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Samurai School in Kyoto: Experience Traditional Kenbu Lessons and Samurai Etiquette
4.9
177 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
(177 Ratings)
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Sarah_b
Aug 19, 2024
Great family experience - Great time for the whole family! We really enjoyed the show portion and getting to dress and learn some moves with the katana.
Review provided by Viator
Ralf_l
Aug 14, 2024
Nice experience - You get a short but intensive introduction into using a sword doing Kendo. Very friendly and always helpful guide. Thanks.
Review provided by Viator
Rebecca_t
Aug 12, 2024
Great experience - one of the highlights of our trip! - I can thoroughly recommend booking this experience. Our three teens loved it - as did us oldies. We did the training/dressing up/photos first then watched the show, which helped us really appreciate the skill of the performers. The staff were super helpful, the performance was excellent, and we have amazing memories and photos of a fantastic afternoon.
Review provided by Viator
910habena
Jul 30, 2024
A great Samurai expierence - From start to finish I enjoyed every part of the expierence becoming a Samurai. Good value for what I paid. Clear instructions outlined accessing the basement studio. Ryu was our sensei who I found to be a very excellent instructor. He taught us many things like how to unseathe our Katanas to different striking poses. Ryu also did many different shows showing us the performing arts portion of the expierence as well. A big thank you to the staff who were very kind and willing to help me as a it was my first time learning. I highly recommend this expierence even if you choose to go Solo like I did myself.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marco_c
Jul 18, 2024
Interesting and fun! - This is an interesting event if you want to learn about the Samurai culture and be one for a couple of hours! The demonstration was educational, informative and fun. It is a must do if you want to learn more about Japan's antique traditions and culture.
Review provided by Viator
Michael_m
Jul 16, 2024
Great time !!! - We have a great time learning about the Samurai. I would highly recommend, what a awesome family experience.
Review provided by Viator
Dani_d
Jul 16, 2024
Great samurai experience - Really fun, great performances and a extremely entertaining class on how to use the katana in relation to the samurai performances, also really informative about samurai history
Review provided by Viator
Carmen_c
Jul 13, 2024
Best Samurai School Ever! - This experience was Amazing! We enjoyed every part, from dressing in traditional Samurai Kimono, learning how to use the sword and the performance at the end.... Would definitely come again....
Review provided by Viator
Stacy_e
Jul 13, 2024
Great rainy day activity! - Loved this experience! It was a rainy day so this was perfect for something to do inside. We learned a lot from getting dressed in the costumes to learning the moves. The best part was the end when the staff did a show for us!
Review provided by Viator
Mercedes_s
Aug 3, 2024
Sumarai certified - The show, costumes and class were excellent. We were disappointed with the rushed photo shoot with our own camera. We were hoping for some good posed shots in our beautiful Sumarai costumes with our swords to memorialize our experience, but the pictures were not good at all and rushed due to other classes waiting. If this improves then it is a 5 star experience.
Review provided by Viator
