Samurai Experience - Learn Bushido through Kendo, in Tokyo
Description
The spirit of Japan endures in Samurai. A Samurai is not a swordsman, but one who carries the sword in the heart. Be Samurai. Only then does Japan reveal itself. Walk the path with Kendo Spirit. ◉Why Kendo? Kendo is not a sport born from modern design. It is a living tradition shaped by samurai to survive, transformed to preserve Bushido, and passed down through the body, generation after generation. It is still practiced today because its spirit is still needed. Bushido lives on, in its purest form, through Kendo. ◉Who this experience is for This experience is for those who are curious about Japan beyond the surface. For those who value discipline, respect, and meaning over entertainment. For those who want to experience the spirit of Bushido through their body, not just hear about it. You don’t need kendo experience. You do need an open mind and a willingness to face yourself.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(114)
Samurai Experience was amazing. They were patient and fun. Our family enjoyed our time with them.
My husband wanted to do this experience, so I went with him. It turned out to be a really excellent tour. We were the only two participants with the instructor and two assistants (one taking pictures and videos). Everything was on time from start to finish. We really enjoyed the teaching of the history and culture of kendo. Then of course you get to participate in full equipment the contact of the sport. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone, but I think a family could really benefit from this wonderful hands-on experience. We did this a few months ago and are still talking about how much we enjoyed this tour.
Thank you for your kind review and for joining us at Kendo Spirit! It made me smile to read your review. I'm so glad this became such a memorable experience for you both! I'm especially happy to hear that you enjoyed not only the kendo training itself, but also learning about the history and culture behind it. Thank you for sharing this kendo experience in Tokyo with us, and I hope we can welcome you back again someday!
Great family activity!! The instructor was great and I enjoyed learning the history of Kendo
Thank you for your kind review and for joining us at Kendo Spirit, Darren! I'm so glad you enjoyed the experience together. What stood out to me most was your presence during training. Even during the spirit exercises, your powerful voice carried a strong sense of determination, yet throughout the session you remained calm and composed. That quiet strength left a real impression on me. In many ways, it reflected the samurai spirit that kendo seeks to cultivate. I'm glad this kendo experience in Tokyo became a meaningful part of your family's journey in Japan. Hope we can train together again someday!
Our instructor, Daichi, did an amazing job going over the history of Kendo and the reasoning behind practicing. He was absolutely delightful. This was a highlight of our Japan trip and I highly recommend. I would love to come back and study the skills and philosophy more. It inspired me to take what I've learned and incorporate it into our fencing classes back home. Both of my teens (and husband) also enjoyed. It has been my son's favorite thing we've done while on our trip. (Plus, they also take photos and video for you.) Thank you for encouraging others in "The Way of the Sword".
Thank you for your wonderful review and for joining us at Kendo Spirit, Stacy! It was a pleasure spending time with your family. What stood out to me most was the curiosity and respect you all brought to the experience, not only toward kendo, but toward Japanese culture as a whole. I was especially impressed when you shared how you try to learn a little of the language wherever you travel. That kind of mindset is something I truly admire. Your family approached the training with great energy, focus, and open-mindedness, and I had a lot of fun training together. I’m so glad this kendo experience became a highlight of your trip to Japan, and I hope our paths cross again someday!
I had an amazing experience at Kendo Spirit and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in kendo, whether you’re a complete beginner or already experienced. The atmosphere was welcoming, professional, and serious in the best way possible. Daichi-san was an incredible teacher. His presence is calm yet strong, and you can immediately feel the intensity and pressure he brings during sparring. Even while matching that pressure, he was still very kind and patient, showing me clear targets and openings during our practice match so I could learn in the moment. It was one of those experiences where you can physically feel the difference that comes from true skill and experience. His teaching was clear, thoughtful, and easy to understand, and he created an environment where I felt challenged while still encouraged to improve. Beyond being a great instructor, he’s also a genuinely kind person. I learned a lot from this experience and left with an even deeper appreciation for kendo.
Thank you for your kind review and for joining us at Kendo Spirit! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed not only the training itself, but also the atmosphere and spirit behind it. Reading that you could feel the difference during sparring made me smile, because those moments often say more than words can. I’m glad this kendo experience in Tokyo gave you an even deeper appreciation for kendo. Hope we can train together again someday!
It was one of the best experiences of our trip to Japan. We had the opportunity to meet Daishi and Makoto who taught us Kendo and Samurai philosophy. We learned and practiced a lot. We recommend that anyone who wants to get to know the culture of Japan better take a Kendo lesson with Daishi and Makoto! They were super attentive and even gave us tips on what else to visit in Tokyo. Thank you!
Thank you for your kind words and for joining us at Kendo Spirit! It was a pleasure training together, I really enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere you both brought. I could feel your respect for Japanese culture throughout the session, even in the small things, and that meant a lot to me. I know kendo can feel difficult at first, but your strikes were very natural, especially the way you stayed relaxed without forcing them. I’d love to hear more about Portugal someday. Hope we can train together again!
If you want to experience REAL Kendo . . . and not a tourist-trap imitation . . . THIS IS the Kendo Experience that you want! The experience includes a little history and philosophy lesson. By understanding the cultural background of Kendo, you can embrace and experience the Kendo training - more fully. (as opposed to mindlessly swinging the shinai (Kendo sword). Then, it is time for training of the Mind Body and Spirit . . . the majority of the time. The instructor spoke perfectly fluent English, and the team was very patient and meticulous in their instruction. It is a safe and fun environment to get a great experience. One of the best memories of the Japan visit!
Thank you for your kind words and for joining us at Kendo Spirit! I’m really glad you connected with not just the techniques, but also the history and philosophy behind kendo, that’s an important part of the experience for us. You approached the training with great focus, and it was a pleasure sharing this time together. I’m happy it became one of your best memories in Tokyo. Hope we can train together again someday!
I had a fun time learning the history and teachings of kendo. Getting geared up was a bit difficult but I was helped and had an amazing experience being the only student that day. I had the time of my life playing around with the Shinai (bamboo sword) and getting to do practice matches with the instructor. Of course I was no match against someone with 20 years experience but the point of Kendo or rather any sport is not to win but to grow as a person. I would definitely do this again so I can gain more experience and confidence with my sword technique. Anyone who loves swords and action I can recommend this lesson to you.
Thank you for your thoughtful review and for joining us at Kendo Spirit, Jesse! I really enjoyed our private session, we had a great time talking and training together. Your attitude toward learning stood out, and what you said about kendo being about growth, not winning, truly reflects the spirit of this kendo experience in Tokyo. Hope we can train together again someday!
This was a really fun thing to do. Takes a little effort as they gear you up in the full outfit so you can have a sparring match but if you don’t mind just a little effort and want to experience a sparring match with bamboo swords then this will be fun while giving you just a little knowledge and insight into the practice.
Thank you for joining us at Kendo Spirit and for your thoughtful review! I’m glad you enjoyed the experience, especially stepping into the full gear and trying a real sparring match. You approached the session with a great attitude, and I hope it gave you a genuine feel for kendo training and samurai culture here in Tokyo. Wishing you all the best, and hope we can train together again someday!
The Kendo experience was one of the best decision for our trip to Japan! The kindness, respect and passion that Daichi and his other instructor exuded was legendary. We simply loved the experience and plan to not only tell our friends about it but go there
Thank you for joining us at Kendo Spirit, Marie! It really meant a lot to hear how deeply you connected with the spirit of kendo, your interest and respect during the session really stood out. Moments like that remind me why I want to share this culture with more people. I’m so glad you enjoyed this kendo experience in Tokyo. I hope you had a wonderful time in Japan, and hope we can train again someday!
