Try cutting a rolled tatami mat with a real, sharp Japanese sword (katana), guided by a master at an authentic Japanese swordsmanship training hall (dojo) in Tokyo. Feel the sword’s weight, focus on your target, and attempt your own cut under the master’s supervision. Discover how technique, rather than brute strength, helps the blade pass through the mat. Change into traditional training attire and learn grip, stance, and sword movement before your cutting attempt. Experience the precision and control of Japanese swordsmanship, with the traditions of iaido providing context. After your practice, watch the master’s demonstration up close with a new appreciation of his skill. Receive a certificate of completion as a souvenir. Select the real-sword cutting option to try cutting the tatami mat. Participants must be 18 or older, sign a waiver, and follow the master’s instructions. The experience without real-sword cutting is available for ages 5 and above.
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 4,170 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Tokyo Samurai Experience: Try Cutting with a Real Japanese Sword lasts about 1h 30min.
Prices start at $174 per person for this Tokyo experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 9:00 AM.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is The meeting point is Exit A4 of Toei Asakusa Line Kuramae station (A17). Please step outside when you reach Exit A4. Your guide will be holding a sign reading, Arumachi. Toei Oedo Line has a station carrying the same name, Kuramae. You should get on Toei Asakusa Line but NOT on Toei Oedo Line. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 participants.
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 18 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Arumachi.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Patience with our late arrival lessons were precise and technical. We didn’t feel rushed. We learned a lot not just physically but mentally.
Thank you for experiencing this tour. Yes, the essence of the way of the sword lies in handling the sword without using force. It is common to any type of sport. Swordsmanship is not an exception.
Taka was an excellent tour guide. He was very kind, informative and took several great family photos for us.
Thank you for choosing our samurai experience tour. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed this genuine and authentic samurai experience. We hope you recall the good memory by seeing photos of this precious experience. Wishing you and your family all the best. Thank you again for your wonderful review.
Highly recommend this experience.
Amazing experience, very intense but fun at the same time
We had a lot of fun learning from the master on the different aspects of swordplay. It was a very fun and enlightening experience , and we are eager to learn more.
My wife and I had a fantastic time on the tour! Ms. Akiko was an exceptional guide - her fluent English, warm personality and accommodating nature made the experience very memorable and fun. The tour itself was both serene and educational, offering fascinating insights into the way of the samurai. I would highly recommend!
Akiko was very kind, patient, and knowledgeable with us. She recorded and took pictures of us throughout the interactive demonstrations. The Grand Master Samurai and his partner were very patient, funny, and answered all of our questions. There is an opportunity to purchase swords at the end- which we did. Akiko then took us to a sword museum and a sword shop to follow our dojo experience. Wonderful time because of her! Thank you, Akiko!
Very interactive and friendly staff. Fantastic experience!!!! Would recommend for anyone. Our guide Akiko was excellent. Friendly, helpful, very knowledgeable.
The Samurai experience was AMAZING! I would highly recommend. To learn the art of swordsmanship and customs of the samurai were very interesting and beautiful to see the traditions still honored today.
This was an amazing experience with the opportunity to learn about the culture of samurai while also having a chance for some hands on learning. We were honored to have a demonstration by the master. Highly recommend!
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Samurai Experience: Try Cutting with a Real Japanese Sword | 1h 30min | 5.0 (18) | $174 | |
 Sword Experience (Family Friendly)at Samurai Ninja Museum Asakusa | 2 hours | 4.9 (182) | $52 | View |
 Tokyo Central Crossing, Samurai Sword Cutting and Kimono Photo | 1h 15min | — | $120 | View |
 Samurai Training in Tokyo: Swords, Bushido & Mental Discipline | 2 hours | 5.0 (64) | $97 | View |
 Tokyo:Samurai sword and archery class from a samurai descendant | 3 hours | 5.0 (153) | $194 | View |
 Asakusa Sword Experience - includes Museum tour Ticket | 2 hours | 4.8 (317) | $77 | View |
 Samurai Sword Training and Katazome Dyeing Experience in Tokyo | 2 hours | 4.9 (7) | $97 | View |