Tokyo: Samurai Experience With Lunch and Guided Tour

Visitors to Tokyo can enjoy the captivating world of samurai culture through a unique 3.5-hour tour. This small-group experience offers an in-depth exploration, from a guided walk through historic Kagurazaka to a hands-on samurai performance and training session. Participants will also savor a traditional Japanese lunch, sample local snacks, and gain a deeper appreciation for Japan’s rich heritage. With limited spots available, this tour promises an intimate and unforgettable encounter with the enduring spirit of the samurai.

Key Points

• A 3.5-hour guided tour in Tokyo that includes a samurai performance, hands-on training, a traditional Japanese lunch, and a stroll through the historic Kagurazaka neighborhood.
• The tour is limited to 9 participants and can be fully refunded up to 24 hours in advance.
• Participants will learn about Japan’s samurai heritage and experience a 1-hour samurai performance and training session.
• The traditional Japanese lunch features seasonal ingredients and local specialties, served in a 70-year-old house.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 4 or wheelchair users, and dietary requests must be made in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Tokyo: Samurai Experience with Lunch and Guided Tour," offers participants a 3.5-hour immersive cultural experience in the historic Kagurazaka district of Tokyo.

Priced from $123.94 per person, the tour is limited to 9 participants and conducted in English. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The experience starts and ends at the Aoyama Flower Market, and includes a guided tour, a traditional Japanese lunch, a samurai performance and training session, and a stroll through Kagurazaka’s charming streets.

Itinerary Highlights

This tour begins at the Aoyama Flower Market (Ecute Edition Idabashi Store), where participants embark on a 15-minute guided walk through the historic Kagurazaka district.

The group then enjoys a traditional Japanese lunch in a 70-year-old house, lasting approximately 2.33 hours.

Next, participants take part in a 1-hour samurai performance and training session, learning the basics of samurai fighting and movements.

The experience concludes with a 30-minute stroll through Kagurazaka’s streets, sampling local snacks like chimaki and steamed buns, before returning to the starting point.

Exploring Kagurazaka

Kagurazaka is a historic neighborhood in Tokyo that offers visitors a glimpse into Japan’s rich samurai heritage.

During the tour, guests embark on a 15-minute guided walk through the area’s charming streets lined with traditional Japanese shops and restaurants. Along the way, they’ll learn about the historical significance of Shinto shrines and the influence of Zen Buddhism.

The stroll culminates in a visit to a 70-year-old Japanese house, where participants enjoy a traditional lunch and witness a captivating samurai performance before trying their hand at samurai training techniques under the guidance of professional instructors.

Samurai Lunch Experience

After a captivating guided tour of Kagurazaka’s historic streets, participants enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch in a charming 70-year-old house.

The authentic meal features seasonal ingredients and local specialties. Diners savor dishes like miso soup, grilled fish, and seasonal pickles, served on handcrafted tableware.

The tranquil lunch setting allows guests to enjoy Japanese culture, complementing the earlier Samurai experience.

Following the meal, participants stroll through Kagurazaka’s quaint streets, sampling local treats like chimaki and steamed buns, before returning to the starting point.

More Great Tours Nearby

Samurai Performance and Training

Following the fulfilling lunch, participants eagerly move on to the highlight of the experience – the Samurai performance and training session. For one hour, they are immersed in the world of Samurai, learning the basics of their fighting techniques and movements from professional instructors. Participants have the opportunity to wield a Samurai sword and experience the discipline and precision required. The session culminates in a captivating Samurai performance, showcasing the beauty and power of this ancient martial art.

Samurai Performance	Samurai Training
Captivating display of Samurai techniques	Hands-on experience with Samurai sword
Demonstrates the artistry and discipline	Guidance from professional instructors
Provides a glimpse into Samurai culture	Teaches fundamentals of Samurai movements

Exploring Kagurazaka’s Streets

With the Samurai experience behind them, participants now embark on a stroll through the charming streets of Kagurazaka.

They explore the neighborhood, taking in the sights and sounds:

• Quaint shops and cafes lining the narrow alleys
• Traditional Japanese architecture with intricate details
• Locals going about their daily routines
• The aroma of freshly baked pastries and steaming street food
• The peaceful ambiance of shrines and temples tucked away

The guide provides insight into the area’s history and significance, allowing participants to appreciate the cultural richness of this historic Tokyo district.

Cultural Immersion

The Samurai experience allows participants to immerse themselves deeply in Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Through hands-on training and guided exploration, visitors gain an intimate understanding of the Samurai way of life, including its connections to Shinto, Zen Buddhism, and the martial arts. The tour’s cultural focus creates a meaningful and memorable experience, leaving participants with a lasting appreciation for this iconic aspect of Japanese history and tradition.

Cultural Aspects	What Participants Learn
Samurai History	Origins, role in society, code of honor
Shinto Shrines	Significance of sacred spaces and rituals
Zen Buddhism	Influence on Samurai philosophy and discipline
Martial Arts	Techniques, movements, and mental focus
Traditional Cuisine	Flavors, preparation, and cultural significance

Important Information for Participants

Participants must arrive on time for the Samurai experience, as late arrivals (more than 15 minutes) can’t join or receive a refund.

The tour has several important restrictions:

• No smoking, alcohol, or drugs allowed during the experience
• Dietary requests must be made in advance, as the organizers can’t guarantee allergy-free meals
• Vegetarian lunches are available, but vegan and gluten-free options are not
• Photography is permitted throughout the tour
• The experience isn’t suitable for children under 4 or wheelchair users.

Adhering to these guidelines will ensure a smooth and memorable Samurai adventure in Tokyo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Weapons for the Samurai Training?

No, participants cannot bring their own weapons for the samurai training. The tour provider supplies all necessary equipment and ensures a safe, educational experience focused on traditional samurai techniques under the guidance of professional instructors.

Do I Need to Wear Traditional Japanese Clothing During the Tour?

No, traditional Japanese clothing is not required. The tour provides all necessary equipment and attire for the samurai experience. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for the activities.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The tour is a fixed 3.5-hour experience. Participants should plan to arrive on time, as late arrivals cannot join or get a refund.

Can I Take a Taxi or Public Transportation to the Starting Location?

Yes, participants can take a taxi or public transportation to the starting location at the Aoyama Flower Market (Ecute Edition Idabashi Store). The tour does not provide transportation, so guests are responsible for getting themselves to the meeting point.

Is There a Discounted Rate for Booking This Tour as a Group?

Yes, the tour offers a group discount for bookings of 2 or more participants. When booking, you can save up to 10% off the regular price per person.

The Sum Up

The "Tokyo: Samurai Experience with Lunch and Guided Tour" offers a captivating immersion into Japan’s samurai heritage. With a small group size and hands-on activities, participants can explore the historic Kagurazaka neighborhood, enjoy a traditional lunch, and learn about samurai culture through a performance and training session. This tour provides a unique opportunity to fully embrace Japan’s rich history and traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: