Do I need any martial arts experience?

No. The class is designed for people new to the sword, which is why it uses practice katana and starts with the basics of grip, stance, drawing, and sheathing.

The class is run by Hougyoku-kai, the international iaido organization headed by Master Takeda Hougyoku, and taught in English by an instructor from the dojo.

Why are practice swords used instead of real katana?

Handling a real katana safely takes years of training. Practice swords give you the genuine feel and technique without any risk to you, other guests, or valuable blades.

Tameshigiri is the traditional samurai practice of test cutting, used to check cutting technique. You get to try it during the class.

Mugai Ryu is a school of iaido with roughly 340 years of history. Hougyoku-kai works to preserve its traditional techniques and spirit.

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Tokyo

Tokyo Samurai Sword Experience: Learn Mugai Ryu Iaido

English

1 hour and 30 minutes

(43)

Step into a traditional dojo in Tokyo's Kuramae area and learn the basics of Mugai Ryu Iaido, the art of drawing the samurai sword. Change into a hakama, practice cutting with a practice katana, and watch a master perform authentic kata up close.

Traditional hakama rental (samurai clothing)
English-speaking instructor
Practice Japanese sword rental

What's not included

Pick-up and drop-off
Personal guide accompaniment

Arrive at the dojo 15 minutes early to change into your hakama.
The dojo is on the 3rd floor of the SCOP21 Building in Kuramae.
Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move in.
Women should wear leggings or trousers under the hakama rather than a skirt.
Bring a towel, water, and a change of clothes if you like.
All training uses authentic-style practice swords, not real katana, for safety.
The minimum age to join this experience is 5 years.

Meet directly at this location to join the tour

Asakusa Kuramae Headquarters Dojo, SCOP21 Building 3F, 4-20-10 Kuramae, Taito City, Tokyo

Cancel more than 360 hours before the start time for a full refund.
From 360 hours before the start time until 120 hours before the start time, cancellation costs 20%.
From 120 hours before the start time until 48 hours before the start time, cancellation costs 50%.
Cancellations within 48 hours of the start time are non-refundable.

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Reviews

Tokyo Samurai Sword Experience: Learn Mugai Ryu Iaido

43 reviews

1/1

Samurai experience

Best traditional samurai experience

Matthias N

June 19, 2026

Extraordinary experience!!!

Giuliano kumashiro was an outstanding host and instructor. I highly recommend it, the highlight of our trip to Tokyo!

Scott W

June 8, 2026

Matthias N

June 19, 2026

Samurai experience

Best traditional samurai experience

Scott W

June 8, 2026

Extraordinary experience!!!

Giuliano kumashiro was an outstanding host and instructor. I highly recommend it, the highlight of our trip to Tokyo!

Itinerary

Asakusa Kuramae Headquarters Dojo

SCOP21 Building 3F, 4-20-10 Kuramae, Taito City, Tokyo

Your iaido class takes place at this dojo on the 3rd floor of the SCOP21 Building, where you change into a hakama, train with practice katana, and watch a master perform iaido kata.