Samurai School in Kyoto: Experience Traditional Kenbu Lessons and Samurai Etiquette
4.9
153 Ratings
Kyoto
Immerse yourself in the world of samurai at our Kyoto school. Learn traditional Kenbu and samurai etiquette, wield a Japanese sword, and capture memories in authentic costumes.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Samurai Kembu Theater - Learn about the etiquette of samurai classes in feudal Japan and practice some basic Kenbu, including how to use the Japanese sword. Introduction to the basics, to learn choreographed movements with a sword and folding fan. Top off your experience of this traditional Japanese art with a photo session in costume, and take home a certificate of achievement.
What's Included
- Lesson completion certificate
- Photo shoot
- English-speaking local guide/instructor
- Tenugui towel (Japanese traditional towel)
What's Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Familiarize yourself with the customs of the samurai class during the feudal era of Japan and get hands-on with some elementary Kenbu exercises, including wielding a Japanese blade. Participate in an extensive Kenbu class to master prearranged routines with a sword and hand fan. Round out your immersive experience of this ancient Japanese craft with a costumed photoshoot, and receive a certificate of accomplishment to take with you.
- Minimum age is 5 years
- Please wear clothes suited for exercise and moving around
- On the day of the event, please come to the first basement floor from the stairs on the right side of the GOZAN building.
- Please arrive 15 minutes to 5 minutes prior to the start time.
- Visiting in a single hoodie or tights is not suitable for costume changes
- If you wish to cancel a reservation, you must do so yourself on Viator.
Location
Sanchōme, ３５
[Exact address]
Samurai Kenbu Theater/605-0005 Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto city 35-7 Sanchome, Higashiyama-Ku GOZAN Bldg. B1F
*It's located on the 1st basement floor of the GOZAN Bldg.(former NeoArt Bldg.)
*Please come down the stairs on the right side of the toward the GOZAN Bldg. to the reception desk.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(153 Ratings)
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Saisravan_m
Apr 16, 2024
Wonderful demonstration... - Wonderful demonstration of kembu, samurai art. Would recommend the kimono samurai experience. Tonnes of fun🙏
Review provided by Viator
Ulrike_j
Apr 10, 2024
Fab hands-on experience - Was a fantastic experience to wear traditional Japanese clothes as well as learning a couple of basic samurai moves. We had a lot of fun and the instructor made the time fly 🤩
Review provided by Viator
928shelleyd
Apr 3, 2024
Well worth it!! - I had to take the time out to write a review of this amazing experience I booked for my 9year old son and I in Kyoto. The staff at Samurai Kenbu was amazing. Helpful, attentive, so skilled. There was a show at the beginning then a smaller group for the sword class and lastly with put samurai costumes on and continued the class. We absolutely loved it. Highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meghan_m
Mar 27, 2024
Fun afternoon experience - Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Our instructor came from a long line of performers which was fascinating to learn about. Be prepared for a bit of an arm workout. If you're not used to the movements, the katana will seem a little heavy.
Review provided by Viator
Ana_f
Mar 25, 2024
Highly recommend - Amazing experience! Family friendly.My husband and kids enjoyed this tremendously. It was a very enriching experience.
Review provided by Viator
Paultq6104bu
Mar 23, 2024
An amazing experience! - I choose the performance and practice option. The staff were very helpful in explaining things and assisting when I was unclear on things. I had a wonderful time and strongly recommend this!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicholas_z
Mar 9, 2024
Samurai’s from CA - 10/10 recommend. Brother, Dad, and I had a blast. As part of our first time in Kyoto we wanted to also experience the Samurai culture. This class was fun and all about immersing yourself in the experience. Highly recommend this for families or couples. Worth it!
Review provided by Viator
Nande_g
Mar 5, 2024
Beautiful garments and fun experience! - The studio was easy to find, right next to a small coffee shop. The class was pretty action packed, starting with getting into full samurai gear. They have a very beautiful and bold array of garments to choose from. Afterwards we're given a katana and a fan to learn with. The lead guided us through different movements and stances while also giving some historical context to the life of a samurai. We then did our own videos of the movements shown. To finish it off the lead and her assistant did their own show for us. Overall they were very passionate about the work they do and it was evident in how the class operated. They were also very kind and helpful throughout the whole class. My brother loved it so much and even got practice gear after in their gift shop. It's a great experience.
Review provided by Viator
Aimeell7259ey
Feb 1, 2024
Lovely couples activity - Very welcoming and professional school. Slightly on the pricey side, but worth it as you get the full experience of wearing the kimono and practicing with a katana and a performance fan.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joanadr721ew
Jan 30, 2024
UNFORGETTABLE - How lucky we were! My sister and I were the only participants during this session.
After a show (demonstration) highlighting the art of handling the sword, we took our seats and learned in turn.
We were dressed in authentic kimonos throughout the course and felt totally immersed in this experience.
We warmly thank the hosts for their welcome.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
