This experience is not about playing around with the samurai gear, but sensing and understanding the values prized by samurai. Here is the testimony by one of our guests.
"At the beginning of the experience, I was surprised. Rather than learning how to cut a rolled straw mat or fight with a wooden sword, the first thing I learned was the proper etiquette towards the sword and the fundamentals of bushido (the way of samurai). In addition, the master touched on the courtesy and discipline samurai valued.
We tend to think samurai is an indomitable man taking down an enemy bravely. Yet, within the first ten minutes of my experience, I realized that my image was flawed. Drawing the sword or attacking an enemy was not a decision that a samurai made lightly. It was a last resort. A truly strong samurai was able to resolve issues diplomatically through discussion, and also happened to be so skilled with the sword that others did not want to pick a fight."
Posted By : Lisa D
Thank you to Grandmaster Hogyoku Takeda OSS for hosting us in his dojo for this life changing interaction. From the moment we entered the dojo, we felt welcomed and respected. Grandmaster’s apprentice dressed us in the traditional top and Hakama for our sword lesson. We listened to the meaningful discussion including the symbolic folds on the pants that represent the conduct of a samurai life. We received personalized instruction on drawing the sword and executing lethal strikes to a cardboard opponent. We observed masterful demonstrations of swordsmanship by the Grandmaster including traditional kata and highly technically difficult striking of the rolled tatami mat and an empty milk carton from the seiza seated position. We learned the last thing one resorts to, is drawing the sword, as it will be used to mame or kill. This respect for human life and the understanding that the root of anger and violence must never be taken lightly was felt throughout our lesson. The lesson concluded with a presentation of the Samurai Experience Certificate and time for photos. The Grandmaster and his apprentice then graciously answers questions we had about their life and training.We recommend this Viator Tour highly. It was truly an amazing experience that should not be missed!
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Posted On : 2024-04-01 19:47:27 
Posted By : Cruiser21344454727
It was an amazing experience, the master was really humble, patient, and kind. I learned so much from him.
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Posted On : 2024-01-02 21:02:00
Posted By : GoPlaces04322288290
Our family of 5 loved the Samurai experience. Exceptional afternoon with generous, knowledgeable hosts. We especially enjoyed learning about the 5 samurai virtues and watching the master.
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Posted On : 2024-01-01 22:26:43
Posted By : ES_1234567891011
This was a good dive into the history and practice of the Samurai martial arts. Akiko, our guide and the Samurai master and his apprentices introduced us to the Sword and let us apply the learned technices to cardbord bodies. Afterwards, they provided a demonstration of the martial art. We would have wished to spend more time on the practice itself.
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Posted On : 2023-12-28 22:06:11
Posted By : PaiYu_K
Unique and rare opportunity to learn the way of samurai at a dojo that has long history. Demonstrations done by the master and the TA give a close up look of the various training the dojo offers and during the lesson, you get to learn how to properly swing a Japanese sword. Well thought-out and well designed experience. I appreciate that the dojo was willing to open its door to foreigners and share its traditions.
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Posted On : 2023-12-17 08:18:24 
Posted By : 669nachoc
This is definitely one of the most unique and intimate experiences I've ever had. Not just in Japan. I cannot verbalize the awe and appreciation I felt in the presence of our Samurai Sensi. We tried to exhibit the upmost respect.
We gained so much information and appreciation for the time spent and the lessons learned.
The two best parts, actually getting to slice the head off a practice target, that represented our past self.
The incredible display of speed, technique and precision of our master and his student in a duel was truly impressive. You can see displays in film, but it is highly underrated in real time. I'm still awestruck.
Now, I really REALLY REALLY! want to take this opportunity to praise our guide Aki. And also, apologize to her too. Aki did such a fantastic job translating for us to thr master. And more importantly, she decided to stick with us and guide us to a nearby temple. All the while, pointing our landmarks, her favorite places to shop and even shared some of the best bread in Tokyo. No lie, it was delicious and she informed us she actually had to reserve this! She was so sweet. And we completely fumbled our appreciation. For some reason, we had very little yen with us at the time. And none of us was appreciative enough to tip Aki for all her help and wisdom on our journey. I do feel ashamed. And somehow, I want to make it up to her. Even if it means traveling all the way back to Tokyo, signing up for this class again and to make amends.
Please book this experience. It really felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity and I truly feel I left the course a changed, better person.
Aki! If you read this, please reach out so I can venmo you or something!
You were so kind to us!
And should you, the reader, decide to book this, please be kind to them and don't make our same mistake.
I truly rank this in my top 3 experiences in Tokyo. Street Kart, DisneySea, Samurai. Trust me, this is most definitely worthy of your time!
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Posted On : 2023-10-03 09:40:02
Posted By : Q7686SYgraceg
It was an excellent samurai experience - learning the values of a samurai like discipline, respect and kindness, wearing hakama and practising with the dangerous samurai sword, and of course being trained by the master himself, Master Hogyoku Takeda OSS, the 17th Samurai of his clan.
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Posted On : 2023-07-30 03:44:07
