【Tokyo, Uguisudani】"SAMURAI TRIP" Kendo Experience Tour — Wear Real Armor and Cross Swords in 2 Hours

The Kendo Experience Begins at "Seidokan" in Higashi-Nippori

The experience takes place at "Seidokan," a dojo in Higashi-Nippori. On the day of the tour, you'll meet directly at the dojo for an approximately 2-hour kendo experience. The tour is available in English and Japanese, holds a perfect 5.0 rating (based on 12 reviews) on the booking platform, and has welcomed more than 400 bookings.

Inside the dojo, you'll find the Hinomaru flag, framed certificates and trophies from past champions, shinai, and rows of armor. This isn't a space built for tourists — the experience begins the moment you step into a dojo where real training happens every day.

Prices start from ¥18,000. You can check details on this booking page.

Experienced Instructors Guide You Gently Into the World of Kendo

The instructors are highly experienced, and they explain everything clearly in English, so there's little risk of feeling lost even if you've never practiced a martial art before.

The first thing you'll learn is the background of kendo itself: how it developed as "the way of the sword" passed down from samurai swordsmanship, how it's now enjoyed around the world, and the core concepts of unity of mind, etiquette, and lifelong kendo practice. Understanding the philosophy first sets you up before you move your body.

Having learned the meaning of etiquette, you'll then put it into practice through your own movements.

Starting with Etiquette and Seiza: Stillness in the Dojo

Kendo practice begins and ends with a bow. Once inside the dojo, you'll sit in seiza (formal kneeling posture), steady your breathing, and bow. This quiet moment creates a striking contrast with the intensity of the sparring that follows.

One of the most memorable moments of the experience is watching participants, now dressed in kendo-gi, sit in seiza with eyes closed in silent meditation. Before any loud training begins, this reflects kendo's philosophy of first settling one's inner state — made tangible in this simple act.

Once everyone is ready, it's time to put on the armor.

Becoming a "Samurai": Putting on the Men and Full Armor

Instructors and staff help you put on each piece of armor one by one — the do (torso protector), tare (hip guard), kote (gloves), and finally the men (mask). Tying the cords and adjusting the fit is tricky to do alone, so staff will help you finish from behind.

Once the men is on, your view changes, seen through the metal grille (mengane), and even the sound of your own voice changes. The moment you feel the weight and snugness of the armor, the image of a swordsman you've seen only in photos suddenly becomes your own.

Once everyone's armor is in place, all participants line up in the dojo, uniformly dressed in navy blue. From here, the striking practice begins.

From Practice Swings to Striking the Instructor, with Voice and Shinai

You'll first learn how to handle the shinai through practice swings. Lined up in a row, you'll raise and lower the shinai in time with the instructor's calls. Shouting when you strike is part of kendo etiquette, and once voices start echoing through the dojo, the atmosphere shifts fully into training mode.

Next comes actual striking practice against an instructor. Having a real target lets you clearly feel the sound of the shinai making contact and the sensation returning to your hands. Rarely on a trip do you get the chance to strike with full force and be told it's exactly right.

A demonstration by the instructors is also included, letting you watch real speed and distancing (ma-ai) up close.

The Finale: A Mini Match, Plus a Hand Towel to Take Home

The experience wraps up with a mini match. Facing off using the stances and strikes you've just learned, everything you've absorbed over the two hours suddenly comes together. More than winning or losing, it's the back-and-forth sense of distancing itself that makes this part so much fun.

Participants receive a Japanese kendo hand towel as a gift. It's a practical item worn under the men mask, and also makes an easy souvenir to take home.

The two hours come together as one continuous flow, ending with a group photo in front of the dojo's Hinomaru flag.

Things to Check Before Booking

• Your booked start time and the meeting point at "Seidokan," Higashi-Nippori 4-7-2
• Duration is approximately 2 hours
• Available in English and Japanese
• All necessary equipment — armor, shinai, kendo-gi — is included in the experience
• Wear clothing you can move easily in
• Training is done barefoot
• A towel is handy, as you'll likely work up a sweat
• Age and health conditions for participation
• If you have concerns about armor sizing, confirm in advance
• Cancellation/change policies and the latest pricing and availability

Pricing, schedules, and plan details are subject to change. Please check the latest information before booking.

Summary

"SAMURAI TRIP" in Uguisudani, Tokyo, lets you learn kendo's history and etiquette, put on real armor, swing a shinai, and even try actual striking practice and a mini match.

Starting with seiza and bowing, you'll learn how to hold the shinai and take your stance, then finally put on your armor and step into practice. Striking against an instructor lets you feel kendo as a martial art through your whole body — including the voices echoing through the dojo and the sound of each strike.

At the end, you'll put what you've learned to use in a mini match. You'll also get to take home a kendo hand towel, making this a great choice for anyone who wants to experience samurai culture in Tokyo not just by watching, but by moving their own body.