Tokyo: Experience Cutting With a Real Japanese Sword

Exploring Japan’s rich Samurai heritage, visitors to Tokyo can now enjoy the art of sword cutting. This 1.5-hour experience offers a chance to wield a real Japanese sword under expert guidance. Participants don traditional iaido attire and practice meditative techniques before testing their skills on tatami mats. With safety protocols in place, this hands-on introduction to Samurai culture promises an unforgettable glimpse into Japan’s storied past. What insights might this experience uncover for those drawn to the way of the sword?

Key Points

• Participants engage in a 1.5-hour experience to learn the art of cutting with authentic Japanese swords over 100 years old.
• The activity includes instruction in English and Japanese, with participants wearing traditional iaido costumes and practicing meditation.
• Participants have the opportunity to cut tatami mats under the guidance of a qualified Battoushi Do teacher.
• The experience provides an immersive introduction to Samurai culture, with demonstrations of Samurai armor and photo opportunities during the cutting activity.
• Certain restrictions apply, such as a minimum age of 15 and exclusions for pregnant women, individuals over 95, and those with visual impairments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

Visitors can experience cutting with a real Japanese sword during this 1.5-hour activity in Tokyo. Priced from $90.49 per person, the small-group experience is limited to 8 participants and offers instruction in both English and Japanese.

Participants will enjoy Samurai culture by wearing traditional iaido costumes and engage in greetings and meditation to connect with the Samurai spirit.

They’ll use authentic swords over 100 years old and observe a display of Samurai armor before trying their hand at sword swinging and cutting tatami mats under the guidance of a qualified Battoushi Do teacher.

Booking Information

Guests can reserve their spot and pay nothing today. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, booking is risk-free. Check availability for desired starting times.

Booking Information
Reserve Now & Pay Later	Yes
Free Cancellation	Up to 24 hours in advance
Check Availability	For starting times
Refund Policy	Full refund with cancellation
Confirmation	Instant after booking

This experience offers flexibility and convenience, allowing customers to secure their place without upfront payment. The cancellation policy provides peace of mind should plans change. Guests are encouraged to review availability and book their Japanese sword cutting session.

Experience Highlights

Participants can enjoy Samurai culture by wearing traditional iaido costumes.

They’ll engage in greetings and meditation to connect with the Samurai spirit. Using authentic Japanese swords over 100 years old, you will observe a display of Samurai armor.

The qualified Battoushi Do teacher will provide guidance throughout the experience, including sword explanation, practice swinging, and cutting tatami mats.

Participants can take photos and videos while cutting, and there will be an opportunity to see a demonstration by the instructor and ask questions.

Instruction and Activities

The qualified teacher of Battoushi Do will guide participants throughout the experience.

Activities include:

• Sword explanation, where the instructor will share details about the authentic Japanese swords over 100 years old.

• Practice swinging, allowing participants to get a feel for handling these historical blades.

• Cutting tatami mats, where participants can take pictures and videos while putting their new skills to the test.

The instructor will also demonstrate the art of cutting, providing an opportunity for participants to ask questions and capture commemorative photos.

More Great Tours Nearby

Participant Restrictions

Although this experience is suitable for most, there are certain participant restrictions to be aware of.

The activity isn’t recommended for children under 15 years, pregnant women, wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, and people over 95 years. Babies under 1 year are also excluded. This is due to the physical demands and safety considerations involved in handling authentic Japanese swords.

Participants must be able to follow instructions and participate actively. The small group size ensures personalized attention, but also requires participants to be mindful of their abilities and limitations.

Customer Feedback

Based on the sole review provided, customers have overwhelmingly praised this experience, giving it a perfect 5/5 rating.

One French reviewer, Jean, enthusiastically declared in February 2025, "un régal !! foncez", which translates to "a delight!! go for it".

This feedback suggests that participants can expect:

• A truly immersive Samurai culture experience
• High-quality instruction from qualified teachers
• An opportunity to use authentic, century-old Japanese swords

With such positive reviews, this unique sword-cutting activity appears to be a must-try adventure for anyone visiting Tokyo.

Samurai Culture and Tradition

Immersing oneself in Samurai culture and tradition is a core element of this sword-cutting experience. Participants don traditional iaido costumes, which connects them to the historic warriors.

They engage in greetings and meditation to embody the Samurai spirit before handling the authentic Japanese swords over 100 years old.

An observation of the instructor’s Samurai armor display further immerses visitors in this ancient martial art.

Through these activities, the experience allows participants to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Samurai philosophy and its enduring legacy in Japanese heritage.

Safety Considerations

Safety is paramount for this sword-cutting experience. Participants must adhere to strict safety protocols to protect themselves and others.

Key safety considerations include:

• Wearing protective gear, such as gloves, eye protection, and padding, to mitigate the risk of injury.
• Receiving comprehensive instructions from qualified instructors on proper sword handling and cutting techniques.
• Maintaining focus and following all directions closely during the activities to ensure a safe and controlled environment.

With these measures in place, visitors can confidently engage in the authentic Japanese sword-cutting experience while seeing the rich Samurai culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Sword to the Experience?

No, participants cannot bring their own swords. The experience provides authentic Japanese swords over 100 years old for use during the session. Participants must follow the guidance and use the swords provided by the qualified instructor.

How Do I Choose the Right Sword for My Height and Skill Level?

When choosing a sword, consider your height and skill level. The instructor will provide an appropriate sword, as they know which ones suit each participant best. Let them guide you to select the right sword for a safe, enjoyable experience.

Will I Get to Keep the Sword I Use During the Experience?

No, participants don’t get to keep the sword they use during the experience. The swords provided are authentic Japanese swords over 100 years old, which are used only for the duration of the activity under supervision.

Are There Any Health Conditions That Could Prevent Me From Participating?

There are several health conditions that could prevent participation, including being under 15 years old, pregnant, in a wheelchair, visually impaired, over 95 years old, or a baby under 1 year. Participants must meet the listed restrictions to take part.

Can I Bring My Children to Observe the Experience?

Children under 15 are not permitted to participate in the sword cutting experience. However, they may be able to observe the demonstration if the activity allows for spectators. Check with the organizers about any restrictions on children attending as observers.

The Sum Up

Participants can enjoy the captivating world of Samurai culture by booking this unique 1.5-hour sword-cutting experience in Tokyo. Under the guidance of qualified instructors, they’ll don traditional iaido costumes, engage in meditative practices, and learn the art of cutting tatami mats – all while enjoying a personalized, safe, and engaging introduction to this revered martial tradition.

You can check availability for your dates here: