Learn poses with the katana and the fan and attend a kembu (sword dance) show at a theatre in central Kyoto; from around 3.000 ¥.
Kembu is a traditional Japanese dance that combines the handling of the katana and the folding fan with poetry and narration, inspired by the spirit of the samurai. At the Samurai Kembu Theater, in the centre of Kyoto, you can choose between just attending the show, where two or three masters perform sword and fan dances on stage with explanations in English, or signing up for the full experience: a class of about 75 minutes in which, dressed in traditional costume, you learn samurai etiquette and the basic movements of the sword and the fan, followed by a demonstration. The experience with a class starts at around 3.000 ¥, and the show-only option is cheaper. Everything is given in English and, at the end, you can take photos with the performers. It is advisable to book the slot in advance. It is a few minutes from the Nishiki market and Pontocho, so it is easy to fit into an afternoon in the centre.
