Kyoto: Samurai Sword & Kimono Action Filming Experience

The main attraction is getting to learn staged samurai sword moves inside Myokaku-ji Temple, then use them in a short action scene. I like two things in particular: the temple setting, tied to Sengoku-era warlords such as Nobunaga Oda, and the chance to take home your own filmed performance.

The session is only 70 minutes, so think lively introduction rather than full martial-arts training or a lengthy history lesson. You’ll be moving, dressing up and performing, which suits playful visitors more than anyone seeking a quiet temple visit.

Key points

• A temple dojo setting: Meet at Myokaku-ji Temple, where the activity takes place.
• Kimono included: You’ll put on a traditional kimono as part of the experience.
• Basic sword techniques: Learn moves including makkogiri and kesagiri, then try them in a staged sequence.
• Actors as instructors: The instructors perform in period dramas and demonstrate swordplay.
• Your own action scene: You can film with your camera, and a photo download service is included.
• Small group, short session: The group is limited to six, and the experience lasts 70 minutes.

Myokaku-ji Temple sets the scene

The meeting point is Myokaku-ji Dojo, just to the left after you enter the temple’s main gate. That detail matters: the activity is not a generic costume studio dressed up as old Japan. You’ll practice in a temple setting associated with Sengoku warlords, including Nobunaga Oda, who stayed there around 400 years ago.

The experience is described as the only place in Japan where you can take part in this kind of chambara session at a temple. Chambara is the stylized swordplay seen in period dramas, and that’s the right frame for the activity. You’re learning and performing choreographed moves, not training for real combat.

The setting gives the session a stronger sense of place than a simple dress-up photo stop. Still, the focus is participation, not an in-depth temple visit. If you want a quiet hour to study architecture or religious history, plan a separate visit.

Kimono first, then sword basics

After arriving, you’ll take part in the kimono dressing experience. The rental is included in the $127 price, so you don’t need to arrange a costume separately. Wearing traditional clothing also helps set the mood for the later filming, though you should choose comfortable clothes underneath because the activity involves movement.

The lesson introduces how to hold and wield a sword, then teaches techniques such as makkogiri and kesagiri. These are presented as the building blocks for the staged sword sequence. Don’t expect a deep technical course in one short session; the aim is to learn enough to perform a clear, dramatic series of moves.

The instructors speak Japanese and English. They are also professional actors in period dramas, so the teaching is closely linked to performance. That can be useful if you’re new to swordplay: you’re not only learning where to place your hands, but how to make a move read clearly on camera.

Participants have identified instructors Kesuke Irie and Kazuya Naito by name. They have acted in Japanese films and television, and one parent described them as encouraging teachers for a teenager. The instructors may vary, so treat those names as a helpful reference rather than a guarantee of who will lead your session.

Chambara makes the lesson playful

The class is designed to be fun as well as instructional. You’ll practice moves, try choreographed action, and get a chance to act the part. People who enjoy role-play, film scenes or a little theatrical silliness are likely to get the most out of it.

A practical point: you do not need to arrive with sword skills. The instructors teach the basics first, and the small group size, capped at six, should make it easier to follow their guidance and get a turn. One parent joined with a teenage son, while another sent two boys to take part. The activity has worked for families with older children, though children under five are not suitable.

The swordplay is staged. A participant described the sword as fake, and the session centers on choreographed moves rather than real fighting. That distinction helps set expectations: you’ll be acting out a samurai scene, not taking part in a sparring match. Follow the instructors’ directions, especially when practicing with other people.

Watch the actors before your turn

Before the filming portion, you’ll watch a chambara performance by the instructors. They are professional period-drama actors, and their demonstration shows how the movements fit together when performed with timing and theatrical intent.

This part is more than a quick flourish with a sword. Seeing the moves first gives you a model to copy, and it helps explain why performance matters as much as technique. A simple step or strike can look convincing when you commit to it; a technically neat move can look flat if you hold back.

