The samurai show in Kyoto is a sword dance

What happens during the hour

You take off your shoes at the entrance, and a performer opens with the history and technique of kenbu. Several short pieces follow. Each is introduced with a story about samurai culture between the 12th and the 19th century, in traditional and in modern style, and the performers also show what they do with folding fans. The narration is in English.

After the last piece the performers come back for photos, which makes up for the ban on cameras during the performance. Then comes the short hands-on part: everyone holds a sword, swings gently and then harder on the instructor's count, and learns a fan move if time allows.

Who comes away disappointed

The low ratings we read come from guests who expected more swordplay. One three-star review describes it as mainly a dance show with about a quarter of an hour holding a katana at the end. Another calls the hour passive. If handling the sword is the point for you, the class gives you 1.5 to 2 hours of it, in costume, with the demonstration included.

Before you go

Arrive 5 to 15 minutes early. The theatre has no waiting room for people without a booking, no space for large luggage or travel bags, and asks guests not to come after drinking. It is a 4-minute walk from Sanjo Keihan subway station and 5 minutes from Sanjo station on the Keihan line. The page on the theatre covers the class and its dress rules in more detail.