Kenbu: Explore Samurai Performance Culture with In-Depth Talks and Training in Kyoto
4.6
98 Ratings
Kyoto
Immerse yourself in the world of samurai culture with Kenbu, a captivating sword performance in Kyoto. Experience in-depth talks, traditional and new-style Kenbu performances, and even learn about Japanese swords and folding fans.
Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Samurai Kenbu Theater - Make your way to Samurai Kenbu Theater, conveniently located in downtown Kyoto. After removing your shoes and taking your seat, you’re introduced to the Japanese traditional art of Kembu through informative narration on stage.

Before each demonstration, you’ll learn about the culture of the samurai, a warrior class that ruled Japan from the 12th to 19th century. In feudal times, samurai were said to perform Kembu to give themselves courage or to achieve mental concentration.

During traditional and new-style Kenbu short performances, watch trained masters wield swords and recite short Japanese poems written by samurai before going to battle. Discover the art of folding a fan as a show of respect in Japanese culture.
You can also take a simple Japanese sword experience.

What's Included
  • Enjoy casual experiences including a sword and a folding fan.
  • Watch the captivating Kenbu sword dance show.
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Kenbu, a form of sword execution, is a classic representation of Japan’s Samurai culture, which dominated the country for seven centuries. Performers who embody the Samurai spirit display this 30-minute theatrical showcase at the Samurai Kenbu Theatre. Enrich your understanding through comprehensive discussions, and appreciate the blend of classical and modern Kenbu enactments rooted in stories from the feudal era. Additionally, you can gain rudimentary knowledge about Japanese ‘katana’ swords and ‘sensu’ folding fans.

  • About 40 min. is the show part, after is mini experience part.
  • Please come down the stairs on the right side of the toward the GOZAN building to the reception desk.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes to 5 minutes prior to the start time.
  • If you wish to cancel a reservation, you must do so yourself on Viator.
Location
Samurai Kenbu Theater
35-7 Sanchome, Higashiyama-Ku, GOZAN Hotel B1F
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(98 Ratings)
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824chantelleb
May 15, 2024
Amazing samurai performance - I must say this was an epic experience and performance!! I had no idea what to expect when I booked this event, but was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the skill put on display! It was definitely a highlight from our time in Kyoto! The samurai were very immersive throughout the entire show!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debra_p
Apr 6, 2024
Worth seeing - This was a fun show. The show used both swords and hands to teach about the samurai. After the show we got to practice both fan movements and sword movements. It is a fun night out for adults not I would also recommend it for families.
Review provided by Viator
Voyage661298
Oct 14, 2023
Samurai & swords - Excellent experience learning samurai moves. Highly recommend! Real samurai masters taught then performed
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_m
Oct 7, 2023
Great! - It was a very theatrical way to share a story. It was a great experience! Beautiful show! I would recommend it to anyone.
Review provided by Viator
Lili_w
Jul 17, 2023
A great cultural experience - A very good cultural experience, especially for kids. The performance is for a small group of people, followed by an interactive mini class. If you are an expert in Japanese culture, this may not suit you. Otherwise, highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
Claireknop
Jun 11, 2023
Dramatic, exciting, instructive - The experience was about an hour long and comprised a dramatic performance by 4 players. We were shown moves and stances with samurai swords and fans and also learned a little history. It was very professionally executed and was an insight into that world. Would highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suzanne_c
May 22, 2023
Great choice - Loved the demonstration and learning about Samarui. The narration was very good The interactive session was lots of fun
Review provided by Viator
Seance802qg
May 4, 2023
Great show ! - This was a great show that highlighted Japanese culture and offered insight into the Japanese samurai history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sai_p
Nov 24, 2023
We were expecting... - We were expecting something of a very serious battle performance, but it turned out to be a fun experience and at the same time, a good learning experience. If you're expecting like a battle of swords, please don't come. If you are interested to learn about how samurais used their weapons to convey their emotions, it will be a nice experience.
Review provided by Viator
Rt1811
Aug 5, 2023
Disappointment - It is a show for young children, I think it is not worth attending, it has no interest and I also found it to be of a low level, very poor indeed. I went with my 23-year-old son, we got quite bored; We wasted the entire afternoon in Kyoto to attend and it's really not worth it, only children under 10 years old, neither teenagers nor adults. A shame because I was expecting something more interesting, serious and cultural.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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2 Adult
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