructors, including Nagamatsu-sensei, then dress in armor and practice men, kote, and do strikes with a bamboo sword. Expect etiquette, footwork, light sparring, a look at real swordsmanship, and plenty of exercise. English and Japanese instruction is provided.

“This was really incredible! I can't believe we tried Kendo. The master is really helpful and strict while remaining playful, he kept us disciplined and we had so much fun! You get to wear real, traditional Kendo suits and use the training Katana – but you get to wield a real one, too! Incredible. He has been doing Kendo for over 60 years! I only advise for the parting gift to be written in Japanese, instead of English, as it makes for a better souvenir for tourists. :)”

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5.Japanese Archery (Kyudo) Experience

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

At an official Tokyo Kyudo hall, instructor Jun introduces you to Japanese archery through traditional clothing, careful form, and repeated practice on a real competition range. This small-group, 150-minute session includes equipment, English instruction, and dozens of attempts, though hitting the target is never guaranteed.

“It was a really great experience and a lot of fun. The instructor and the participants were all in good spirits. The instructor explained everything clearly, from the clothing and the sport itself to the shooting. With the instructor's tips, everyone was able to shoot straight and almost hit the target, and with a bit of luck, the arrow would even go in. The instructor was motivating and fully engaged. All the shooting and trying things out was excellent.”

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

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

Spend two hours with Kendo Spirit learning the meaning and movement of kendo near Tokyo Station. Daichi and Makoto guide you through etiquette, footwork, sword handling, protective gear, and a friendly match. You finish by watching the instructors face one another in a focused kendo demonstration. Equipment, drinks, souvenirs, and photos or video are included.

“Fun! The instructors were focused on providing genuine knowledge of the budo, rather than settling for a “tourist experience.” Would highly recommend.”

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7.Karate Experience with Former All-Japan Champion

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 46 reviews · 1 hour - 90 minutes · from $58Best value

Meet Ryo, a Japanese 2nd Dan Kyokushin black belt and former All-Japan champion, for a 60 to 90-minute karate lesson in Tokyo. You’ll bow, stretch, practice punches, blocks, kicks, kata, pad work, and safe non-contact sparring. Beginners and experienced martial artists can train together, with English instruction available.

“Since I was a kid I dreamt about the day I had the chance to experience karate in Japan. Thanks to Ryo I made that dream happen! Lesson starts with a nice warm up and then onto the great stuff! I am a black belt of Shotokan karate (different style of what Ryo practice) and so it was super interesting seeing how the two styles differ. Loved that from the REI at the start of the lesson you can feel the spirit of karate. Had so much fun and was good to be back in a karate lesson environment. I wish Ryo all the best, and 100% recommend experience when…”

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8.Tokyo Samurai Experience: Kyudo (Archery) and Swordsmanship

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 1 hour · from $96

At BUB Activity Center in Asakusa, you change into a hakama outfit, learn basic kyudo archery and katana poses, and play a samurai rank game. English-speaking instructors such as Mori and Joe make the one-hour session easy for beginners. Traditional snacks, costumes, photos, and accessible facilities are included.

“Staff were fun, friendly and knowledgeable. They also gave us good tips on other experiences and shopping..”

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