Japan · CASTLES AND HISTORIC SITES IN KYOTO
The 13 best castles and historic sites in Kyoto you can book today, with the price, the running time and who each one suits. Start at the top and work down until one fits your free day.
Learn samurai history, wear a kimono, practice swordsmanship, and meditate in a historic Kyoto house during this 1-hour-45-minute small-group tour.
“Truly enjoyed this experienced, so rich in authentic history and fun! I highly recommend booking this experience.”
See Kyoto’s Nijo Castle with an English guide, Ninomaru Palace, gardens, feudal-era art, and restricted areas for $16 plus admission.
“the tour guide made an excellent explanation of all, was very helpful and informative. I love it!”
Train in kendo, wear samurai gear, and learn sword traditions inside a 120-year-old Kyoto machiya with an English-speaking instructor.
“We loved the historical explanations, chances to use a sword and to learn some kendo techniques. It was also great to meet other people, have some fun and have a laugh. I would highly recommend. Just note that the slicing of tatami mats doesn’t happen anymore as it’s illegal”
See Kyoto’s top sights in one day, from Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji to Fushimi Inari, with bilingual guidance and bus transport.
“Fantastic tour. guide was excellent, loads of information provided”
Learn samurai sword movements, wear traditional costume, and watch a Kenbu performance in this memorable Kyoto class.
“Very fun! Got to learn some basic katana strikes, dressed up and took some photos. Then there was a mini kenbu show which highlighted the art of the samurai vs the combat”
Kyoto’s Samurai Ninja Museum offers a lively one-hour tour with armor, swords, shuriken throwing, history, and family-friendly fun.
“My husband and sons really enjoyed the activity. They described it as educational, hands-on, and fun.”
Learn ninja breathing, walking, sword work, shuriken, kunai, and blowgun skills in a small Kyoto dojo class for all ages.
“A physical experience of how Ninja performed their craft with both technique and weapon. Lots of fun, with a slight advantage if you have watched Naruto.”
Forge a real-steel shuriken or kunai in Kyoto, learn ninja lore, engrave kanji, and take home a handmade keepsake.
“Very instructional and fun, I hadn't realized a few hours had passed but it was a very enjoyable experience”
Compare Kyoto’s Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle on a small-group tour with expert guides, historic detail, flexible times, and practical tips.
“Taku great tour guide! Incredible knowledge. Very educational tour. Historic & Fun. This tour is was completely private. Then Nijo Palace it’s a must to visit. Request Taku”
See Kyoto’s elegant samurai sword dancing, hear English-narrated tales, and try basic katana movements in this one-hour Kenbu show.
“What an excellent way to be introduced to Samurai and Kendo We throughly enjoyed the show and phot opportunity afterwards Thank you”
Train in a real Kyoto dojo, wear samurai gear, learn a katana kata, and watch a master’s two-sword performance.
“Great experience and great people. It was very easy to find with their description. I would go again.”
Train in Kyoto with an English-speaking ninja master, wearing ninja clothes while learning meditation, sword skills, shuriken, and more.
“I took the 2-hour ninja class today and loved it! The instructor and all the staff are great. They demonstrated and explained each movement thoroughly. It’s a very hands on class where you get to try many of the tools / weapons, such as a samurai and ninja class. One of the staff members also takes photos and videos for you on a professional camera. They send the photos and videos to you via email (Google Photos) after the class, which was a nice surprise! I highly recommended the 2-hour experience. :)”
Kyoto Samurai Sword Experience review with hakama dressing, replica sword training, ninja stars, museum entry, value, tips, and drawbacks.
“The only reason I gave 2 stars and not one is because the instructor and samurai giving the lesson was great. The whole thing was disorganized and difficult to find. No where on Viator did it say this experience is for 18 and older or to go to the website to verify information. When we got there, the guys at the samurai museum said it’s on our website. How were we to know that? I booked this so my kids can have an experience with a real samurai and my teenage kid. I would not have booked it otherwise. It says it’s for a group of 10 but there were…”
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