Really enjoyed the experience however I agree with other reviewers that it was a bit disjointed. First you go and do the samurai training and sword cutting, which was really great, then (in a different building about three minutes away) the museum tour, and finally up two flights of stairs to do the ninja star throwing. Everyone was really nice but I would say just keep going back and asking if there’s something you haven’t found/done yet, as it is all there. The 10 person limit doesn’t seem to be adhered to either, we were 14 which was fine but something to be aware of if that’s a concern.
We arrived about 20 min early so they rushed us upstairs to complete our “training”. It was nice (hence 3 stars) as it was just us, but it was so short and rushed I do wonder if we missed what the larger class did? We put on outfits, and were told how to hold a d swing the fake sword. Then we sat and were given instructions on how to use the real one. We each got 2 turns to swing and cut the bat. That was it. We changed and went downstairs where our “group” (others for our time slot) were trying on the gun costumes and taking photos. They went upstairs and we tried on the clothes and took some photos. We were in and out in 29 minutes. I think the 2 hours is because if you gave a group if more then 4 hour sitting waiting for each person to get their turn. Had we been in the larger group this would have been a lot of watching and waiting and would have been 1 star. Just not worth the money. The teacher did not seem to want to be there. The 2 ladies helping take photos down stairs were nice. Also directions take you to the museum the class is a short walk away. I just can’t recommend given the experience and cost.
Very underwhelming. I think the whole experience lasted 30mins and the actual activity 15mins. You only get to cut 1 thing. If you don't cut it properly you get 1 more turn and that's it. Way overpriced for what you get.
Better experiences out there. This felt like a sausage factory. One person after the other. There was no time to take in and enjoy the experience. You only get one go at using the sword. If all you are after is holding a sword and slicing a straw tree once then by all means book it. The tour of the museum was informative and worth it.
A very disappointing experience. The description specifically stated that "This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers". There were 26 people in the room. The first hour was just getting our costume on. There was only one instructor helping with this. I would have given this one star but the instructor was entertaining. We had 10 minutes of "training" and then waited in line to cut a tatami mat. We were allowed a second try if we were unable to cut the mat on our first. After the mat cutting, we went downstairs to take pictures with samurai helmets and armor. It was fun but not the experience we had expected. There were only 2 people running around helping people with their costumes and about 30 people dressing up to take pictures. It was very hectic. The description also stated there would be ninja star throwing. This did not happen at all. "You will be using a real samurai sword katana and cut a tatami mat. The reservation also includes samurai dress up and ninja star throw. amurai Sword Cutting Experience in Kyoto – Tameshigiri lets you become a modern-day samurai-in-training for a day!" At the end we went into a small room with 6 posters and 2 samurai models. I guess this was the "museum". Informative but a bit disappointing.