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Samurai School in Kyoto: Experience Traditional Kenbu Lessons and Samurai Etiquette
4.9
161 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
(161 Ratings)
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Arah_l
May 30, 2024
Such a fun experience! - This experience was great. We lucked out and we were the only ones who booked the class so we got a private lesson with Hago. He was very knowledgeable and patient. Seeing how he handles the samurai sword was very intimidating, but he broke it down step by step for us so that we’d be able to copy what he was doing. We got to choose what samurai clothing we wanted to wear. We got to do the class inside one of the traditional buildings, which made the experience feel more authentic. Then afterwards we got to watch a show put on by the theater, about the samurais. This was a great experience and I feel like I learned a lot. Thanks again Hago, you were awesome!
Review provided by Viator
Heather_m
May 27, 2024
Samurai Class w long show - Super fun time. The show was really cool to watch. They are very good what they do. Learned some moves and got to dress the part. Super enjoyable!
Review provided by Viator
Mia_e
May 25, 2024
Unique samurai experience - We really enjoyed the samurai class which is much harder than I thought! So much respect for these guys that are true masters of the art!
It started off with a 45 min performance from the masters which was very impressive. We then had our class (6 participants) where we learned different manoeuvres and got to dress up in samurai attire.
It was overall a great experience and my dad enjoyed it very much. We got to take some nice pictures with the samurai swords and fans in the end!
If I could have changed one thing, I would have done the course before the show so you are more familiar with how hard it is and it makes the whole experience even more impressive!
Review provided by Viator
Master97
May 21, 2024
Fun, friendly and skillful experience with Samurai masters! - Fun, friendly and skillful staff and experience with Samurai masters! Once in a lifetime experience. Thank you so much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marilyn_c
May 15, 2024
Fun and educational - This is an excellent way to learn about Kenny art and practice some moves like a Samurai. The instructor makes it both fun and educational. It’s a highlight of our Kyoto visit.
Review provided by Viator
Antoine_s
May 15, 2024
Awesome Samurai Experience! - Awesome experience! The staff was super nice and friendly and the session was very interesting. Also left with some freebies!! Highly Recommend!
Review provided by Viator
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
