Henri Leroux

Tokyo · experience

Samurai sword lesson & museum, Asakusa

A hands-on katana lesson in full hakama and armour, followed by a guided tour of the Samurai Ninja Museum and a shuriken-throwing activity.

2 hoursSmall group, limited to 10 participantsFrom €69

The experience

A hands-on katana lesson in Asakusa, followed by a guided tour of the Samurai Ninja Museum.

This is a genuine sword lesson rather than a photo opportunity dressed up as one: guests suit up in a hakama and are taught to hold and move an iaito, the blunted practice sword used in the martial art of iaido, by an instructor who explains form and etiquette before letting the group try it themselves.

The lesson runs inside the Samurai Ninja Museum, and a guided tour of the collection — full sets of samurai armour, katana, and ninja tools — follows the practice, along with a shuriken-throwing activity that guests consistently single out as a highlight.

Themed photo backdrops around the museum give a natural place to keep the armour and blade on for pictures before returning to Asakusa’s streets in ordinary clothes.

Duration

2 hours

Group

Small group, limited to 10 participants

Languages

English-speaking instructor

Format

A hands-on lesson and museum tour, on foot throughout

Meeting point

Samurai Ninja Museum Asakusa branch — entrance to the right of the local FamilyMart

Pickup and drop-off

Confirmed with the option

Who this suits

A good choice when it matches the way you want to use the city.

  • Travellers who want an active, hands-on hour rather than a passive museum visit.
  • Families with children aged 10 and over.
  • A natural pairing with Senso-ji and the rest of Asakusa on the same day.

Itinerary

The route at a glance.

The guide and exact sequence are confirmed on the day. Times below are a useful indication of how this visit is normally structured.

  1. 1

    Meet at the Asakusa branch

    The entrance sits to the right of the local FamilyMart.

    Start
  2. 2

    Suit up and sword lesson

    Hakama, armour, and hands-on instruction in katana technique.

    About 45 minutes
  3. 3

    Shuriken throwing and museum tour

    Guided walk through the Samurai Ninja Museum’s collection.

    About 1 hour
  4. 4

    Photographs and finish

    Final 15 minutes

What the visit includes

The practical detail before you choose a date.

Highlights

  • A hands-on katana lesson, in full hakama and armour
  • A guided tour of the Samurai Ninja Museum’s collection
  • A shuriken-throwing activity
  • Themed photo opportunities in samurai dress

Included

  • ✓ Samurai sword (iaito) lesson
  • ✓ Use of hakama and samurai armour
  • ✓ Themed photo opportunities
  • ✓ Guided tour of the Samurai Ninja Museum

Not included

  • • Food and drink
  • • Transport to Asakusa

Before you go

A few essentials for the day.

  • Children under 10 cannot take part.
  • This booking is specifically for the Asakusa branch — confirm the exact address on the booking voucher, as the operator also has Kyoto and Shinjuku locations.
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.