Samurai experience
Ninja and Samurai are synonymous with Japanese culture. So, while in Japan, take the opportunity to learn the moves of a Samurai!
These experiences can be found throughout Japan. We choose Samurai Experience in Osaka, we have been here twice and loved it both times!
First we dressed up either as Samurai or Ninja and then we were given swords (fortunately blunt!) and taught some basic moves.
The moves are almost like choreographed dance moves. We took turns to act out a choreographed fight in pairs.
The kids had a great laugh as hubby and I tried to remember the moves! It was so much fun.
Then once we had ‘mastered’ the moves we were videoed doing our ‘fight’ complete with sound effects. We then did a full family fight with all five of us and I think I just laughed the entire time!
We finished off with some Shuriken (ninja star) throwing and I promise I didn’t gloat at all when I beat the boys!
Experiences
These experiences can be found throughout Japan. Our Samurai Experience was with the Japan Tatedo Association in Osaka. The staff are all very accommodating and go through the moves slowly and explain the moves in English. They make it appropriate for the ages of the kids and the competence of the adults. The first time we did this the kids were 5 and 7 (the 2 year old was a bit too young). They also took a video which they sent to us afterwards and used our cameras to take photos for us during the experience. You can book this experience online through their website.
After our experience, our Sensei showed us his golden shuriken, his award for being the best ninja star thrower in Japan. The boys were fascinated in meeting a master shuriken thrower, perhaps they should have asked for a few tips!
Who would enjoy this…
Everyone! So long as you don’t mind having a little laugh at yourself. Don’t worry if you are a little uncoordinated, the staff are used to that and are very accommodating.
Need more info?
Japan Tatedo Association
Ninja Experience in Kyoto
Japan Weekly best Samurai experiences
Matcha Japan