That’s also where the experience’s balance becomes clear. The session offers a taste of sword technique, but its real payoff is the combination of instruction, costume and performance. You’ll get more from it if you’re willing to laugh at yourself and play along.

Make your own samurai action scene

After learning the moves and watching the demonstration, you’ll perform the techniques in a filmed swordplay sequence. You’re welcome to use your own camera for photos and video. Photography and video recording with your camera are included, and the activity also provides a photo download service. The performance footage is meant to be a lasting record of the experience.

This is likely the most memorable part if you enjoy making travel videos or want a keepsake that is more personal than a standard portrait. Several participants have singled out the filming as a highlight, especially the chance to take home action footage. But the camera does not turn you into a movie star by itself: you’ll need to throw yourself into the role. The more openly you perform, the more entertaining the scene is likely to be.

Bring a camera if you want to record your own angle. Comfortable clothes are also recommended, even with the kimono rental, since the session includes physical activity. Smoking, alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Is $127 good value for 70 minutes?

At $127 per person, this is not a low-cost temple visit. The value comes from having several activities bundled into one short session: kimono rental, instruction, a live performance, the chance to act in a filmed sequence, and a photo download service. You also get a small-group format rather than a large class, with no more than six participants.

I’d consider the price worthwhile if the combination is what you want. A costume, a few sword lessons or a temple visit on their own would be different experiences; here, the pieces build toward your own action scene. The professional actors’ performance background adds another layer, particularly if you’re interested in Japanese period dramas.

On the other hand, don’t book it expecting a full history program or hours of sword instruction. The 70-minute limit makes this a compact activity. Transportation to and from Myokaku-ji Temple and meals are not included, so factor those into your day and budget.

Plan for the temple meeting point

Go to Myokaku-ji Temple and look for Myokaku-ji Dojo just to the left after the main gate. Transport is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way there. Check the available start times before booking, and allow enough time to reach the temple without rushing.

The session is offered in Japanese and English, which makes it accessible to a range of visitors. It is not suitable for children under five, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or people over 95. If any of those considerations apply, this is not the right activity to assume will be comfortable or safe for you.

You can reserve without paying at the time of booking, and cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. That flexibility can help if your Kyoto plans are still taking shape.

Who will enjoy this most?

This experience suits you if you like hands-on cultural activities, enjoy dressing up, or have always wanted to act in a samurai scene. It can work well for teens and adults, including family groups with children old enough to follow instructions and take part. The small group and English-language instruction are practical advantages if you’re not fluent in Japanese.

It is also a good fit for anyone who wants a memorable video rather than another set of sightseeing photos. You’ll need to be comfortable performing in front of a camera, at least a little. If you prefer to watch rather than participate, or would rather spend your time on detailed temple history, you may find the format too active and theatrical.

Should you book this Kyoto samurai experience?

Book it if you want a short, playful activity with real instruction, a temple setting and a filmed performance to remember it by. The strongest reasons to go are the actor-instructors, the included kimono and the chance to turn basic sword moves into your own action scene.

Skip it if you’re looking for serious martial-arts training, a long historical tour or a quiet temple visit. For the right person, though, 70 minutes is enough time to learn, dress up and leave with a story that is far more lively than another souvenir.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The session lasts 70 minutes.

Where does the activity take place?

It takes place at Myokaku-ji Temple in Kyoto. Meet at Myokaku-ji Dojo, just to the left after entering the main gate.

Is a kimono included?

Yes. Rental kimono is included in the price.

What sword techniques will I learn?

The instruction includes how to hold and wield a sword, with techniques such as makkogiri and kesagiri.

Can I take photos and videos?

Yes. You are welcome to take photos and videos with your own camera. Photography and video recording with your camera are included, and a photo download service is provided.

What languages do the instructors speak?

Instruction is available in Japanese and English.

Is the activity suitable for young children?

Children under five are not suitable for this experience.

What is not included in the price?

Transportation to and from Myokaku-ji Temple and meals are not included.