Top Kyoto Active & Outdoor Classes

Find out what's it's like to be a ninja. This small-group beginners class in a Kyoto dojo introduces you to the basics of ninja training. You'll learn how to breathe, walk, and meditate like a ninja; practice throwing ninja weapons; and learn how to use ninja swords. It's a unique Japanese experience for all ages.

Fans of samurai and ninja history—this one’s for you. Enjoy an immersive tour in Kyoto where a guide takes you around the Samurai and Ninja Museum. See preserved artifacts up close and enjoy hands-on experiences during your visit, such as wearing samurai armor, throwing a ninja star, and posing with replica swords.

Prepare for battle as you learn the skills of the samurai during this interactive class studying the basic techniques of these ancient Japanese warriors. Pick from multiple durations—with longer classes including more complex movements using a sword and folding fan. When your class ends, enjoy a photo session with your samurai costume and receive a certificate of completion as well as a souvenir Japanese towel.

This beginner-friendly experience teaches you the Japanese martial art of "kyudo". Instead of organizing equipment hire, everything you need is provided in the session and our teacher will guide you step-by-step through the lesson. During the lesson, learn about the history of Kyudo from a teacher with over 50 years of experience, and have a chance to practice shooting an arrow with a bow.

▼This is the Most Authentic Samurai Training Activity in Japan▼ In this 120-minute activity held by "Yushinkan Kyoto," a katana dojo that regularly teaches more than 20 students, anyone to learn how to draw, hold, wield, and sheath the katana from the modern-day Miyamoto Musashi. Watching the samurai master’s skills who has been training since he was 12 years old, and actually getting your hands on a real katana to chop mats will be an experience you will never forget. Shogo from the YouTube channel “Let's ask Shogo (1.6M subs)” will give you clear instructions and happily answer any questions about katana, samurai, and martial arts. We will provide you with everything you need for your training. ▼The content of this experience▼ 1. Getting dressed in the training gear 2. Learning how to draw and sheath the katana safely 3. Learning how to swing the katana correctly 4. Cutting rolled tatami mats with a real katana 5. Watching the master's katana performance

Ninja culture is not something visitors to Japan can just easily immerse themselves in, but this 2-hour, hand-on lesson offers an exclusive experience. In a small group of no more than six people, learn ninja techniques including ninja breathing, ninja meditation, and how to wield a ninja sword.

You will put on the traditional samurai outfit and wield a katana just like a real samurai. This is the only samurai sword experience in Kyoto where you would feel like a real samurai and have a real hands on sword experience different from some simple costume play. Many people come to Japan to learn about the history of samurai and fulfill their childhood dream of being a samurai and this is it. The lesson includes hakama wearing, wearing samurai armor and samurai helmet and posing in front of several samurai-theme backgrounds.

Our client's teacher, Kengo is a skilled Kendo player who started Kendo at the age of 3 and won 3rd place in the Japan tournament. I am very confident in my Kendo skills and knowledge. You can learn about the culture of the Samurai through this experience. The main event of the experience is cutting tatami mats using a Japanese sword. Please rest assured that Kengo will provide careful guidance. We will also be happy to help with video and photo shoots.

This is the ultimate ninja experience for adults. You’ll have a lot of fun, and increase your knowledge about ninjas too. You won’t have to worry about what to wear, as ninja outfit rental is included. Highlights include throwing ninja stars (shuriken), and using a ninja blowgun. At the end of your experience, a visit to the Samurai and Ninja Museum is included.

Feel like a Samurai warrior for a day by taking part in a Samurai sword experience. You’ll learn Samurai skills in a safe setting, from a trained professional in the Samurai and Ninja Museum. Expand your knowledge about Tameshigiri (test-cutting), and learn how to test a sword. Get the most out of your day by ending the experience with a free tour of the Samurai and Ninja Museum.

Tomoyoshi, the instructor, will give you a short lecture on how the ancient swordsmanship of Samurai developed into Kendo. He will share the heroic stories of ancient Samurai including his great-grandfather, Yoshishige Hayashi. He will also share the controversial influence of Bushido values on this nation and his family into extremism, especially during the period of WW2. He will end his story on how redemption came and led him to the current inner peace and the life of a pacifist. After the lecture, you will wear the full Kendo armor and learn the basic Kendo movements. In the end, you will get to do a Kendo match with each other. Upon completing the workshop, you will receive a beautifully designed “Certificate of Experience”. If the date you want isn't available, please contact us to inquire about availability.

You can enjoy our samurai experiencing lesson and a stage performance by our kenbu masters! Kenbu, literally meaning 'sword dance' is one of Japanese traditional performing arts that shows the samurai's culture and the spirituality with a Katana sword and a folding fan. Samurai Kenbu Theater, a dojo (training gym) of Kenbu, offers both Kenbu show and lesson programs for Kyoto visitors. You can learn about, and practice, some aspects of the etiquette of samurai classes with a chance to try on a traditional costume as well as a show performed by Kenbu Masters. Here is your chance to step into the shoes of samurai and experience the cultural heritage of Japan! Some people are surprised that the sword they hold for the first time is surprisingly heavy! We will also take a commemorative photo with a cool pose. There are 2 courses for you to choose from! Short time cultural experience with lesson & show. Various programs to satisfy your interests!

We are delighted to offer you a special tour designed for those with an interest in Zen and Yoga. Experience Yoga sessions at one of Japan's foremost Zen temples, Rinzai Myoshin-ji, and gain a deeper understanding of the commonalities between Zen and Yoga. This tour promises to provide a fresh perspective on your well-being, nurturing both your mind and body. Amidst the serene Myoshin-ji's beautiful rock garden, ever-changing seasonal landscapes, and tranquil morning atmosphere, why not embark on a journey to discover inner peace from a new perspective? We provide "Inner Peace" via meditation and concentration. Both Zen and Yoga aim for inner peace and deep inner stability. Also, Zen and Yoga teach techniques to focus on the present moment, cultivating mindfulness and reducing unnecessary thoughts. Finally, Zen meditation and Yoga poses are considered means of deep self-understanding.

Your kids will have the opportunity to share fun experiences with local kids and learn more about Japanese culture. This is the only place in Kyoto where you can do this. You can enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto while your kids do fun activities with us.