Tokyo "Discover all about samurai" half-day guided tour Discount Tickets

5.0
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 5 reviews |
location pin icon Tokyo, Japan
location pin icon Tokyo
5.0 /5
5 reviews
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Get your discount tickets for the Tokyo "Discover all about samurai" half-day guided tour, save up to 9% !

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9% OFF Refundable
Cutting a man-shaped cardboard
FROM

$195.18

REG. $214.19
9% OFF Refundable
Try wielding a real sword.
FROM

$229.27

REG. $251.61

Overview

Understanding the samurai is key to grasping Japan’s history and culture. They ruled for 700 years, and their values still shape modern Japanese society. This tour highlights both the sword—seen as the soul of the samurai—and their enduring ideals. You'll experience swordsmanship firsthand, watch a master’s live demonstration, and, if you opt for it, try cutting a rolled tatami mat with a real sword. At the sword museum, admire the artistry of Japanese swords, and at a sword shop, explore or purchase one with help from a guide. You’ll also visit a samurai-related site to learn about their values and legacy.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

The meeting point is Exit A4 of Toei Asakusa Line Kuramae station (A17). Please step outside when you reach Exit A4. Your guide will be holding a sign reading, Arumachi. Toei Oedo Line has a station carrying the same name, Kuramae. You should get on Toei Asakusa Line but NOT on Toei Oedo Line

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. Kuramae
Experience Iaido, a dominant art of swordsmanship practiced by samurai. If you can imagine a samurai swiftly and deftly slicing a roll of straw mat, that is Iaido. After arriving at the Iaido dojo, change into a samurai attire with a sword. Learn from a master what Iaido is about, flow of experience, and actually slash a cardboard with a sword; not a roll of straw mat for your safety. You will have an option to buy a samurai attire and / or sword used in the experience. Observe solo demonstration of the master up close to marvel at his skill, which is especially impressive after your own experience. You will receive a certificate of completion at the end. We can arrange purchase of a sword or samurai attire used in the experience for those interested. All necessary arrangements can be made on the spot.
Duration: 75 mins
2. Kyu Yasuda Garden
We will visit a former residence of one of feudal lords, subordinates to the shogun. Each feudal lord was in charge of ruling various regions of Japan as top-notch samurai. They typically had three residences in Edo, current Tokyo; then, the obvious question you would have is why they had three residences in Edo despite the fact that they governed rural areas. Using the question as the starting point, the guide will start demystifying who samurai was. The very first point, which is closely related to their having had residences in Edo, is the shogunate regime of which they were part. You will learn from the guide what they valued, ethical constraints they had, their daily regimen, and their life style thereby making your understanding of samurai wholistic rather than being mere swordsmen. The residence is a traditional Japanese garden; learn from the guide how the garden replicates the nature and its beauty just like others in Japan and what the top-notch samurai sought in them.
Duration: 30 mins
3. The Japanese Sword Museum
A Japanese sword has been venerated since ancient times as far more than just a weapon. In this museum located adjacent to the garden we have just visited, swords are displayed including ones designated as national treasures by the government. At the entrance of the museum, learn from the guide the traditional method to produce steel as a raw material for swords which has been used for over 1000 years. The technique is apparently "primitive and inefficient." The guide will ask you why the swordsmiths have adhered to it adamantly. It is totally counter-intuitive that the steel made that way transforms into works of art appreciated for generations and now globally. The guide will unlock the mystery before you step into the museum and marvel at their beauty as works of art. See the works of each age and school as well as those by best contemporary swordsmiths.
Duration: 60 mins
4. Kanda
We will take you to a sword shop. The shop carries authentic Japanese swords and daggers; they are not souvenirs but real ones made to the traditional standards. You may want to buy a real sword there to take back home. Otherwise, you can just look around in the shop. In either case, the guide will help you as an interpreter in the shop. Note: In some rare cases, the sword shop attendants are not available due to travelling for purchase, etc. Then, we will do whatever is possible to make up for it including taking you to a substitute sword shop, setting up an appointment with the shop for your later visit, etc.
Duration: 45 mins

Inclusion

Visit to a samurai related landmark

Visit to a sword shop

Admission ticket to the sword museum

Swordsmanship experience at a dojo

Exclusion

City train fare for about JPY500

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Supplied by Arumachi

Reviews

5.0

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 5 reviews

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