5 (87)
Kyoto
Kyoto: Samurai Swordplay at Historic Temple!
70
Overview
Samurai Sword Experience at Myokaku-ji Temple in Kyoto transports visitors to the heart of feudal Japan. This unique experience takes place at Myokaku-ji Temple, a historic site frequented by the legendary warlord Oda Nobunaga. Guests will learn authentic samurai swordsmanship from professional film actors, gaining firsthand insight into this ancient martial art.
Participants dress in traditional hakama attire and practice sword techniques within the temple grounds, capturing photos and videos to commemorate their experience. Those who select the exclusive temple viewing plan will explore Myokaku-ji Temple’s Main Hall, a sacred space rarely open to the public. An English audio guide enriches the experience, providing historical context as guests immerse themselves in the temple's solemn atmosphere.
Myokaku-ji Temple offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and connect with Japan's samurai heritage. With expert instruction and exclusive access, this experience creates unforgettable memories. 
Highlights
Learn Samurai Skills: Get hands-on training from professional movie actors in a real temple.
Dress Like a Samurai: Wear traditional hakama clothing and feel like a warrior.
Exclusive Temple Access: See the Main Hall of Myokaku-ji Temple, usually closed to the public.
Capture the Moment: Take photos and videos to remember your samurai experience.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers love learning sword fighting from real movie actors.
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People enjoy dressing up in samurai clothes.
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Visitors appreciate the special chance to see inside the temple.
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Many customers like taking videos and pictures during the experience.
Some visitors wished for more instruction in English.
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A few people found it hard to get to the temple.
The Journey
Myokaku-ji Temple
Myokaku-ji Temple, a main temple of the Nichiren sect, served as a frequent residence for Oda Nobunaga during the Sengoku period. Today, it offers a unique backdrop for learning samurai sword fighting techniques from professional film actors.
Myokakuji Dojo
The dojo at Myokakuji Temple is where you'll delve into the world of swordsmanship, learning fundamental sword handling and striking techniques, and experience authentic choreographed swordplay under expert guidance.
Main Hall of Myokaku-ji Temple
The Main Hall, usually open only a few times a year, provides an exclusive opportunity to immerse yourself in a solemn atmosphere while dressed in hakama, offering a chance to capture unique and timeless photographs.
Know Before You Go
This samurai experience includes the rental of costumes, indemnity insurance, and a photo download service. Customers can also take their own photos and videos. Transportation to and from Myokaku-ji Temple is not included in the price. Please confirm your own transport to get to the experience. Participants can meet at the temple.
Hot Tip
To fully enjoy the exclusive Main Hall access, plan to book your visit during the times when it is open. Also, make sure your phone or camera is fully charged to capture all the moments!
Review Summary
Customers generally say this is an exceptional and highly authentic samurai experience that stands out as a highlight of their Kyoto trip. Reviewers consistently praise the enthusiasm and professionalism of the instructors, particularly highlighting the genuine knowledge and engaging teaching style of the samurai actors who lead the training. The historic temple setting at Myokaku-ji adds significant authenticity to the experience, with visitors impressed by the opportunity to learn and practice with real katana swords in a beautifully preserved location. Positive feedback emphasizes the welcoming atmosphere for all skill levels, excellent photography opportunities, and the unique aspect of being filmed as a movie star. Some reviewers note that the experience works well for families and solo travelers alike, and the professional quality of the instruction combined with personalized attention makes it worth the investment. Minor feedback suggests confirming the exact duration beforehand, as some similar experiences include longer demonstration components before the hands-on training portion begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Kyoto
¥19488
Kyoto's Best: 1-Day Bus Tour to Top Landmarks
4.9
(12977 reviews)
PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour whisks travelers away on an unforgettable journey through Kyoto's most iconic landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites. This expertly planned bus tour offers a convenient and comfortable way to experience the essence of this ancient city in a single day.
What to Expect: The adventure begins at the serene Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where guests can soak in the stunning natural surroundings from its famous wooden terrace. Next, the tour visits Sanjūsangen-dō Temple, home to an awe-inspiring collection of 1,001 Kannon statues. The journey continues to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, where visitors can wander through thousands of vibrant red torii gates. A visit to the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove offers a peaceful escape into nature, followed by a stop at the dazzling Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This tour includes a delicious buffet lunch to refuel for the day's adventures. It also includes admission to Tenryuji Temple, Sanjusangendo Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, and Kinkaku-ji Temple.
Travelers can look forward to a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, a professional English-speaking guide, and multilingual audio guidance available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Thai, Indonesian, and UK English. This tour excludes gratuities, food and drinks unless specified, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
Kyoto
¥11200
Fushimi Inari Hike: Secret Trails & Bamboo Forest
5.0
(1732 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour takes guests on an adventure through the less-traveled paths of the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Instead of the crowded main entrance, this tour starts near Tofukuji Station, leading into a secret back route.
