Samurai for a Day: Train with a Master in Dojo around Japan
Feel the energy of Japan’s warrior history, where centuries-old martial traditions are still practiced with reverence and skill. Perfect for history nerds or for those who want an unforgettable family-friendly experience in Japan, you can sign up for training experiences at an authentic Japanese dojo and learn what it means to become a samurai. Attendees have the chance to wear traditional armor, learn combat techniques such as how to wield a katana (sword) and master the art of position through the focused movements of sword kata.
Whether people want to seriously train or experience the culture in a fun, educational way, Japan has countless opportunities to immerse themselves in budō culture.
Tradition and Modernity Coexist at Samurai Experience
In the birthplace of the legendary Shinsengumi—a small secret police organization compiled of an elite group of swordsmen—the Tennen Rishin‑ryū Dojo in Harajuku, Tokyo holds a great opportunity for guests to have an authentic samurai swordsmanship experience through real sword choreography. This dojo is no mere tourist attraction; Samurai Experience is a top-notch martial arts studio operated by Masao Inoue, a direct descendant of Shinsengumi warrior Inoue Genzaburō.
Instructors teach novices basic kenjutsu techniques with a wooden sword, and in some sessions—under supervision—with a real blade. During the lessons, participants receive a hakama (skirt-like pants) and kimono, a traditional kata and learn proper samurai stances as well as traditional etiquette used by traditional samurai. More than the proper forms and techniques, guests will naturally encounter the spirit of Japanese warrior values, such as courtesy, loyalty and bushido (samurai moral code).
Travelers love this dojo because of their beginner and English-friendly options and the dojo’s authenticity tracing back to honorable samurai legends. Attendees will be culturally immersed in storytelling and the history of Tennen Rishin‑ryū, guaranteed to become an unforgettable memory.
Find Your Warrior Spirit at Samurai Kenbu Theater
Depending on the number of reservations, Samurai Kenbu Theater hosts events in areas such as Roppongi, Shibuya, Asakusa and around Tokyo Station and shows guests how to become a samurai by immersing them in the history of Kenbu, referred to as the Sword Dance or Ginkenshibu.
Rooted in the Seiga‑ryū Kenbu tradition—stage performance art that utilizes katana and a Japanese fan while expressing the poems written by samurai—the workshop invites beginners to wear authentic samurai attire, learn warrior etiquette and wield a faux katana under expert guidance. Full sessions last about 75 minutes, including sword handling, fan choreography and a costume photoshoot. Lessons are available in English.
After training, participants can stay for the Kenbu Show, a performance that intertwines samurai history, poetry, martial artistry and dance into a beautiful showcase. Guests are guided through swordplay, traditional movements and fan dances with English explanations between theatrical acts for foreign audiences.
This dojo is a fun and educational experience with a family-friendly appeal allowing for this experience to be a solo journey for self-discovery or a fun time with a larger group.
Throwing Blades, Hand-Held Shuriken and Stealth
The Meifu Shinkage-ryū holds classes at Edogawaku Sogo Bunka Center and Ichikawa Shi Kinrofukushi Center Bunkan. It is a Japanese martial arts school specializing in shurikenjutsu (throwing blades), fundōkusarijutsu (weighted chain techniques) and shōkenjutsu (hand-held shuriken techniques). Students will practice throwing various types of shuriken at different targets and learn how to properly use other martial arts tools and body mechanics.
This school was originally founded by Chikatoshi Someya, a former student of Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū. Soke Yasuyuki Ōtsuka serves as the head master of the Meifu Shinkage-ryū Honbu Dojo in Tokyo, which caters for those a bit more serious about training in martial arts.
The dojo provides in-person and online sessions, allowing students to engage with the art from anywhere in the world. It is also known for personalized coaching and its community support, creating a close-knit atmosphere where traditional techniques are preserved and passed on by senior instructors and the master
The goal of these classes is to refine traditional martial arts techniques into a more practical form while emphasizing stealth and precision. Training emphasizes accuracy, stealth and traditional samurai tactics. A lot of what Ōtsuka teaches is centered toward improving physical skill combined with mental focus.
Interactive Museum Tour and Hands-On Samurai Experience
Samurai & Ninja Museum in Asakusa not only has an English-guided tour through the museum’s extensive collection of Edo-period swords and armor, but is an amazing spot for family and friends to dress as samurai warriors and partake in interactive ninja training activities.
Families get a tour in English through the museum’s collection of Edo-period swords, armor and ninja tools. The guide shares popular stories about famed samurai and ninja figures, from Sengoku warlords to shadowy covert agents, making the history fun and engaging for people of all ages.
Guests can try on authentic samurai armor and helmets—available in sizes for adults and children—and don traditional hakama and kimono-style tops. Then, with replica swords, they can pose like a warrior in a memorable photoshoot.
Ninja training activities are also offered, allowing people to dress as one, learn fukiya (blowgun shooting), shuriken (star throwing) drills and play mini-games set up by staff. There’s nothing better than a bit of friendly competition among family and friends.
Unlock the Samurai Inside You
These immersive dojo experiences go far beyond sightseeing; they allow you to live and train like a samurai. Whether you’re a serious martial arts enthusiast or just looking for the ultimate cultural experience, these dojo welcome all who are ready to train, connect and embody the way of the samurai.