Samurai Experience: Traditional Iaido at Arai

Discover the distinctive and immersive “Samurai Experience.”

This journey is led by a distinguished master.

Participants have the exceptional chance to engage in the traditional Japanese martial art “Iai-do” at Aritōshi Shrine, surrounded by an environment steeped in history and culture.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

Aritoshi Shrine - Experience the ultimate samurai in Japan.
Join a special opportunity to step back in time and deeply experience the swordsmanship of the samurai, carrying on the traditions of ancient bushido and Iaido (Toyama-ryu Shuren). This unique experience is more than just training; it is a precious opportunity to practice the traditional…

What's Included
  • Haori and Hakama costume
  • Free taxi from Izumisano Station to Aritoshi Shrine
  • Regional Interpreter guide
What's Not Included
  • Bottled water
  • Insurance is not included, so please check if your insurance covers the samurai experience.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
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(2 Ratings)
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552gariki
Aug 6, 2026
Authentic Samurai experience for everyone! - Absolute highlight of my and my family's trip! Authentic Samurai experience in a temple! We spent two weeks in Japan, and the whole family unanimously agreed that this was our most powerful and unforgettable experience in the country! They picked us up from the train station in a spacious, air-conditioned car and drove us to their location, There, the rest of the team welcomed us with broad smiles and great warmth. They dressed us in Samurai suits prepared for us in advance, and we chose our Katana swords. After a brief induction, we headed to a temple over 1,000 years old. That is where we began the ceremony, diving deep into the authentic world of traditional martial arts and Samurai culture! We actually practiced the combat moves right on the spot as we held “katanas” in our hands!! A truly magical place with sacred atmosphere, felt just like a time travel! ‏They speak English and even provided an interpreter. A female coach led the arena, and the staff members were there to train us personally with great dedication and patience, which made the experience even more empowering for us! During drink breaks, we chatted a bit about ourselves, and they told us a bit about themselves. We got to know an amazing team of people! If you are in Japan, don't miss this… Thank you so much!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carmel_b
Mar 27, 2025
Our encounter with... - Our encounter with samurai in Japan was quite remarkable! We had the unique chance to wield a real katana in a genuine cultural setting while being instructed by a Japanese champion. The location itself was stunning, transporting us to the samurais' past and customs. The lesson was instructive and motivating due to the instructor's unmatched skill, discipline, and profound understanding of samurai philosophy. He carefully walked us through each exercise, making sure we grasped the methods and their meaning. We felt like ancient warriors throughout the exhilarating hands-on katana exercise. We developed a deep understanding of the Samurai spirit—honour, focus, and respect—beyond the physical training. Learning how to wield a sword was only one aspect of this trip; another was exploring Japan's rich cultural legacy and history. This is a must-do for anyone interested in Japanese history, martial arts, or just seeking a unique experience. We highly recommend this activity for anyone visiting Japan.
Review provided by Viator
From $221
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).