Museum in central Kyoto with an English-guided tour and a samurai and ninja experience (katana, hakama, shuriken); admission around 3.500 ¥.
The Samurai and Ninja Museum of Kyoto, right in the centre next to the Teramachi arcade, offers a very entertaining introduction to Japan's warrior culture with an English-speaking guide. The visit combines the museum part, with replicas of armour, helmets and swords spanning from the Heian period to the Tokugawa era, with hands-on activities: wearing a traditional hakama, learning to handle and draw the katana and practising throwing shuriken in a ninja class. Admission is around 3.500 ¥ depending on the experiences included, and there are extended packages with longer sword classes. The guided tours leave at specific times, so it is advisable to book the slot in advance. It is a few minutes' walk from the Nishiki market and Pontocho, so it is very easy to combine with a stroll around the centre or with a meal. It is an especially recommended plan for families and for rainy days, being a covered and different activity.
