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!
2. Photo & Movie Shooting
Photos and Film cinematic videos
At our studio, we offer an authentic photo and video shooting experience using genuine samurai armor and traditional weapons. This is more than just a commemorative photo session—we focus on creating a true samurai atmosphere that conveys the dignity and tension of a warrior. By skillfully using professional lighting and strobes, we produce creative visuals reminiscent of a cinematic movie scene. As optional upgrades, fog machines and projection mapping can be added to create even more dramatic and emotionally impactful imagery. In addition to swords, weapons such as spears and bows are also available (*optional). Our staff will carefully explain proper poses and handling techniques, so even first-time participants can enjoy the experience with confidence. A 60-second short movie is also available as an optional add-on.
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!
ARASHIYAMA SHOOTING TOUR
This plan allows you to choose two locations from five popular sightseeing spots in the Arashiyama area and enjoy sightseeing and commemorative photography while dressed in full samurai armor. Visiting famous landmarks such as Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Grove in samurai attire is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Other location options include a matcha tea experience at Hiranoya, a traditional establishment with over 400 years of history in the Oku-Saga area; Kiyotaki, a well-known summer retreat; and Hirosawa Pond, where aristocrats in ancient times are said to have enjoyed moon-viewing from boats on full moon nights.
Location Options
Please choose two locations of your choice:
1. Togetsukyo Bridge
2. Bamboo Grove
3. Hiranoya (includes matcha experience)
4. Kiyotaki
5. Hirosawa Pond
* During peak seasons (March–May and October–December), photography in the Bamboo Grove may not be possible. Availability will be decided on the day of the shoot. Thank you for your understanding.
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” ⚔️
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.
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
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.
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!
7. Online Shop
Everything You Need to Become a Samurai
KYOTO SAMURAI GUILD is a specialty shop for samurai items, proudly produced by SHOGUN STUDIO JAPAN. From authentic-style samurai armor and replica swords to costumes, accessories, and interior pieces, the shop offers everything you need to become a samurai. It has earned strong support from samurai enthusiasts both in Japan and around the world. The physical store is located inside SHOGUN STUDIO JAPAN’s studio. Its greatest feature is the ability to see, touch, try on, and purchase samurai armor on the spot. Experience the weight, texture, and powerful presence that cannot be conveyed through photos or screens, using all five senses. Even first-time visitors can feel at ease, as our knowledgeable staff provide careful and friendly support. An online shop is also available for customers living far away or overseas. Carefully curated, studio-quality samurai items can be purchased from anywhere in the world. For those who seek authenticity, KYOTO SAMURAI GUILD offers a true samurai experience for the modern age.
KYOTO SAMURAI GUILD HERE
8. SHOGUN RENTAL ARMOR
Samurai Armor Rental
This service offers samurai armor rentals on a weekly or monthly basis for both individual and corporate clients. The armor is widely used for a variety of purposes, including interior decoration and lobby displays at ryokan and hotels, corporate receptions and events, special productions, exhibitions, and ceremonial displays at shrines and temples. All armor handled by our company is manufactured exclusively by Marutake, one of Japan’s leading armor makers whose works have been featured in numerous historical TV dramas and films. These authentic armors are distinguished by accurate historical research and an overwhelming presence. As an official authorized distributor of Marutake in Kyoto, we provide our services with the highest standards of quality control and management.
This service is primarily available within Kyoto City, where delivery and installation are provided free of charge. Delivery to other prefectures can also be arranged depending on the details of the request, so please feel free to contact us for consultation. From short-term rentals to mid- and long-term use, we offer tailored proposals to suit your space and objectives.
SHOP ONLINE HERE (under construction)
