Japan · MUSEUMS IN KYOTO
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 6 museums in Kyoto that reviewers rated highly, each with its price, its verdict and the one thing worth knowing before you commit.
Grind Uji tea, whisk fresh matcha, and explore Chazuna’s interactive museum in Uji. One hour for $23, with a summer ice-cream option.
“I like the diacuasion regarding the 3 types of teas in Japan and the hands-on workshop. I can now brew my own matcha. And also for the facilitators, they are very helpful. kudos to them. I enjoyed it very much.”
A guided one-hour Kyoto visit to a Samurai and Ninja museum, with armor, shuriken throwing, and great sword photo ops.
“Great experience! Informative and super fun/engaging! The host was fantastic, I even got to win my own ninja star! I would recommend this experience, my husband and bro-in-law also loved it.”
Watch an up-close Kyomai dance by geiko or maiko at the Gion Kagai Art Museum, learn the culture, then enjoy the Chisen garden.
“Beautiful dance and venue. We loved the garden and the displays. The performance was short but lovely. I didn’t feel it was overpriced.”
Train in a Kyoto dojo with a blunt replica sword, get into samurai hakama, visit the Samurai and Ninja Museum, and throw ninja stars.
“We arrived about 20 min early so they rushed us upstairs to complete our “training”. It was nice (hence 3 stars) as it was just us, but it was so short and rushed I do wonder if we missed what the larger class did? We put on outfits, and were told how to hold a d swing the fake sword. Then we sat and were given instructions on how to use the real one. We each got 2 turns to swing and cut the bat. That was it. We changed and went downstairs where our “group” (others for our time slot) were trying on the gun costumes and taking photos.…”
Kyoto Samurai Ninja Museum guided tour in English, with samurai costume, helmet and replica sword, plus shuriken throwing in a 1-hour small group.
“Miu was very informative and helpful. She had great knowledge highly recommended.”
Hands-on ninja training in Kyoto with star throwing and a blowgun, plus a visit to the Samurai and Ninja Museum in a family-friendly format.
“This was such a fun experience! The instructor was nice and everyone was very accommodating. We got there about 20 minutes past our time and we were still able to join.”
Pick the experience, read what travellers said, book the good one.
