KYOTO YUSHIN
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Samurai Training in Kyoto · Choose Your Path
From a first encounter to private mastery.
Yushinkan is the working Kyoto dojo of Yushin-sensei, the Modern-day Musashi. Every path below is taught by the same master, in the same dojo, with the same authentic practice — they differ only in how far you go. Find yours.
Compare the experiences ↓Ways to Train
Five ways to train with the master.
Each one a clear step — what you get, who it’s for, and what it costs.
Wear authentic attire, hold a real katana, and learn a foundation kata — then take a personal exam with the master and watch his two-sword demonstration and live tameshigiri.
Two full hours on the floor beside the dojo’s own students — foundation kata plus drawing, striking and blocking forms, and a full history & lineage seminar. The real training, not a taster.
The same 90-minute training, booked privately for your family or friends alone — no strangers in the room. Up to 4 guests; +¥30,000 per additional guest.
Train in the Yushin-Ryu remotely, led live by Yushin-sensei every Friday night — with every lesson archived to rewatch anytime. For those who can’t come to Kyoto, or want to keep training after their visit.
A fully private, bespoke day with the master — private training, a viewing of authentic swords, and access beyond the dojo to Kyoto’s shrines and temples. Composed entirely around you.
Side by Side
Which path is for you.
Same dojo, same master, same safe practice with a traditional iaitō. What changes is depth, time, and how close you get.
| Samurai Training¥20,000 | One-Day Dojo Student¥30,000 | Private Lesson¥120,000 | VIPBy inquiry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 90 min | 3 hours (2 on the floor) | 90 min | 2–3 hours |
| Group size | Up to 9 | Max 3 | Up to 4 (private) | Private |
| On the floor | One foundation kata + a personal exam | Kata + drawing, striking & blocking forms | Same as the 90-min — kata + exam | Fully tailored |
| History | A short lesson | A full seminar | A short lesson | Bespoke |
| You train | In a visitors’ session | Beside the dojo’s own students | Privately — your group only | Privately with the master |
| Practice sword | Traditional iaitō | Traditional iaitō | Traditional iaitō | Traditional iaitō |
| Master’s demo | Two-sword nito + tameshigiri | Two-sword nito, up close | Two-sword nito + tameshigiri | Private demonstration |
| Best for | First encounter · families | Real practice · returners | Families · private groups | Connoisseurs · occasions |
Can’t come to Kyoto? Yushin-Ryu Online Lessons → follow a different, remote format — see the card above.
Still Deciding?
A quick way to choose.
New to the katana
Start with the 90-minute Samurai Training — the complete first encounter.
Want to really train
The One-Day Dojo Student — three hours beside real students.
One-on-one focus
A Private Lesson with the master, tailored to you.
Something extraordinary
The VIP day, arranged privately. Enquire to begin.
Beyond Training
Other ways to know the sword.
Own an Authentic Sword
Source a certified, authentic nihonto with Yushin-sensei as your guide — for collectors worldwide, with full export documentation.
Explore sword sourcing →For Travel Partners
DMCs, concierges, and agents — offer your clients an authentic samurai experience in central Kyoto.
Partner with us →Good to Know
Samurai experience in Kyoto — FAQ
What is the samurai experience at Yushinkan Kyoto?
Yushinkan is a working Iai/Kenjutsu dojo in central Kyoto run by Yushin-sensei, known as the Modern-day Musashi. In the 90-minute samurai training you wear authentic attire, hold a real katana, and learn a foundation kata under the master — then take a short personal exam and watch his live two-sword (nito) demonstration and test cutting (tameshigiri). It is taught in English at a genuine dojo, not a tourist set.
How long is the experience and how much does it cost?
The standard Samurai Training is 90 minutes and costs ¥20,000 per person, for up to 9 guests. We also offer a 3-hour One-Day Dojo Student session (¥30,000), a fully private lesson (¥120,000 per group of up to 4), and bespoke VIP days by inquiry.
Where is the dojo located?
The dojo is in Nakagyo-ku, central Kyoto (Super Grand Bld. B1F, 452-4 Matsugaecho), about 5 minutes on foot from the nearest stations — easy to reach from anywhere in the city.
Do you train with a real katana? Is it safe?
Kata practice is done with a traditional iaito (an unsharpened training sword), so it is safe for first-timers. You also handle a genuine sharp katana to feel its weight, kept in its scabbard. Live test cutting (tameshigiri) is performed only by the master during the demonstration, never by guests.
Is it suitable for beginners, and is English spoken?
Yes. No experience is needed — most guests are complete beginners, and the master guides every movement step by step. English is spoken in every session, so there is no language barrier.
Can children and families take part?
Families are very welcome. For families with children, we recommend the Private Lesson, which books the dojo for your group alone (up to 4 guests) so everyone can train at their own pace with no strangers in the room.
What other ways can I train besides the 90-minute session?
Five paths share the same dojo and master: the 90-minute Samurai Training (the introduction), the 3-hour One-Day Dojo Student (real practice beside our students), the private Private Lesson, bespoke VIP days, and Yushin-Ryu Online Lessons for training remotely from anywhere.
How do I book a samurai experience in Kyoto?
Choose a path from the cards above and book directly with us online. Yushinkan is rated 5.0 stars by 600+ travellers worldwide. For private or VIP arrangements, contact us and we will tailor the day around you.