Enjoy our popular Samurai Experience for a special night shift!

Step into the world of the samurai with a special evening session in Matsumoto. As the sun sets and the last visitors leave, the castle grounds grow quiet, and the atmosphere shifts. This experience goes beyond simply visiting the castle grounds. It dives into the legacy of the warriors who once protected it. Led by a skilled modern-day instructor, you’ll take part in a private, hands-on sword training session in an intimate nighttime setting. Whether you’re drawn by Japan’s martial traditions, interested in history, or just looking for something truly different, this after-hours event promises a memorable encounter with Japan’s past.

Suit Up Like a Samurai and Choose Your Blade

Your samurai journey begins in a private dojo, where you’ll meet your instructor and prepare for training. First, you’ll change into traditional samurai attire, selecting colors and styles that suit your taste. Once dressed, step into the quiet space of the dojo and take your pick from a selection of katana-style training swords. With your outfit on and sword in hand, you’re ready to learn the basics of an ancient warrior tradition.

While samurai armor is iconic, it was reserved for the battlefield. In daily life, samurai wore lighter clothing such as kimono, which allowed for ease of movement during training. You’ll experience this firsthand as you dress in traditional attire designed for comfort and flexibility. After suiting up, choose your katana from a variety of colors and styles, then get ready to begin your lesson with a skilled instructor who brings centuries of tradition to life.

Samurai Katana Sword Fighting Workshop

With the guidance of your experienced sensei, you’ll begin your training in the art of samurai swordsmanship. The lesson starts with an introduction to your katana, where your instructor will explain its parts, significance, and how it was traditionally handled. From there, you’ll learn the fundamentals of drawing and sheathing the sword, just as real samurai once practiced. Each movement is broken down step by step, allowing you to gain confidence and understand the discipline behind the technique.

Next, you’ll move on to basic movements and practice how to use your katana to simulate an attack. For safety and legal reasons, the swords used during the workshop are training models. They are lighter than real katana, allowing you to focus on form and control without fatigue. However, for those curious about the full experience, you’ll also have the chance to handle a non-sharpened katana replica that matches the weight of a traditional sword, giving you a more realistic feel of what it was like to train as a true samurai.

An Insider Experience into Samurai History, Lifestyle and Modern Matsumoto

Throughout the session, you’ll have the chance to ask your samurai master anything about the life, training, and philosophy of Japan’s warrior class. It’s a rare opportunity to learn firsthand from someone deeply connected to the tradition. Feel free to take photos and videos during your experience. These moments make for lasting memories and a great way to share your time as a modern-day samurai with friends and family back home.

After ending your experience and stepping out of the dojo, we recommend taking a short walk to see Matsumoto Castle illuminated at night. The dark wooden walls and graceful towers take on a new atmosphere after sunset, offering a quiet, almost mysterious beauty. While the castle interior is closed, the outer grounds remain open and are perfect for an evening stroll. After your immersive samurai session, the peaceful scene makes it easy to picture yourself back in the age of the warriors, walking beneath the turrets under the light of the moon.

Additional Information

Pick-up: Matsumoto Castle Area. Your samurai master will pick you up and bring you to his dojo.

Type: Group tour (Private Tour Option available)

Important Information:

• In Japan, authentic katanas are classified as illegal weapons under strict licensing laws. Tourists can see them in museums or specialty shops, but theatrical swordsare widely used in performances, training, and during our samurai experience.
• This activity focuses on proper sword techniques and kata accessible to all including families. It does not involve any type of slicing or cutting of objects.
• This tour does not include a tour inside or outside of the castle

The tour itinerary includes the following visits:

• Samurai Outfit Dress up / 5 minutes
• Katana Sword Selection & Introduction to its use / 5 minutes
• Samurai Sword Fighting Class / 45 minutes
• Photos, Questions and Recommendations / 5 minutes

Please note that the above times are estimates and that the tour may end earlier or later

Cancellation Policy: To receive a full refund, cancel up to 24 hours before the tour starts time (local time). No refunds will be given after that time period.

Terms & Conditions: Please see our Terms & Conditions