Kendo Classes for Tourists: How to Try Japan's Sword Fighting Art

Kendo (剣道) — "the way of the sword" — is a Japanese martial art using bamboo swords. Here's where tourists can try it.

Kendo (剣道) — "the way of the sword" — is a Japanese martial art using bamboo swords. Here's where tourists can try it.

What Is Kendo?

Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art descended from swordsmanship (kenjutsu). Practitioners wear protective armor and use bamboo swords (shinai) to spar. It emphasizes:

Discipline — mental and physical
Respect — for opponents and tradition
Spirit — fighting with full effort
Technique — precise strikes and footwork

Types of Experiences

Quick Experience

Duration	What You Get	Price
1–2 hours	Basic techniques, armor try-on	¥3,000–5,000

Standard Workshop

Duration	What You Get	Price
2–3 hours	Techniques, sparring, full experience	¥5,000–8,000

Multi-Day Course

Duration	What You Get	Price
3–5 days	Deep learning, daily practice	¥15,000–30,000

Where to Learn

Tokyo

Workshop	Location	Price
Japanese Sword Museum	Ryogoku	¥3,000–5,000
Kendo Dojo	Various	¥5,000–8,000
Japanese Cultural Workshop	Asakusa	¥4,000–6,000

Kyoto

Workshop	Location	Price
Budo Center	Central	¥4,000–6,000
Temple workshops	Various	¥3,000–5,000

Other Cities

City	Workshop	Price
Osaka	Budo center	¥4,000–6,000
Kamakura	Dojo	¥4,000–6,000
Nikko	Cultural center	¥3,000–5,000

What to Expect

Typical Workshop Flow

Introduction — history and philosophy
Warm-up — stretching and basics
Footwork — proper movement
Strikes — men, kote, do (head, wrist, body)
Armor try-on — wear bogu (protective gear)
Sparring — basic kendo with partner
Cool down — stretching and bow

What You'll Learn

Proper stance (kamae)
Footwork (ashi-sabaki)
Basic strikes (uchi-waza)
Blocking and parrying
Kendo spirit (ki-ken-tai-ichi)

Tips

No experience needed — beginners welcome
Wear comfortable clothes — you'll be moving
Bring water — it's very physical
Follow the sensei's lead — they'll guide you
Be respectful — bow to partners and equipment
Have fun — it's exciting and empowering
Buy a shinai — bamboo sword for home practice
Combine with other martial arts — judo, karate