SERVICE

kyoto samurai armor experience

A one-of-a-kind journey through time—past and future collide.

Wearing authentic samurai armor, you will be the star as a professional video creator films your “Samurai Movie” and a professional photographer captures your “Samurai Photos.” In addition, projection mapping transforms the entire studio into the Sengoku period, creating an exciting experience that feels like “the age of the samurai, yet with a futuristic touch.

1. Armor

Choose Your Warrior Style

We have over 20 sets of samurai armor available. At any given time, 8–10 are on display in the studio, rotating monthly. You can choose the armor of your favorite shogun or warlord, and our NINJAAAZ team will assist you with dressing. Each guest may wear one set of armor, and the price is the same regardless of your choice. If you can’t decide, let your inspiration guide you!

サムライ甲冑体験京都
サムライ甲冑体験京都
サムライ甲冑体験京都

2. Movie & Photo Shooting

Film cinematic videos and photos

If you already have an idea for your video, we will build the camerawork and structure around that vision. If not, don’t worry—we’ll create direction that matches the scene and atmosphere, resulting in a natural and captivating video. During filming, you can freely add your favorite poses or comments, making your movie truly original. After shooting, we’ll edit it into a cinematic 2-minute film. Together, we’ll create a one-of-a-kind Samurai Movie just for you! For photography, our studio is dedicated to authenticity—we never use composites or digital alterations. Instead, we focus on bringing out your true presence with professional lighting techniques that skillfully balance light and shadow. The result is cool, sophisticated photos that capture your essence, as if taken straight from a movie scene.

サムライ甲冑体験京都
サムライ甲冑体験京都
kyoto samurai armor experience
kyoto samurai armor experience

3. Location Shooting

Enjoy an outdoor samurai armor experience!

SHOGUN BATTLE SHOOTING TOUR

We’ll take you deep into the mountains to a real battlefield-style location for an unforgettable shoot. Before we start, we’ll carefully teach you how to handle the sword and explain the filming process, so you can relax and enjoy the experience. Come with your friends or family and split into teams to begin your Samurai movie shoot! Of course, solo participants are more than welcome. In that case, our staff will take the role of your enemy and perform dramatic “defeated” scenes for you (laughs). The session lasts about one hour, using swords, bows, and other props for a full-scale action shoot. It’s an experience you rarely get to try, so we’re sure you’ll have a great time! Your footage will be edited into a short movie of about two minutes. All files will be delivered via Google Drive. Our studio is the only place in Japan where you can wear real armor and film your own Samurai movie. Let’s create an unforgettable memory of your trip to Japan together!

SAMURAI EXPERIENCE
samurai experience kyoto
SAMRAI EXPERIENCE KYOTO

ARASHIYAMA SHOOTING TOUR

This plan takes you through Arashiyama’s two iconic spots — the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Grove — followed by a traditional matcha tea experience at a historic teahouse in Oku-Saga with 400 years of history.

① Togetsukyo Bridge
② Bamboo Grove
③ Traditional Teahouse

ARASHIYAMA SHOOTING TOUR (LIGHT PLAN)

Please choose one location from the Arashiyama sightseeing spots below, where we will conduct your samurai photo shoot.

① Togetsukyo Bridge (by walk)
② Bamboo Grove (by walk)
③ Traditional teahouse (by car)
④ Kiyotaki (by car)

armor experience kyoto
SAMURAI ARMOR EXPERIENCE KYOTO
experience shogun studio japan kyoto
SAMURAI

SHOGUN SUMMIT TOUR

Location: Gifu / Shiga
Duration: 5 hours

Behind you lies Sekigahara — the battlefield that decided the fate of the realm. Below your feet sits Lake Biwa — where Oda Nobunaga, Akechi Mitsuhide, and other legendary figures once walked. Beyond that, past Mount Hiei, is Kyoto. This plan offers you an epic location shoot at the very heart of Sengoku-era Japan.

Behind you lies Sekigahara — the battlefield that decided the fate of the realm. Below your feet sits Lake Biwa — where Oda Nobunaga, Akechi Mitsuhide, and other legendary figures once walked. Beyond that, past Mount Hiei, is Kyoto. This plan offers you an epic location shoot at the very heart of Sengoku-era Japan. We will travel in our studio’s private van at a relaxed pace — roughly 1.5 hours drive one way, with breaks along the way 🚗. Once you arrive, change into armor and let the filming begin! We will choose a safe location for shooting, so no need to worry about safety. You might see wildlife along the way — but you should be fine in armor! (That’s a joke — we ensure your safety at all times.) For your return or wrap-up, we can drop you off back at our studio in Kyoto or directly at your hotel. Lunch is not included in the tour fee, but if you like, we can recommend local spots — maybe eel or soba noodles 🤤. We look forward to welcoming you on our “Shogun Tour” ⚔️

samurai experience

KIMONO & ARMOR SHOOTING PLAN

Location: Arashiyama
Duration: 3 hours

In Kyoto Arashiyama, we will use a hand-painted Kyō-yūzen kimono by a female artisan (original price: 1.9 million yen) for the photoshoot. This temple is normally off-limits to media, making this a studio-exclusive plan. The temple grounds feature Arashiyama’s scenic background and a bamboo grove — during autumn leaves season, you’ll experience a tranquil setting, worlds away from the bustle of Arashiyama.

