Kyoto: Samurai Kenbu Traditional Sword Dancing Show

Journey back in time more than 700 years to Japan's feudal period and see a sword dance that depicts the grace, beauty, and strength of a legendary samurai.

Arrive at the Samurai Kenbu Theater and take off your shoes in accordance with the local traditions. Take your seat to listen to a performer narrate an introduction about the history and techniques of Kenbu. Watch a series of Kenbu demonstrations, each with a short history about Samurai culture between the 12th and 19th centuries.

Admire traditional style and new-style Kenbu.
Each performer swing their sword in a series of complex movements to represent the scene, while following the poems recited by samurai before heading to the battlefield.

See the techniques used with the folding fan, too.

After the show, when the performers return, take out your camera and capture the heroic of the samurai.

The mini-experience begins.
Pick up a sword, slowly pull out the scabbard and grasp the blade. At the instructor's command, swing the sword gently at first, then gradually and more forcefully. If there is time, you will also have the opportunity to learn how to use a fan, a necessity for a samurai.