Samurai Sword Experience

Tamiya-ryu Iaijutsu is a traditional sword style founded over 400 years ago and there are few masters left today. He is a gentle and calm man, but perhaps it’s that very strength that gives him his serenity.

Someone once asked a master, "How can you always be so calm and smiling?" He replied, "Because I have the skill to kill anyone I dislike. When I remember that, I feel relaxed, and I can smile."

Of course he was joking... but maybe there’s a hint of truth in it. True strength brings peace of mind. And from that peace, comes a quiet, genuine kindness.

After listening to the master's introduction, you’ll first change into a traditional hakama. You’ll wear both the top and bottom robes, and secure your sword using a unique style of obi belt.

Training begins with a replica sword so you can safely learn the proper handling. Then, you'll have the rare chance to hold a real sword. An authentic, handcrafted blade used since the time of the samurai. Each part is meticulously made by hand, making it a truly valuable and historic weapon.

Your journey begins with "Kesagiri," a precise diagonal slash at a 45-degree angle, slicing through four mats, just as the samurai once trained in the art of the sword.

With a strong swing, the blade slices through and the clean, satisfying cut gives you something wordless feeling. But once you get too excited, your swing may falter. Through both success and failure, you begin to understand that wielding a sword takes more than just strength. It demands calm, precision, and self-discipline.

A truly fine blade reveals its full potential only when the one holding it is equally refined. Many people say they can understand this, but how many have felt it with their own hands?

After your sword experience, it’s time to calm your mind with a traditional tea ceremony.
Many people imagine tea as a peaceful, indoor ritual performed by a woman in a graceful kimono and that’s partly true. But there’s more to it.

The practice of tea has deep roots in Bushido, the samurai code. While swordsmanship trains the body in motion, the tea ceremony trains the heart in stillness.
Through each precise, elegant movement, you’ll glimpse how ancient warriors found focus, clarity, and inner peace in the quiet world of tea.

Samurai originated in the late 9th century, initially serving roles similar to police. Over time, they gained military and political power, and from the late 12th century, samurai governments ruled Japan for nearly 700 years.

They built a society rooted in discipline, honor, loyalty, courtesy, and respect —values that shaped Japan’s history for generations. Today, only a few still carry on samurai traditions and the master is one of them who are trying to preserve skills.

Through introducing this experience to our guests, we as guides, hope to pass on the spirit of Bushido and preserve Japan’s cultural heritage.

Please submit your request through our booking form. Our customer support team will reply within 1-2 business days to confirm the details and proceed with the following steps:

1. Discussing the Tour Details
We can tailor the tour to your preferences, whether that means combining it with a Tokyo sightseeing tour or arranging transportation for you.

2. Payment Required
Your reservation will be confirmed upon receipt of payment. We will provide the payment link at this step.

3. Enjoy Your Day!
The master and English-speaking guide will meet you at their designated location in Tokyo.

For our 1 Day Tour or Activity, we set our cancellation policy as below:

1. More than 7 days prior to the tour date: 100% refund
2. Less than 7 days before the tour day: 50% refund
3. Less than 2 days before the tour day: No refund
*"tour day" defines based on our local Japanese time.

Rescheduling Charge:
Please be aware that if you wish to reschedule within six days of the tour date, a rescheduling charge of approximately 30% may be applied for the extra resource and to compensate our staff for keeping the date for you.