Samurai kenbu sword dancing
Learn to wave a katana sword in the style of the samurai
Kenbu translates as 'sword dance' and is the name given to a traditional style of Japanese dancing with a katana sword and fan. During the feudal period, the samurai performed kenbu in order to hone their mental concentration and summon up strength before a battle. You may remember a kenbu scene in the film The Last Samurai. The dance is usually accompanied by Japanese poetry set to music.
InsideJapan Tours can arrange for you to join a two hour kenbu class to step into the shoes of a samurai and experience first hand this fascinating facet of Japan's cultural heritage. During the class you'll dress in a traditional samurai costume before the instructor teaches you a range of basic sword play techniques, fan dances and samurai etiquette. After your lesson is the opportunity to watch a kenbu demonstration by experienced practitioners.
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
A quick note about our experiences: Our experiences are designed to be part of a complete, tailor-made travel package and are not available to book individually. This allows us to ensure every detail – from accommodation to transport – is perfectly coordinated for you. If you're interested in one of these experiences, we'd love to help you build a full itinerary around it!
Interested in this Experience? It is included in this tour:
-
The whole family can get stuck in to Japanese culture with this hands-on activity holiday.
Mountains & Culture Family Activity Holiday
Get stuck in to Japanese culture with this hands-on family activity holiday, taking in the must-see cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka as well as the beautiful scenery of the Japanese Alps.
Other Traditional sports experiences
View more >Ninja training school
Join an hour long lesson in the art of ninja espionage in a Kyoto dojo
Iaido
Try this modern martial art drawing on traditional Japanese swordsmanship techniques.
Tokyo sumo
The chance to experience all the excitement and ritual of Japan's oldest sport, sumo wrestling.

Osaka sumo
Visit Osaka for the spring sumo tournament which takes place in the city's Nanba district
