Kenbu (sword performance), one of many Japanese traditional arts, demonstrates the culture of the samurai, a warrior class that ruled Japan for 700 years. Kenbu masters who work to keep the spirit of samurai culture alive perform this. stage show about 30-min at Samurai Kenbu Theater. Satisfy your intellectual curiosity with in-depth talks, and enjoy both traditional and new-style Kenbu performances based on historical tales from the feudal period. This includes a simple lesson on Japanese 'katana' swords.
Out at sunset: the 4:15 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 5:09 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Make your way to Samurai Kenbu Theater, conveniently located in downtown Kyoto. After removing your shoes and taking your seat, you’re introduced to the Japanese traditional art of Kenbu through informative narration on stage. Before each demonstration, you’ll learn about the culture of the samurai, a warrior class that ruled Japan from the 12th to 19th century. In feudal times, samurai were said to perform Kembu to give themselves courage or to achieve mental concentration. During traditional and new-style Kenbu short performances, watch trained masters wield swords and recite short Japanese poems written by samurai before going to battle. Discover the art of folding a fan as a show of respect in Japanese culture. You can also take a simple Japanese sword experience.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 1,623 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Samurai Performance and Casual Experience: Kyoto Ticket lasts about 1 hour. The itinerary has 1 stop.
Prices start at $32 per person for this Kyoto experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, starting at 4:15 PM.
Children aged 5–11 pay from $26, adults from $32. Infants go free.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The experience is available in JA, EN.
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 122 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Ginbu Co., LTD. (former name: Samurai Kenbu Co., LTD.).
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Top notch. Excellent. Highly recommend. Would do this again!.
HELLO triciaf961さん Thank you very much for your positive comment about our theater. We are truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed our authentic experience here. We hope that this experience becomes one of the highlights during your trip in Kyoto.
We personally didn’t enjoy it cause when buying the tickets we were thinking it would be smtng totally different, more samurai than what it actually was.
HELLO Elie_Sさん Thank you for taking time to leave a review. We apologize for not meeting your expectations. We have a longer samurai experience for the intense sword lesson, so it’ll be great if you can try it next time you visit Japan!
Magnificent experience! The actors are very good! We highly recommend this activity. A must-do in Kyoto.
Merci pour vos notes et vos commentaires élogieux sur notre cinéma. Nous espérons que vous avez apprécié cette expérience traditionnelle. Le fait de sentir que le tranchant de l'épée, la fluidité du ventilateur et la beauté de la danse sont bien rendus est une source d'encouragement pour les interprètes. J'espère que cette journée sera encore une fois merveilleuse.
Demonstration was very good and intense. Photo opportunity after the show holding swords. Recommend to everyone!
Hello Gary_Mさん Thank you for the positive reviews and comments about our theater. We’d be happy if you found our service both enjoyable and educational. I hope that the memories you make here will remain as one of the best memories of your trip to Kyoto.
Very interesting show and fun experience! The kids enjoyed it. It was recommended from a friend and we were happy to participate.
Thank you for your review ! Your recommendation means a lot to our team.
Beautiful costumes, dances with sword or and fans elegant and graceful. Short guide to basic steps and sword postures. Too little acrobatics for me and unfortunately no fight or ornamental dance.
Thank you for your comment ! "Kenbu" is a traditional performing art essentially performed by a single dancer; it is a stage performance that does not involve combat or the splashing of blood.
Was skeptical but this turned out to be a lovely little show. Staff were super friendly and we really enjoyed the performance.
Thank you very much for taking time to leave your comments about our theater. We hope that this experience becomes one of the highlights during your trip in Kyoto.
The staff was so friendly and made this experience so fun. The whole room was cracking up from laughter at their jokes.
I am torn between 4 and 5 rating. Very good insight into Kenbu but blended with fans. Not recommended if you are looking for more combat style
Be prepared to be spellbound - I’m not sure if these people are actors or if they actually train in the art of the samurai or both but it was like watching small segments in a live opera but no singing! The narrator comes in and introduces the scene - usually a historical battle, then the actors come on and enact it. It was fantastic. They use real katanas too. At the end you can have your picture taken in the correct pose with a katana. I think it was one of the best things I did on my trip.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samurai Performance and Casual Experience: Kyoto Ticket | 1 hour | 4.6 (122) | $32 | |
 Skip the lines Basic Ticket at SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM KYOTO | 1 hour | 4.6 (783) | $23 | View |
 Kyoto Sword Experience - includes Museum Ticket/Ninja Experience | 2 hours | 4.7 (233) | $67 | View |
 Kyoto Toei Studio Park Ticket Samurai Show Ninja Village | 7–8 hours | — | $22 | View |
 Kyoto Kinkaku ji Temple Serene Garden Guided Tour with Tickets | 3 hours | 5.0 (24) | $59 | View |
 Kyoto Casual Matcha Making Experience in Kawaramachi | 30 min | — | $13 | View |
 Kyoto Samurai Experience | 1h 45min | 5.0 (1,483) | $116 | View |