The journey includes a peaceful walk through a hidden bamboo forest and a visit to a small, lesser-known Inari shrine. Away from the usual tourist bustle, discover Fushimi Inari from a fresh perspective, exploring the mountain trails with ease. The hike offers breathtaking views from atop the mountains of Fushimi Inari before circling back to the main shrine area.
This tour provides tour photos. Food and drinks are not included. Explore hidden trails, enjoy nature, and discover cultural gems with Magical Trip, a local tour operator known for excellent small-group experiences in Japan.
Kyoto
¥27000
Kyoto's Top 10: Private Tour, See It All in One Day!
5.0
(1044 reviews)
Duration: 480
minutes
10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour lets visitors experience the very best of Kyoto in a single, unforgettable day. This private tour is designed for those who want to see all the top attractions without the stress of navigating public transportation alone. A friendly, local guide leads the way, offering insights and stories that bring Kyoto's rich history and culture to life.
Travelers can expect a comfortable and convenient journey to Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The tour uses a mix of public transport and taxis (3-4 times) to save time and energy, ensuring guests can see more with less hassle. This private tour, accommodating up to 7 people, offers a personalized experience, making it perfect for families and small groups. This tour ensures a comprehensive exploration of Kyoto's must-see destinations.
The tour includes visits to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsu Bridge, Kimono Forest, Fushimi Inari Shrine (with its thousands of vibrant red torii gates), Kiyomizu-dera Temple (known for its stunning wooden balcony), Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji Temple), and the Gion Geisha District. An English-speaking guide is included, but entrance fees, public transportation costs, and taxi fares are not. Infants under 2 years old are free.
Kyoto
¥14400
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Bike Tour: Early Access
5.0
(592 reviews)
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird) invites everyone to see the real Arashiyama. This isn't just a regular tour; it's a special bike ride that starts early, showing you places most people never get to see. Explore Kyoto's beautiful nature, with green rice fields, pretty views, and quiet back roads away from the busy city. Ride on the most amazing roads in Kyoto and find secret spots in Arashiyama, like the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the peaceful Tenryuji Temple Zen Garden, the scenic Arashiyama Backstreets, and the Togetsukyo Bridge. This bike tour is all about seeing the beauty of this area in a unique way.
Get ready to discover hidden gems! This tour takes you on a bike through Arashiyama's best spots. See the tall bamboo trees, relax in a calm Zen garden, and ride through peaceful back roads. The guide will show you secret places and share stories about the area. You'll also see the Togetsukyo Bridge, a famous landmark. It’s more than just sightseeing; it's an adventure into the heart of Arashiyama.
This tour includes a friendly, English-speaking guide, a bike and helmet for safe riding, and bottled water to keep you hydrated. It doesn't include tips for the guide, hotel pickup, or e-bikes (regular city bikes are used). People who join this tour will experience something special and unforgettable.
Nara
¥19488
Kyoto & Nara: Matcha, Temples & Deer Day Trip
4.9
(1485 reviews)
Duration: 510
minutes
Discover the magic of ancient Japan on the World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience. This full-day bus tour takes travelers to must-see cultural landmarks in Nara and Kyoto. See Nara's famous friendly deer, explore ancient temples, and learn to make authentic matcha in Uji, Kyoto, the birthplace of matcha.
What to Expect: The tour begins with a scenic drive passing Fushimi Castle and Heijokyo Palace on the way to Nara. Visitors will be greeted by the Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. Nara Park is home to approximately 1,400 deer, where visitors can interact with and feed them. Kasuga Taisha Shrine features 3,000 stone lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. The adventure continues in Uji, Kyoto, where participants will learn the art of making Uji matcha tea and admire Byodo-in Phoenix Hall, featured on the back of the 10-yen coin. This tour includes admission to Byodoin and Todaiji Temples, a professional English-speaking guide, multilingual audio guidance, and onboard Wi-Fi.
This experience excludes gratuities, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and additional food and drinks beyond what is specified. Last-minute bookings receive a regular meal, and vegetarian options are available with advance notice.
Kyoto
¥13100
Kyoto Rickshaw Tour: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Adventure
5.0
(341 reviews)
Kyoto Arashiyama Rickshaw Tour with Bamboo Forest offers a unique way to see one of Kyoto's most beautiful spots! This tour takes people through the amazing Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. See the towering bamboo from a comfy rickshaw and on foot.
What to Expect: The adventure starts by riding down a lively street toward the bamboo forest. The rickshaw goes on a path just for these carts. You'll want to get your camera ready to snap some pictures. The tour will pass by Nonomiya Shrine before it gets to a pretty park inside the bamboo forest, this spot is great for group photos.
Important Stops: The tour also visits the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Most Famous Part), Shinto Shrine (in Bamboo Forest), Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Photo Spot), Arashiyama Rickshaw Tour, and Cottage of a Haiku Poet. Included is the use of a rickshaw, gratuities, and all fees and taxes. Not included are admission fees for temples and shrines, and transportation to and from the meeting place.
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