A luxurious experience where you can enjoy two iconic elements of Japanese culture at the same time — samurai armor and traditional kimono.

kyoto kimono rental
着物と甲冑
着物と甲冑

4. Craft experience

Chopstick crafting

Using premium "Kyoto Kitayama cedar", you can craft your very own “Shogun Chopsticks.”


What is Kyoto Kitayama Cedar?


Kyoto Kitayama Cedar is a high-grade cedar brand with over 600 years of history, grown in the Kitayama region in northern Kyoto City.


Features:
*Beautiful, straight, and uniform wood grain
*Natural gloss with a smooth, refined texture
*Exceptional quality, traditionally used in tea-room pillars and high-end architecture


Each tree is carefully cultivated by skilled craftsmen and shaped over several decades.

Because of this dedication, Kitayama cedar is recognized as one of Japan’s most uniquely valued woods.
 The “Shogun Chopsticks” made from this cedar offer a truly special traditional craft experience that can only be found in Kyoto.


Provided by:

Kyoto Kitayama Log Production Cooperative

SHOGUN STUDIO JAPAN

SAMURAI EXPERIENCE IN KYOTO

5. SHOGUN WALKER ®︎

Rent samurai armor and freely stroll around Arashiyama

The armor available for rent is not an antique display piece or made of plastic — it’s the real deal, crafted from iron by professional armor artisans. However, it has been specially modified for comfort, allowing you to walk easily and enjoy your outdoor adventure. Once you see and feel it in person, you’ll be amazed by its solid weight and surprising mobility. The plan includes a complete set of items necessary for the samurai experience — armor, tabi socks, and more — with a rental duration of 90 minutes. You’ll have a one-of-a-kind samurai experience, exploring Arashiyama’s iconic spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Grove in full samurai attire. This plan is perfect for those who want the freedom to fully enjoy the samurai spirit in their own way.

ARMOR EXPERIENCE SHOGUN WALKER KYOTO
ARMOR EXPERIENCE SHOGUN WALKER KYOTO
TOGETSUKYO BRIDGE
TOGETSUKYO BRIDGE
TOGETSUKYO BRIDGE
TOGETSUKYO BRIDGE
TOGETSUKYO BRIDGE

6. Projection Mapping

Experience immersive projection mapping

During your free time, dive into the recreated Sengoku world through immersive projection mapping. In this vivid, immersive space, feel free to snap photos with your smartphone or camera and enjoy every moment!

samurai experience kyoto
サムライ甲冑体験京都

Flow

01.RESERVATION

You can walk in if there are open slots on the day, but we highly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.

1. Click 「Here」 to make a reservation..
2. Payment is made at the studio on the day of your visit.
3. We do not charge any cancellation fees, but if you need to cancel, please contact us by e-mail (info@shogunstudiojapan.com).

02.EXPERIENCE

Experience Flow – Suit Up, Strike a Pose, and Have Fun!

1. Please arrive 【 5 minutes 】before your reserved time.
2. Arriving more than 【 10 minutes 】 late may result in 【 automatic cancellation 】—your slot may go to another guest.
3. Choose your favorite armor at the studio.
4. Simple pricing: 【 Experience fee x number of people participating】(until October 31, 2025) – pay on the day.
5. Cashless payments only – credit cards, e-money, and QR code payments accepted.
6. Enjoy your samurai experience and photo session!
7. All done? Great job!

03.DATA

Get Your Photos & Movie

If editing is completed on-site, data will be transferred to your smartphone immediately after the session.

・For iPhone users : by airdrop
・For Android users:by bluetooth

If editing is completed on-site, data will be transferred to your smartphone immediately after the session.
If on-site editing isn’t possible, we’ll send you a Google Drive link via email within 24 hours so you can download and enjoy your video.

FAQ

Should I bring anything with me?

Since you’ll be wearing a kabuto (helmet), your hairstyle may get a bit messy—so it’s a good idea to bring a brush or comb. Also, don’t forget your camera or smartphone! Feel free to snap plenty of photos and videos to capture all the fun memories!

Can you accommodate tour groups or large parties?

Definitely! We’d appreciate it if you could contact us in advance so we can discuss timing and arrangements. We’re happy to help you create some amazing memories!

Do you offer service in foreign languages?

We have staff members who can speak English. For other languages, rest assured we’ll assist you using translation apps or similar tools.

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