Kendo and Samurai Experience with Uniform and Gear in Kyoto

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of the Best Experiences in Japan. Period. If you’re in Kyoto and skip this, you’re doing it wrong. We booked the Samurai and Kendo Experience at Studio NIN and walked out with one of the best memories of our entire Japan trip. Our instructor Taka was amazing. Patient, energetic, knowledgeable and passionate. He made our whole family feel welcome from the jump. My son said it was one of his best experiences in Japan, and we did A LOT. That says everything. The training is NO JOKE. Full kendo armor and SWEATING. This isn’t a tourist gimmick. Taka put us to work. Drink the water. I’m serious. 😂 The dojo is beautiful, the gear is authentic and the photos and videos are insane. My wife has also been hitting me on the Men (the helmet) ever since. She has fully claimed the energy. 😂 Book this. Bring your family. Respect Taka. And HYDRATE. 🥋 Highly recommend. Don’t just see Japan. DO Japan.

Honestly hands down the best thing I've done in Japan. Taka-san was an amazing instructor and the whole experience was surreal. I highly highly recommend you do it.

Our first Kendo class was amazing. We experienced the authentic slice of the Nihon lifestyle. We traveled by train from Ninari to Shukugoin, then walked straight towards the mountains. Amidst the lush green fields was a historic, stunning Japanese house. With the help of our Sensei and his assistant, we suited up in authentic Kendo armor. The gear was heavy and the summer heat was intense, but it was an absolute blast. Our teacher patiently broke down the history and guided us through every strike and movement. It was an unforgettable afternoon, and we were treated to customized studio merchandise. It was truly a remarkable experience to witness Japanese culture firsthand.

An unforgettable experience! Taka's kindness in sharing his story and that of his ancestors is remarkable. He passionately explains the values and customs of the samurai in perfect English. Wearing the uniform and wielding a katana adds something special, as do the short battles. A memorable experience that I recommend 100%! Thank you for everything!

This was one of the highlights of our holiday, Taka the instructor is fantastic and gives you a thorough insight into what it takes to be a Samurai. Sword and Kendo instruction 2nd to none. Really enjoyable experience dressing up as Samurai and being shown how to use the sword and shinai correctly. Thank you for a brilliant experience. Dont miss this. instructor:

learned a lot about samurai, swords and discipline that surrounds it. I’d definitely recommend everyone to do this activity, they have other activities as well. it was raining when we did our activity so we didn’t get to do fun activities outside but we still enjoyed the activities done indoors.

Surely a great day to remember and a highlight to our trip 教練：learned a lot about the history and culture of Japan 體驗：a good taste of Kando experience

This was hands down one of the best experiences of my entire trip to Japan! And that’s saying something, considering my itinerary included Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. But this samurai experience with Taka? On a whole different level. We learned so much about Japanese etiquette, culture, and history. Taka’s passion for Kendo is impossible to miss, his medals, trophies, and accolades say it all. A prodigious talent of Japan with a very special background… one that I’ll let him reveal when you book. Personal message to Taka: Taka, I hope you remember the name Shah… for I have begun my training back in my land. One day, I shall return for vengeance, and perhaps, finally become a worthy opponent. Love from London 🇬🇧 Shah, Syed, Mo, and Enayet 🗡️

I loved it, and the instructor was great aswell. he told us a lot about the background of samurai aswell. I did expect to cut trough bamboo aswell but we didn’t do that although I saw it on pictures, that’s why it’s a 4,5 instead of 5 stars for me. arrigato gozaimasu!

This was such a fun experience we were lucky to practically have a private class. So maybe try the morning sessions the afternoons get much busier. Taka was so much fun and taught us a lot. My son was lucky enough to get to spa with him and got a lesson in the art of Kendo. Who new 1.5mins Kendo sparing would be such hard work.