Samurai School in Kyoto: Samurai for a Day

Immersing oneself in the ancient Japanese warrior tradition is now possible at Samurai School in Kyoto. Visitors can explore the graceful movements of Kembu, a traditional samurai performing art, and don authentic samurai attire for a memorable photo shoot. With English-speaking guides and various class durations, this unique experience promises to uncover the essence of the samurai legacy in the heart of the cultural capital. Those seeking to step into the discipline of these iconic warriors won’t want to miss the chance to earn a certificate commemorating their journey.

Key Points

• Offers an immersive, interactive class to experience ancient Japanese warrior techniques, including the option to learn Kembu, a traditional samurai performing art.
• Provides an English-speaking local guide/instructor, a photo shoot, a traditional Japanese towel, and a certificate of completion.
• The meeting point is the Samurai Kenbu Theater/605-0005 Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto city 35-7 Sanchome, Higashiyama-Ku GOZAN Bldg. B1F, with lessons focusing on graceful, stylized samurai movements.
• Allows participants to suit up in a samurai uniform, learn to bow and draw a sword, and, in longer sessions, learn choreography and perform on stage.
• Includes a photo shoot where participants can dress in an authentic samurai costume and pose with a decorated samurai sword, receiving a commemorative certificate at the end of the experience.

Overview of Samurai School

The Samurai School in Kyoto offers an immersive, interactive class where participants can experience the basic techniques of ancient Japanese warriors, with options to delve deeper into the discipline of Kembu, a traditional samurai performing art.

With 156 reviews, the school’s interactive lessons focus on teaching the graceful, stylized movements that make up the samurai technique.

Visitors can choose from multiple class durations, with longer sessions including more complex movements using a sword and folding fan.

The experience culminates in a photo session where participants can suit up in traditional samurai costume and receive a certificate of completion, commemorating their journey as a Kyoto samurai for a day.

What’s Included in the Experience

An English-speaking local guide/instructor accompanies participants throughout the experience, ensuring an immersive and informative journey into the world of the samurai. Visitors also receive a photo shoot, a traditional Japanese towel (tenugui), and a certificate of completion to commemorate their time as a samurai.

The package doesn’t include hotel pickup, food, drinks, or gratuities.

The samurai school in Kyoto offers a unique opportunity to learn the basic techniques of ancient Japanese warriors. Participants will handle a sword, uncover the discipline of Kembu, a samurai performing art, and suit up in a samurai uniform while learning to bow and draw a sword.

An optional upgrade allows for a longer session to learn choreography and perform on stage.

Meeting Point and Directions

The Samurai Kenbu Theater/605-0005 Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto city 35-7 Sanchome, Higashiyama-Ku GOZAN Bldg. B1F is the designated meeting point, located on the 1st basement floor of the GOZAN Building (formerly known as the NeoArt Building).

To reach the reception desk, participants need to come down the stairs on the right side toward the GOZAN Building.

The school’s location isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation.

Visitors should arrive 15-5 minutes prior to the start time, as wearing a single hoodie or tights isn’t suitable for costume changes during the experience.

What to Expect During the Class

Participants can expect to learn the graceful, stylized movements that make up the samurai technique during the class. They’ll have the opportunity to handle a sword and uncover the discipline of Kembu, a samurai performing art.

Visitors also get to suit up in a samurai uniform and learn to bow and draw a sword. An optional upgrade for longer sessions allows participants to learn choreography and perform on stage.

The class is led by an English-speaking local guide and instructor, who’ll provide guidance and instruction throughout the experience. Participants will leave with a better understanding and appreciation for the art of the samurai, as well as some commemorative photos and a certificate of completion.

Samurai Costume and Photo Shoot

Dressed in an authentic samurai costume, participants have the opportunity to pose for a photo session during the class, capturing the essence of these ancient Japanese warriors.

The photo shoot allows attendees to fully enjoy the samurai experience, transforming into the part with traditional garments and accessories.

Some key highlights of the photo session include:

1. Donning the iconic samurai attire, including a flowing robe, intricate sash, and recognizable headpiece.

2. Striking iconic poses with a decorated samurai sword, showcasing the discipline and grace of these legendary fighters.

3. Receiving a commemorative certificate to remember the unforgettable day spent training as a samurai in Kyoto.

Lesson Completion Certificate

Upon completing the samurai training session, participants receive a special certificate commemorating their experience. This certificate, suitable for framing, serves as a tangible reminder of the journey they embarked on to become a samurai for the day.

The certificate is printed with elegant calligraphy and features the iconic imagery of the samurai warrior, capturing the essence of the lesson. It also includes the date and location of the training, solidifying the authenticity of the experience.

This certificate not only serves as a memento but also acts as proof of the participants’ dedication and accomplishment in mastering the basic techniques of the ancient Japanese warrior tradition.

Additional Information and Recommendations

Visitors are encouraged to arrive 15-30 minutes before the scheduled start time to allow ample time for costume changes and preparation. While the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps, and the activity isn’t recommended for those with back problems or pregnant travelers. Participants should avoid wearing a single hoodie or tights, as these may not be suitable for the costume changes involved.

The program offers several additional considerations:

1. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.
2. Cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.
3. The minimum age requirement for participants is 5 years old.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

The program’s cancellation and refund policy allows participants to receive a full refund if they cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance. This flexible policy ensures that customers can plan their schedules with confidence, knowing they won’t lose their money if their plans change.

No-shows or last-minute cancellations, however, aren’t eligible for refunds. This policy strikes a balance between accommodating unexpected changes and discouraging late cancellations that could prevent others from booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Part in the Class With My Family?

Yes, families can participate in the class together. The interactive experience is suitable for all ages, from children as young as 5 to adults. Group sessions allow families to learn and explore the ancient art of the samurai as a team.

Will I Have an Opportunity to Try the Sword Movements?

Yes, you’ll have the opportunity to try sword movements during the class. The interactive lesson covers the basic techniques of ancient Japanese warriors, including handling a sword and learning the discipline of Kembu, a samurai performing art.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Class Size?

The class size is not specified, but it’s likely to have a minimum number of participants to run. There’s no maximum mentioned, so the class size can vary depending on demand and the facility’s capacity.

Can I Purchase the Samurai Costume I Wear in the Photo?

Yes, you can purchase the samurai costume you wear during the photo session. The costume is available for purchase as an optional add-on to the Samurai for a Day experience.

Is There a Discount for Booking Multiple Sessions?

The Samurai School offers discounts for booking multiple sessions. Guests who book longer classes or multiple sessions may receive a reduced rate. However, the exact discount details are not provided in the overview information.

Recap

Embrace the rich heritage of the samurai at Samurai School in Kyoto.

Enjoy the art of Kembu, a traditional samurai performing technique, and don the iconic warrior attire for an unforgettable photo shoot.

With English-speaking guides and a certificate of completion, this unique experience offers a glimpse into the discipline and essence of Japan’s revered samurai tradition.